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Lombardo Signs Sweeping Crime Bill,Reviving Las Vegas Strip Court & Restricting Immigration Enforcement
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Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has signed the “Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act” into law,a comprehensive crime package that aims to bolster safety on the Las Vegas Strip,increase penalties for certain offenses,and limit immigration enforcement within school grounds. The legislation represents a significant political victory for the republican governor as he gears up for a possibly competitive reelection campaign in 2026.
Reviving the Resort Corridor Court
A key component of the new law is the potential reinstatement of the resort Corridor Court, a unique program previously used to address crimes originating on the Las Vegas Strip. The court previously barred offenders of crimes like petty theft, assault, drug offenses, and loitering from the tourist area for up to a year. The move comes as resort lobbyists and the hospitality workers’ union have pushed for its return, arguing it will improve safety and protect the reputation of Nevada’s key economic driver.
However, the court’s revival is not guaranteed. While the law authorizes the Clark County Commission to reinstate the court,a spokesperson for the county indicated it is premature to engage,as the final decision rests with the Justice Court,which has yet to comment on the matter. The original court was established two years ago but disbanded after a year and a half.
“We greatly appreciate Governor Lombardo and legislative leadership for working together to advance this crucial tourism-safety legislation,” stated Virginia Valentine,president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association,emphasizing the court’s potential to maintain Las Vegas as a premier tourism destination.
Despite the support from industry leaders,the court faces legal challenges. athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, anticipates litigation, warning of a “continued creep of privatization of our judicial system.” Opponents also raise concerns that the court’s orders unfairly target homeless individuals.
Did you know? – The Resort corridor Court previously banned offenders from the Las Vegas Strip for up to a year for crimes like petty theft.The court was established two years ago but disbanded after a year and a half. Its revival is not guaranteed, as the Justice court has yet to comment.
Tourism Decline & Increased Penalties
The push for increased security measures comes amid a reported decline in tourism. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported an 11% decrease in visitors. The new law also aims to deter crime by increasing penalties for offenses such as smash-and-grab robberies, driving under the influence (DUI), and assault and battery against hospitality workers.
Pro tip: – The new law increases penalties for crimes like smash-and-grab robberies, DUIs, and assault against hospitality workers.This is in response to a reported 11% decrease in visitors between June 2024 and June 2025, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors authority.
Immigration Enforcement Restrictions
Beyond crime-related measures,the bill includes amendments restricting immigration enforcement. It prohibits immigration enforcement officers from entering school grounds without a warrant, aligning Nevada with states like California and Maryland. This provision follows a previous veto by Governor Lombardo of a similar standalone bill, which he deemed “well-intentioned but fundamentally overbroad.”
The revised amendment, according to Lombardo’s office, adheres to constitutional standards and includes exceptions for school resource officers and emergency situations, such as a school shooting. This change reflects a broader state effort to clarify immigration enforcement restrictions following a Trump management policy change earlier in the year that would have allowed federal agencies to make arrests at schools, churches, and hospitals.
Despite supporting the amendment, Democratic Assemblymember Cecelia González, who originally sponsored the bill restricting immigration enforcement in schools, ultimately voted against the governor’s crime package. She expressed satisfaction that “students are finally being taken seriously about their real, lived fear,” but believes the overall bill will be more detrimental than beneficial.
