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: Elaine H. Marzola (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
BDR 38-155
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Guaranteed lawyers in child welfare cases
Children alleged to need protection get a court‑appointed attorney for every stage of the case. If a petition is filed and a parent or caregiver is indigent, the court appoints an attorney unless there is good cause not to. Appointed lawyers must be paid for reasonable time and expenses. Pay must be at least the lowest misdemeanor appointment rate in that court for child‑welfare counsel, and at least the lowest felony appointment rate in parental‑rights termination or restoration cases.
Move child welfare cases between courts
A child welfare case can be moved to another Nevada court. The two courts hold a joint hearing and take public comments on the record. Both courts must decide the move is in the child’s best interest. If moved, the new court and the local child‑welfare agency take over the case. Guardianships granted in a child protection case can also be transferred using this process.
New juvenile officers and faster timelines
Juvenile courts can appoint trained juvenile judicial officers. They must have child‑welfare experience, get national training when first offered, and are paid from court budgets, not by the parties. These officers swear in witnesses, take evidence, and recommend findings. After evidence closes, they must file papers and recommendations within 10 days and notify parties. You have 5 days after notice to ask for a new hearing before a judge. Some decisions listed in law cannot be delegated and must be made by the juvenile court.
Permit needed to hire under 14
Beginning July 1, 2026, an employer must get a written permit to hire a child under 14. A district court judge, or an authorized juvenile judicial officer, referee, or probation officer must sign it. Hiring a child under 14 without this permission is a misdemeanor.
Clearer rules in paternity hearings
A court‑appointed judicial officer can handle family and paternity hearings. Informal hearings may be held before a judicial officer, and the public can be barred when rules allow. Genetic test results must be given to judges and judicial officers, subject to the law’s objection deadlines. If you are subpoenaed to appear before a judicial officer, you get the same $25 per day witness fee (where set), mileage, and protections as in other courts.
Licensed officers for minors’ protective orders
In protective‑order cases, the court may appoint a master if the petitioner is 18 or older. If the petitioner is under 18, the court must appoint a judicial officer. Any appointee must be a Nevada‑licensed attorney.
Courts now use "judicial officer" title
The law replaces the word "master" with "judicial officer" across many court laws. Courts can choose a different local title, but not use the word "master." It defines who a judicial officer is and includes them in the definition of a judge. Courts can appoint these officers and set needed qualifications. This update changes titles and clarity, not who gets support or pays it.
More safety and privacy for officers
Court‑appointed judicial officers can keep personal information confidential in public records and use an alternate mailing address on a driver’s license. A qualifying notice from a judicial officer can help reinstate a suspended license after you pay the state’s reinstatement fee. Attacking a court‑appointed judicial officer now carries the same enhanced penalties as battery on other protected officers.
Fewer privileges for mandatory reporters
People who must report child abuse or neglect cannot use certain legal privileges in listed child‑welfare settings. This includes issues about not reporting, working with child‑welfare agencies or guardians ad litem, and cases under NRS 432B.410–432B.590 and section 27.
Transition and local cost rules
Starting July 1, 2026, extra local government costs tied to this law are exempt from NRS 354.599. Also starting July 1, 2026, code references are updated for new officer titles, and past contracts and actions remain valid. From July 1, 2026, sections 30 and 64 do not apply to cases that began before January 1, 2026; those cases stay under the old rules for those sections.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Elaine H. Marzola
Democratic • House
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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