New Nevada laws addressing housing for the homeless, paid family leave for state employees, and human composting became operational from January 1. The 2023 Legislative Session initiated 85 laws, including statutes intended to mitigate hurdles for the construction of more affordable housing.

Assembly Bill 310, led by the Nevada Housing Division, created a supportive housing grant fund aimed at providing housing services for homeless individuals. The support includes subsidized housing that negates any hindrances to holding onto housing due to rental history, criminal history, and income. An individual must either be homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness to qualify.

The Housing Modernization Act or Assembly Bill 213, sponsored by Democratic Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui, allows local governments to approve increased density or multi-story developments to increase the affordable housing stock. The bill also requires localities to publish online a list of all applications related to land use planning for residential housing.

State employees can now avail of up to eight weeks of paid family leave following Assembly Bill 386’s provisions. Eligible conditions for the leave include the birth or adoption of a child, recovery from a severe illness, or caring for a family member with a serious illness.

Several laws were also passed concerning the Nevada Department of Corrections, including Senate Bill 307, which seeks to limit the use of solitary confinement. Another law, Assembly Bill 452, establishes an ombudsman for independent oversight of the prison system.

Additional laws extending access to healthcare came into effect. These include Senate Bill 232, which extends Nevada Medicaid’s postpartum coverage to one year after giving birth, and Senate Bill 280, requiring hospitals to have intrauterine contraceptive devices on hand for any birthing woman to request to be inserted during her hospital stay.

Other laws taking effect include Assembly Bill 289, the human composting bill that regulates businesses using natural organic reduction, and Senate Bill 211, allowing legally changed names to be reflected on marriage certificates.