Nevada 2023 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 9 R · 2 D cosponsors

AB 159 — Revises provisions relating to cruelty to animals. (BDR 16-71)

Last action — Approved by the Governor. Chapter 144.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Assembly
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 14, 2023. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Joe Lombardo (Republican) on May 31, 2023.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 78% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 12 sponsors

    5 primary, 7 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (9 R · 2 D) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

307 added · 332 removed

307 line(s) added, 332 removed.

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A.B.
Assembly Bill No.
159 A SSEMBLY B ILL N O.
159–Assemblymen O’Neill, Dickman, Kasama, Considine, Hardy;
159–A SSEMBLYMEN O’N EILL, D ICKMAN , K ASAMA , C ONSIDINE , H ARDY ;
Anderson, DeLong, Gallant, Gray, Gurr, Hansen and Hibbetts CHAPTER..........
A NDERSON , D ELONG , G ALLANT , GRAY , GURR , ANSEN AND HIBBETTS FEBRUARY 14, 2023 ____________ Referred to Committee on Judiciary SUMMARY—Revises provisions relating to cruelty to animals.
(BDR 16-71) FISCAL NOTE:
Effect on Local Government:
No.
Effect on the State:
Yes.
~ EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new;
matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.
Legislative Counsel’s Digest:
LegiExisting law provides that under certain circumstances an offender may earn credits to reduce his or her sentence of imprisonment, which must be deducted from the maximum term or the maximum aggregate term imposed by a sentence.
Existing law provides that under certain circumstances an offender may earn credits to reduce his or her sentence of imprisonment, which must be deducted from the maximum term or the maximum aggregate term imposed by a sentence.
For certain offenders, credits must also be deducted from the minimum term or minimum aggregate term imposed by a sentence and apply to eligibility for parole.
For certain offenders, credits must also be deducted from the minimum term or However, credits earned by offenders convicted of certain offenses may not beole.
However, credits earned by offenders convicted of certain offenses may not be sentence.
deducted from the minimum term or the minimum aggregate term imposed by a sentence.
- *AB159* – 2 – Existing law provides that a court may defer judgment on a case under certain circumstances.
Existing law provides that a court may defer judgment on a case under certain circumstances.
(NRS 176A.500) Section 3 of this bill sets the maximum period of probation or suspension of sentence for certain offenses relating to cruelty to animals at 60 monExisting law requires the Division of Parole and Probation of the Department of Public Safety to petition a court to recommend the early discharge of a person from probation, unless the person has been convicted of certain violent or sexual offenses.
(NRS 176A.500) Section 3 of this bill sets the maximum period of probation or suspension of sentence for certain offenses relating to cruelty to animals at 60 months.
Existing law requires the Division of Parole and Probation of the Department of probation, unless the person has been convicted of certain violent or sexualon from offenses.
- 82nd Session (2023) – 2 – EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new;
matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.
(b) For the period the offender is in residential confinement;
(c) For the period the offender is in the custody of the Divisiond of Parole and Probation of the Department of Public Safety pursuant to NRS 209.4886 or 209.4888, a deduction of 20 days from his or her sentence for each month the offender serves.
and (c) For the period the offender is in the custody of the Division of Parole and Probation of the Department of Public Safety pursuant to NRS 209.4886 or 209.4888,  a deduction of 20 days from his or her sentence for each month the offender serves.
- *AB159* – 3 – 3.
3.
The Director may allow not more than 10 days of credit each month for an offender who participates in a diligent and responsible manner in a center for the purpose of making restitution, program for reentry of offenders and parolees into the community, conservation camp, program of work release or another program conducted outside of the prison.
The Director may allow not more than 10 days of credit each month for an offender who participates in a diligent and responsible manner in a center for the purpose of making restitution, program for reentry of offenders and parolees into the community, conducted outside of the prison.
5.
- 82nd Session (2023) – 3 – year for an offender who engages in exceptional meritorious service.
The Director may allow not more than 90 days of credit each year for an offender who engages in exceptional meritorious service.
(c) A violation of NRS 484C.110, 484C.120, 484C.130 or 484C.430 that is punishable as a felony;
(c) A violation of NRS 484C.110, 484C.120, 484C.130 or 484(d) A category A or B felony [,] ;
[or] (d) A category A or B felony [,] ;
or [or] (e) A violation of NRS 574.100 that is punishable pursuant to subsection 6 of that section, apply to eligibility for parole and, except as otherwise provided in subsection 9, must be deducted from the minimum term or the minimum aggregate term imposed by the sentence, as applicable, until the offender becomes eligible for parole and must be deducted from the maximum term or the maximum aggregate term imposed by the sentence, as applicable.
