Bill to restore felons’ civil rights passes Nevada Senate
CARSON CITY — Felons convicted of some crimes would have their civil rights to vote and serve on juries automatically restored under a bill approved Monday by the Nevada Senate.
Senate Bill 125 was approved on a 12-9 party-line vote, with all Republicans voting no. Sen. Patricia Farley, an independent from Las Vegas, joined with Democrats to support the measures.
Under the bill sponsored by state Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford and Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson, both Las Vegas Democrats, someone convicted and sentenced to probation would have their civil rights restored upon successfully completing one year.
Similarly, a felon on parole would have their rights restored after completing either the full term of parole if it is less than one year; or after one year if the parole requirement is longer.
The measure would not apply to the most serious felony offenses or repeat offenders.
Ford and other supporters said that the bill would allow people who have served their debt to society to reintegrate into their communities.
But Senate Assistant Minority Leader Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, noted it would allow civil rights to be restored for people convicted for felonies such as treason, conspiracy to commit murder, home invasion, child abuse or elder neglect, identity theft and aggravating stalking.
“These are not unserious crimes,” Kieckhefer said, arguing that offenders should be required to take an “affirmative step” to show they will live by society’s rules.
The bill now goes to the Assembly.
Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3821. Follow @SandraChereb on Twitter.