Legislative Bill Advances to Enhance Security for Nevada Lawmakers
In a significant move to bolster the security of lawmakers, the Nevada legislature has passed a bill that introduces measures to protect personal information and allow the use of campaign funds for personal security. The bill is now awaiting the signature of the Republican governor to become law.
This new legislation permits state legislators to hide personal details from public records and use a substitute address on their driver’s licenses. Similar protections are already extended to professionals such as healthcare providers, judges, law enforcement officials, and social workers under existing Nevada law. More details on the bill can be found here.
Additionally, the bill enables lawmakers and political candidates to allocate campaign funds for safeguarding themselves, a provision available in only 15 states, according to the Vote Mama Foundation.
The need for such measures was highlighted by Democratic State Senator Angie Taylor, who recounted her experiences of facing threats during her tenure as president of the Washoe County School Board amidst the pandemic. In an interview with KUNR, Taylor shared, “Some of the vitriol that people would say from the podium, personally attacking me, and putting my address out on social media and saying, ‘Let’s drag her out of her house.’”
Reflecting on her initial campaign in 2014, Taylor remarked, “That was 10 years ago. The world that we live in is so different… I never really questioned my personal safety during that time, and I’m constantly aware of my personal safety now.” Taylor is now contemplating further security measures to safeguard her family at home.
