CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada civil rights activists say they're concerned about dozens of proposals before the state Legislature that would create or extend criminal penalties on everything from spraying graffiti to flying a drone while drunk.
An American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada report scheduled for release Monday says 44 pending measures would stiffen crime laws and could significantly increase prison and jail populations.
The measures come at a time of heightened national awareness of mass incarceration and its disproportionate effect on minorities. Nevada lawmakers and presidential candidates from opposite ends of the political spectrum have turned away from "tough on crime" rhetoric and are taking a softer position.
Supporters argue the bills should be considered individually, rather than as a group, and say many represent commonsense ways to tackle pressing issues.