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AB 329

Revises provisions relating to victims of crime. (BDR 16-1050)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Erica Roth

AB 329 expands Nevada victim compensation: extends deadlines to 60 months, broadens acceptable evidence, waives time limits for good cause, and removes the cooperation bar.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 124.
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Bill Summary · AB 329

AB 329 — Revises provisions relating to victims of crime (BDR 16-1050)

Chapter 124 — Approved by the Governor (May 30, 2025)

Main purpose

AB 329 reforms Nevada’s victim compensation statute (NRS 217.010–217.270) to expand and simplify access to payments from the Fund for the Compensation of Victims of Crime. The bill standardizes and extends filing deadlines, broadens acceptable documentation to prove injury, and removes certain barriers tied to law‑enforcement cooperation.

Key provisions

  • Filing deadline standardized and extended:
    • All applicants must file no later than 60 months (5 years) after the injury or death for which compensation is claimed.
    • If the applicant was a minor at the time of injury, the application must be filed within 60 months after the applicant reaches 21 years of age.
  • Waiver authority clarified:
    • The Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (or designee) may waive the filing time limit for “good cause” without requiring that the incident was reported to police within five days.
  • Expanded documentary evidence:
    • Applicants may prove eligibility with a variety of documentary evidence, including (non‑exhaustive): physician reports, police reports, protection orders, court transcripts, governmental records, records from victim service organizations, affidavits from a “qualified third party,” and other evidence the Director deems sufficient.
    • “Qualified third party” is defined (e.g., licensed physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, certain nurses, licensed counselors/therapists, victim advocates, clergy).
  • Removal of cooperation bar:
    • Amends NRS 217.220 to remove the categorical prohibition on awarding compensation to victims who fail to cooperate with law enforcement (subject to other statutory exceptions).

Who is affected / anticipated impact

  • Directly benefits crime victims and survivors (including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and child sexual abuse) by reducing procedural barriers to compensation.
  • Victim service providers and trauma centers may see increased ability to assist clients with claims.
  • Supporters argue the changes align Nevada with federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) guidance and practices in other states, promote trauma‑informed access, and can improve voluntary cooperation with police over time.
  • Committee fiscal notes indicated no anticipated fiscal effect on state or local government.

Procedural history & status

  • Introduced: Jan 27, 2025 (Assemblymember Roth).
  • Key actions: Passed Senate (Apr 21, 2025; 41–0), passed Assembly (May 21, 2025; 21–0).
  • Enrolled and delivered to Governor: May 27, 2025.
  • Approved by Governor / Chaptered: May 30, 2025 — Chapter 124 (became law).

Stakeholders / support

Supported by victim service organizations and national groups (e.g., SafeNest, GIFFORDS, Alliance for Safety and Justice) advocating expanded access and trauma‑informed practices.

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

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