or (e) A violation of NRS 574.100 that is punishable pursuant to subsection 6 of that section,  apply to eligibility for parole and, except as otherwise provided in subsection 9, must be deducted from the minimum term or the minimum aggregate term imposed by the sentence, as applicable, until the offender becomes eligible for parole and must be deducted from the maximum term or the maximum aggregate term imposed by the sentence, as applicable.
or - *AB159* – 4 – (b) On or after July 1, 2014, makes an irrevocable election to have his or her consecutive sentences aggregated pursuant to NRS 213.1212.
or have his or her consecutive sentences aggregated pursuant toon to NRS 213.1212.
Sec.
- 82nd Session (2023) – 4 – 176.211 1.NRS 1Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, upon a plea of guilty, guilty but mentally ill or nolo contendere, but before a judgment of guilt, the court may, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the defendant, defer judgment on the case to a specified future date and set forth specific terms and conditions for the defendant.
2.
The duration of the deferral period must not exceed the applicable period set forth in subsection of NRS 176A.500 or the extension of the period pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 176A.500.
NRS 176.211 is hereby amended to read as follows:
176.211 1.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, upon a plea of guilty, guilty but mentally ill or nolo contendere, but before a judgment of guilt, the court may, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the defendant, defer judgment on the case to a specified future date and set forth specific terms and conditions for the defendant.
The duration of the deferral period must not exceed the applicable period set forth in subsection 1 of NRS 176A.500 or the extension of the period pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 176A.500.
(c) Payment of an assessment in lieu of any fine authorized by law for the offense;
law for the offense;
(d) Payment of any other assessment or cost authorized by law;
assessment in lieu of any fine authorized by (d) Payment of any other assessment or cost authorized by law;
The court may extend any deferral period for not more than 12 months to allow for the completion of a specialty court program.
The court may extend any deferral period for not more than 12 months to allow for the completion of a spe(b) Shall not defer judgment for any defendant who has been convicted of a violent or sexual offense as defined in NRS 202.876, a crime against a child as defined in NRS 179D.0357 , [or] a violation of NRS 200.508 [.] or a violation of NRS 574.100 that is punishable pursuant to subsection 6 of that section.
(b) Shall not defer judgment for any defendant who has been convicted of a violent or sexual offense as defined in NRS 202.876, - *AB159* – 5 – a crime against a child as defined in NRS 179D.0357 , [or] a violation of NRS 200.508 [.] or a violation of NRS 574.100 that is punishable pursuant to subsection 6 of that section.
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(1) The court may enter a judgment of conviction and proceed as provided in the section pursuant to which the defendant was charged.
- 82nd Session (2023) – 5 – proceed as provided in the section pursuant to which the defendant was charged.
Upon completion of the terms and conditions of the deferred judgment, and upon a finding by the court that the terms and conditions have been met, the court shall discharge the defendant and dismiss the proceedings.
Upon completion of the terms and conditions of the deferred judgment, and upon a finding by the court that the terms and conditions have been met, the court shall discharge the defendant this section is without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of employment, civil rights or any statute or regulation or license or questionnaire or for any other public or private purpose, but is a conviction for the purpose of additional penalties imposed for second or subsequent convictions or the setting of bail.
Discharge and dismissal pursuant to this section is without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of employment, civil rights or any statute or regulation or license or questionnaire or for any other public or private purpose, but is a conviction for the purpose of additional penalties imposed for second or subsequent convictions or the setting of bail.
The court shall order those records sealed without a hearing unless the Division or the prosecutor petitions the court, for good cause shown, not to seal the records and requests a hearing thereon.
The court shall order those records sealed without a hearing unless the Division or the prosecutor petitions the hearing thereon.cause shown, not to seal the records and requests a 7.
7.
- *AB159* – 6 – 8.
8.
(b) “Specialty court program” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 176A.065.
- 82nd Session (2023) – 6 – (b) “Specialty court program” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 176A.065.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the period of probation or suspension of sentence may be indeterminate or may be fixed by the court and may at any time be extended or terminated by the court, but the period, including any extensions thereof, must not be more than:
Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, indeterminate or may be fixed by the court and may at any time be extended or terminated by the court, but the period, including any extensions thereof, must not be more than:
At any time during probation or suspension of sentence, the court may issue a warrant for violating any of the conditions of probation or suspension of sentence and cause the defendant to be arrested.
