Various immigration matters.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Alexander and 12 co-sponsors

The bill requires that only Nevada residents may return mail ballots for others, and they must sign an affirmation under penalty of perjury confirming residency.

Senators Goode, Buck added as coauthors

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Main purpose / intent

To restrict who may return another voter's mail ballot in Nevada by requiring that any person returning a voter’s mail ballot be a resident of Nevada and to require a signed affirmation (under penalty of perjury) attesting to that residency. The bill is aimed at tightening rules around third‑party ballot return/collection.

Key provisions

Amends NRS 293.269923 (county ballots) and NRS 293C.26323 (city ballots).

Prohibits any person from returning a mail ballot on behalf of a voter unless the person is a resident of Nevada.

Requires that a person who returns a mail ballot on behalf of a voter submit, with the ballot, an affirmation in a form prescribed by the Secretary of State:

Attesting that the person returning the ballot is a Nevada resident; and
Signed under penalty of perjury.

Retains existing criminal prohibitions (separate subsection) that make it a felony to willfully impede, obstruct, or otherwise interfere with return of a voter’s mail ballot or to withhold a ballot entrusted for return; those penalties remain (category E felony under NRS 193.130).

Exempts election board officers acting in their official duties from the prohibitions.

Effective date specified in the bill: July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

Primary: Individuals who return mail ballots on behalf of voters (commonly family members, caregivers, volunteers, organizations, or paid ballot‑return services). Under the bill, only Nevada residents may perform this service and must submit the affirmative statement.

Voters who rely on nonresident helpers (e.g., out‑of‑state relatives, temporary caregivers, or certain organizational agents) may lose or face increased difficulty in using third‑party return options.

Secretary of State and local election officials — responsible for prescribing the affirmation form, processing ballots accompanied by the new affirmation, and enforcing compliance.

Implementation, enforcement, and potential impacts

Administrative: Secretary of State must prescribe the affirmation form; county/city clerks must collect and process ballots with the affirmation. This may require minor administrative changes and public guidance.

Criminal enforcement: Violations of the existing anti‑interference provisions continue to be felonies; the residency/affirmation requirement adds a new compliance element that could lead to investigations or prosecutions if violated.

Practical impact: May reduce ability of some voters to have ballots returned on their behalf (particularly where the only available helper is out‑of‑state), and could create additional steps for organizations or caregivers assisting voters.

Fiscal: The bill as introduced notes “Effect on Local Government: No” and “Effect on the State: Yes” (no dollar amounts provided). Anticipated state costs are likely administrative (form creation, outreach, possible enforcement).

Legislative status / timeline

Introduced: January 23, 2025 (BDR 24‑606).

Effective date (if enacted): July 1, 2025 (per bill text).

Current status shown: “Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed.” (i.e., no further legislative action permitted under the cited rule).

If you want, I can:
- Draft a plain‑language voter guidance notice explaining the change; or
- Identify common scenarios where this change would affect ballot return (caregivers, out‑of‑state family, nonprofit ballot collection).

Bill