All Roll Calls
Yes: 62 • No: 0
NevadaAB34483rd Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to judiciary; replacing the term “master” with “judicial officer” when used to refer to judicial officers who perform certain duties; prescribing a procedure for the transfer of child welfare proceedings to a different court within this State; requiring the appointment of an attorney to represent certain parties during a child welfare proceeding in certain circumstances; revising the compensation that an appointed attorney in certain proceedings is entitled to receive; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
BDR 38-155
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
14 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Faster paternity and child support decisions
Courts can use appointed judicial officers for paternity and support. They hold early, informal hearings, take evidence, and suggest settlements. You have 10 days to object to their findings, and paternity test results are admitted unless someone objects 30 days before the hearing. Judges can order temporary child support after a case is set for trial if there is clear and convincing evidence. More appointees can act as enforcement tribunals, and a judicial officer’s notice can help you reinstate a suspended license once you satisfy the order and pay the reinstatement fee.
More lawyers in child welfare cases
Children in child‑welfare cases get an attorney at all stages. Courts must also appoint lawyers for many indigent parents, and may appoint for others when it helps the child. Appointed lawyers (not paid by legal aid) must be paid at least the lowest local rate for misdemeanor cases. In parental rights cases, a child’s lawyer must be paid at least the lowest local felony rate.
Easier to move child welfare cases
Courts can move a child welfare case to another Nevada court when it is best for the child. Both courts hold a joint hearing and must notify parties and child welfare agencies. Usual child‑welfare rules and timelines now also apply to these transfer hearings. The spousal testimonial privilege does not apply in these cases, so a spouse may have to testify.
Mandatory mediation in custody cases
Courts in larger counties must run mediation for custody and visitation cases. Smaller counties can opt in. Programs use trained neutral mediators, may charge sliding fees, and can exclude cases for good cause, like a history of abuse. Counties pay to run the program.
Faster, clearer choices in guardianships
Courts must consider recommendations from a judicial officer when choosing a guardian. A court‑appointed State Bar member must send a written recommendation within 5 calendar days after the hearing. Parents, relatives, teachers, neighbors, and others with helpful information may testify. The law also defines “judicial officer” for this chapter and applies that definition throughout.
Protective orders heard by appointees
For restraining order cases, courts can appoint an attorney as a master if the petitioner is 18 or older, or as a judicial officer if under 18. The appointee takes testimony, makes a record, and gives findings and recommendations.
Witness rights and fees clarified
If you are subpoenaed to testify before a court or appointed judicial officer, you are protected from civil arrest while you travel to, attend, and return. You can also get the same witness fees, mileage, and per diem for appearing before a judicial officer as for a judge.
Privacy protections for court-appointed officers
Beginning July 1, 2026, court-appointed judicial officers can ask the DMV to show a different mailing address on their driver’s license or ID. They can also ask county recorders, county assessors, the Secretary of State, and county or city clerks to keep certain personal information confidential. You must provide proof of your status, and, if needed, proof of your home and mailing addresses. Agencies may start related rule work upon passage.
More officials can sign child work permits
For a child under 14 to work at certain inside, non-farm jobs (not housework or performer work), a written permit is required. A judge, juvenile judicial officer, referee, or probation officer may sign the permit. This makes it easier for families and small employers to get the needed permission. The change applies July 1, 2026, with rule work allowed upon passage.
Court officer title updates and continuity
The Legislative Counsel must update Nevada Administrative Code references to reflect officer name changes when issuing supplements. All contracts, agreements, and actions by the prior officer remain valid and can be enforced by the officer who now has the duty. Agencies may start related rule work on passage. Most changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Judicial officers recognized and protected
Nevada replaces the title “master” with “judicial officer” across its laws and defines who is a judicial officer. Assaults and batteries against appointed judicial officers now carry the same higher penalties that protect other officers.
Juvenile court roles and staff training
The law defines who can act for the juvenile court and what they can do. Appointed officers must file findings within 10 days and parties have 5 days to ask for a new hearing. Courts keep some key decisions for judges only. Staff who regularly work with juveniles must get implicit‑bias and cultural‑competency training at least every 2 years. Pay set by the juvenile court comes from court funds, not from the parties. Courts may refer qualifying emancipation petitions to appointed officers.
Appointed officers in local courts
Justice courts may appoint qualified judicial officers if the county approves. Appointees must meet or exceed justice‑of‑the‑peace qualifications and finish Supreme Court training first. They cannot handle some misdemeanor trials or certain felony preliminaries. Municipal courts can use appointees in civil‑infraction cases; parties get 5 days to object before a new trial.
When changes start and who pays
Agencies can start writing rules and doing prep work right away. Most other changes take effect on July 1, 2026. Changes in sections 30 and 64 do not apply to cases that began before January 1, 2026. Local governments cannot use NRS 354.599 to get reimbursed for extra costs from this law.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/30/2025
Final Passage - Senate (1st Reprint)
Yes: 21 • No: 0
House vote • 5/26/2025
Final Passage - Assembly (1st Reprint)
Yes: 41 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter 328.
6/6/2025legislatureApproved by the Governor.
6/5/2025legislatureEnrolled and delivered to Governor.
6/2/2025legislatureIn Assembly. To enrollment.
5/31/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. Title approved. (Yeas: 21, Nays: None.) To Assembly.
5/30/2025SenateRead second time.
5/29/2025SenatePlaced on Second Reading File.
5/29/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass.
5/29/2025SenateRead first time. Referred to Committee on Judiciary. To committee.
5/26/2025SenateIn Senate.
5/26/2025SenateRead third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved. (Yeas: 41, Nays: None, Excused: 1.) To Senate.
5/26/2025HousePlaced on General File.
5/26/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass, as amended.
5/26/2025HouseTo committee.
4/23/2025HouseFrom printer. To engrossment. Engrossed. First reprint.
4/23/2025HouseTo printer.
4/21/2025HouseRereferred to Committee on Ways and Means. Exemption effective.
4/21/2025HouseTaken from General File.
4/21/2025HouseRead second time. Amended. (Amend. No. 226.)
4/21/2025HousePlaced on Second Reading File.
4/21/2025HouseFrom committee: Amend, and do pass as amended.
4/21/2025HouseNotice of eligibility for exemption.
3/27/2025HouseFrom printer. To committee.
3/4/2025HouseRead first time. Referred to Committee on Judiciary. To printer.
3/3/2025House
Bill Text
As Enrolled
As Introduced
Reprint 1
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