Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo Signs Sweeping Crime Package Including Revival of Resort Corridor Court
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a comprehensive crime package into law over the weekend aimed at enhancing public safety on the Las Vegas Strip and across the state. The legislation, known as the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, includes provisions to revive the unique Resort Corridor Court program, stiffen penalties for smash-and-grab robberies, DUIs, and assaults against hospitality workers.
Revival of Resort Corridor Court to Target Crime on the Strip
The new law facilitates the reinstatement of the controversial Resort Corridor Court, which was originally created to handle offenses such as petty theft, assault, drug-related crimes, and loitering arising on the Las Vegas Strip. The program also enables courts to impose orders banning offenders from the tourist area for up to a year, a measure designed to deter repeat offenses in this key entertainment zone.
The bill’s approval represents a significant political victory for Gov. Lombardo as he gears up for a challenging reelection campaign in 2026. Current polling indicates a tight race against his likely Democratic opponent, Attorney General Aaron Ford.
Support and Opposition to the Court’s Revival
Lobbyists from the resort industry and the union representing hospitality workers—both influential political forces—have rallied behind reopening the Resort Corridor Court. They argue that restoring the court will boost public safety and safeguard Nevada’s tourism-dependent economy, which has seen an 11% decline in visitors between June 2024 and June 2025, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association, praised the legislation, stating, “We greatly appreciate Governor Lombardo and legislative leadership for working together to advance this important tourism-safety legislation.” She added that the court will help ensure Las Vegas remains a top destination for visitors.
However, critics question the court’s legality and express concerns that enforcement unfairly targets homeless individuals. Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, which has consistently opposed the court, warned that if revived, legal challenges are expected. He argued the program contributes to the “continued creep of privatization of our judicial system.”
The law grants the Clark County Commission the authority to bring back the court, but it remains unclear if or when the commission will take action. Jennifer Cooper, a county spokesperson, indicated it is currently too early for the commission to engage, as the decision to reinstate the court rests with the Justice Court. Efforts to obtain comments from the court have not been successful.
Additional Measures: Immigration Enforcement Restrictions in Schools
The crime package also includes amendments restricting immigration enforcement officers from entering school grounds without a warrant. It mandates that detention facilities maintain updated lists of detainees. With these provisions, Nevada joins states like California and Maryland in limiting federal immigration enforcement access to schools.
Democratic lawmakers proposed a similar restriction in the previous session, but Gov. Lombardo vetoed it, describing the measure as “well-intentioned but fundamentally overbroad.” His office stated that the newly added amendments comply with constitutional standards and include exceptions to ensure schools’ safety. These exceptions allow school resource officers and law enforcement to enter school property during emergencies, such as active shooter situations.
This legislative move follows a Trump administration policy reversal earlier this year that lifted prior limits on federal immigration arrests at sensitive locations including schools, churches, and hospitals.
Cecelia González, a Democratic assemblymember who originally sponsored a bill to restrict immigration enforcement in schools, ultimately voted against the governor’s crime package. While she expressed relief that “students are finally being taken seriously about their real, lived fear,” she believes the overall bill may cause more harm than good.
Looking Ahead
As Nevada moves forward with this significant crime legislation, debates over the balance between public safety, civil liberties, and the rights of vulnerable populations are expected to continue. The fate of the Resort Corridor Court and the impact of the new penalties and enforcement restrictions will likely remain key topics in the state’s political and legal arenas.