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AB 361

Revises provisions relating to public mass transportation. (BDR 22-1066)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Hunt

Requires NV regional transit commissions in counties of 100k+ to install operator barriers, panic buttons, and penalties signage; protects drivers; imposes unfunded local mandate.

Chapter 26.
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Bill Summary · AB 361

AB 361 — Summary (BDR 22-1066): Transit operator safety requirements

Status: Enacted (Chapter 26, 2025)
Introduced: March 4, 2025 (Assemblymember Hunt)
Primary subject: Public mass transportation; transit-operator safety

Main purpose

AB 361 requires regional transportation commissions in Nevada’s large counties to take specific, tangible steps to reduce safety risks faced by transit operators (drivers). The bill targets physical protections, safety technology, and public awareness measures on transit vehicles and at transit facilities.

Key provisions

  • Applicability: applies to a regional transportation commission in any county with population ≥ 100,000 (currently Clark and Washoe Counties) (amends Chapter 277A of NRS).
  • Required safety infrastructure and technology:
    • Install and maintain appropriate barriers to restrict unwanted entry of passengers/objects into the operator’s workstation.
    • Install and maintain panic buttons and other technology designed to mitigate safety risks to transit operators.
  • Required signage:
    • Install and maintain signage informing the public of criminal penalties for crimes against transit operators (including assault under NRS 200.471 and battery under NRS 200.481).
  • Definition: “Transit operator” is defined as a person who holds the applicable commercial driver’s license (NRS 483.900–483.940) and operates a bus or other vehicle as part of a public mass transportation system that requires a CDL.
  • Fiscal provision: the bill includes language that NRS 354.599 does not apply to additional expenses local governments incur to implement the act — i.e., the act imposes an unfunded local mandate (local fiscal impact possible).

Major changes from earlier drafts

  • An earlier version authorized public-transportation trespass orders (a court-ordered ban on using transit services/property for persons convicted of assault or battery against a transit operator) and made violation a misdemeanor. That entire trespass-order section was deleted in committee/amendment; the enrolled/chaptered law does not include it.

Who is affected

  • Regional transportation commissions and public transit agencies in counties ≥100,000 (responsible for installation, maintenance, signage).
  • Transit operators (expected increase in physical and technological protections).
  • Local governments and transit operators may face capital and ongoing maintenance costs to retrofit vehicles and facilities; these costs are an unfunded local mandate under the bill.
  • Passengers/public (will see signage and potentially altered vehicle layouts).

Implementation & timeline

  • Law enacted as Chapter 26 (2025). Agencies responsible for compliance are those regional transportation commissions in qualifying counties; the bill does not specify phased deadlines or appropriation of state funds. Local agencies will need to plan procurement/installation and budgeting to meet the new requirements.

Potential impact

  • Expected benefits: improved safety for drivers and passengers, faster emergency response (panic buttons), deterrence through signage.
  • Potential costs: vehicle retrofits, installation of systems, ongoing maintenance, and signage expenses borne by local/regional agencies (no state funding provided).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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