Nevada lawmakers approve $25M for eviction diversion programs in Reno and Clark County

The Nevada Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 475, which proposes significant funding for eviction diversion programs in Clark County and the City of Reno. This bill aims to address the pressing issue of housing instability, as Nevada faces approximately 85,000 eviction filings annually.

Assemblymember Danielle Monroe Moreno emphasized the growing need for eviction support, stating that the current economic climate is likely to exacerbate housing challenges for many residents. The proposed bill allocates $18 million to Clark County and $7 million to Reno for eviction diversion initiatives, which have already shown promising results. For instance, 81% of tenants participating in Las Vegas's diversion program successfully avoided eviction, highlighting the effectiveness of these interventions.

The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including judges and representatives from local governments, who praised the impact of previous funding on their communities. The Las Vegas Justice Court reported that their eviction diversion program has helped over 3,150 households, with a significant portion of participants being elderly or disabled. The program has successfully reduced the no-show rate for appointments from 65% to 25%, demonstrating improved tenant engagement.

Concerns were raised about ensuring that rural areas are not overlooked in future funding considerations. Assemblymember O'Neil pointed out that rural communities have historically been underserved and urged for additional support to be included in the bill. Jonathan Norman from the Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers assured the committee that there was no intention to neglect rural Nevadans and expressed openness to discussing potential amendments to address these concerns.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of continued funding for eviction diversion programs, which not only prevent homelessness but also alleviate pressure on emergency services and the judicial system. The bill's passage is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing housing stability and supporting vulnerable populations across Nevada.

As the committee concluded its hearing, the focus remained on the importance of these programs in fostering community resilience and ensuring that all Nevadans have access to safe and stable housing. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to the bill before it moves forward in the legislative process.