At any time during probation or suspension of sentence, the court may issue a warrant for violating any of the conditions of arrested.
The parole and - *AB159* – 7 – probation officer shall at once notify the court which granted probation of the arrest and detention or residential confinement of the probationer and shall submit a report in writing showing in what manner the probationer has violated the conditions of probation.
The parole and - 82nd Session (2023) – 7 – probation officer shall at once notify the court which granted probation of the arrest and detention or residential confinement of the probationer and shall submit a report in writing showing in what manner the probationer has violated the conditions of probation.
5.
immediately release from custody without any further proceedings any person the officer arrests without a warrant for violating a condition of probation if the parole and probation officer or peace officer determines that there is no probable cause to believe that the person violated the condition of probation.
A parole and probation officer or a peace officer may immediately release from custody without any further proceedings any person the officer arrests without a warrant for violating a condition of probation if the parole and probation officer or peace officer determines that there is no probable cause to believe that the person violated the condition of probation.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8, 10 days from that period for each month the person serves and is actively involved in employment or enrolled in a program of education, rehabilitation or any other program approved by the Division.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8, 10 days from that period for each month the person serves and is actively involved in employment or enrolled in a program of education, rehabilitation or 7.y oA person must be allowed a deduction pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 6 regardless of whether the person has satisfied the requirements of the other paragraph and must be allowed a deduction pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection if the person has satisfied the requirements of both paragraphs of that subsection.
7.
A person must be allowed a deduction pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 6 regardless of whether the person has satisfied the requirements of the other paragraph and must be allowed a deduction pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection 6 if the person has satisfied the requirements of both paragraphs of that subsection.
- *AB159* – 8 – Sec.
- 82nd Session (2023) – 8 – Sec.
H - *AB159*
~~~~~ 23 - 82nd Session (2023)
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How this bill changes current law

4 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Nevada Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds specific animal cruelty offenses to the list of crimes that affect parole credits, deferral of judgment, and probation conditions.

  • NRS 209.4465

    , who has been convicted of a crime relating to cruelty to animals,

    Adds animal cruelty offenses to the list of crimes for which offenders cannot earn credits toward reducing their minimum sentence.

  • NRS 176.211

    the court may not defer judgment for offenders who have been convicted of certain crimes. → the court may not defer judgment for offenders who have been convicted of a crime relating to cruelty to animals.

    Prevents courts from deferring judgment for offenders convicted of animal cruelty offenses.

  • NRS 176A.500

    the maximum period of probation or suspension of sentence for offenses relating to cruelty to animals is 60 months.

    Establishes a maximum probation period of 60 months for offenses related to cruelty to animals.

  • NRS 176A.840

    must not have been convicted of a crime relating to cruelty to animals in order to be eligible for early discharge from probation.

    Requires offenders to not have a conviction for animal cruelty to qualify for early probation discharge.

Action History

  1. Approved by the Governor. Chapter 144.

  2. In Assembly. To enrollment. Enrolled and delivered to Governor.

  3. Read third time. Passed. Title approved. (Yeas: 20, Nays: None, Excused: 1.) To Assembly.

  4. Taken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.

  5. Taken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.

  6. Taken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.

  7. Read second time.

  8. From committee: Do pass.

  9. In Senate. Read first time. Referred to Committee on Judiciary. To committee.

  10. Read third time. Passed. Title approved. (Yeas: 42, Nays: None.) To Senate.

  11. Read second time.

  12. From committee: Do pass.

  13. From printer. To committee.

  14. Read first time. Referred to Committee on Judiciary. To printer.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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5 sponsors · 7 co-sponsors · 55 not signed on

Sponsors (5)

Co-sponsors (7)

Not signed on (55)

55 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors AB 159?
AB 159 is sponsored by Philip PK O’Neill, Dickman, Jill (Republican), Kasama, Heidi (Republican), Considine, Venicia (Democratic), Hardy, Melissa R.. (Republican), Anderson, Natha C. (Democratic), DeLong, Rich (Republican), Gallant, Danielle (Republican), Gurr, Bert K. (Republican), Hansen, Alexis M. (Republican), Hibbetts, Brian (Republican), and Gray, Ken (Republican).
What is the current status of AB 159?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 14, 2023. Enacted.
Where can I track AB 159?
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