Nevada Senate Considers Bill 140 to Expand Diversion Court for Neurobehavioral Disorders
May 10, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Judiciary convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss several legislative matters, including the critical Senate Bill 140, which aims to expand treatment programs for youth with neurobehavioral disorders within the juvenile justice system.
The meeting commenced with procedural acknowledgments and a unanimous vote on a prior motion. Following this, the committee turned its attention to Senate Bill 140, presented by Senator James Orenshall and Judge Sonny Bailey from the Eighth Judicial District Court. The bill seeks to enhance existing therapeutic court programs, particularly for children diagnosed with or suspected of having autism spectrum disorders and other neurobehavioral conditions, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Senator Orenshall highlighted the success of the existing DAE COURT, which has effectively diverted youth from the judicial system and provided long-term support for their rehabilitation. Judge Bailey elaborated on the court's achievements, noting a 90% success rate among participants and the importance of individualized care and community involvement in fostering positive outcomes for these youth.
The discussion emphasized the pressing need for expanded services, particularly for children affected by FASD and NAS, conditions that significantly hinder cognitive and behavioral development. Judge Bailey pointed out that many affected children face challenges such as impulsivity and poor social skills, often leading to involvement in the juvenile justice system. The bill aims to streamline access to necessary evaluations and treatments, reducing the current wait times for diagnosis, which can exceed 18 months.
Committee members raised questions regarding the eligibility criteria for the proposed program, the diagnostic process, and the integration of parental involvement in treatment. Judge Bailey confirmed that the program would include comprehensive evaluations and support for families, recognizing the critical role parents play in the rehabilitation process.
The committee concluded the hearing with an invitation for public testimony in support of Senate Bill 140, underscoring the collaborative effort to address the needs of vulnerable youth in Nevada's juvenile justice system. The bill represents a significant step forward in providing essential resources and support for children facing neurodevelopmental challenges, aiming to prevent future criminal justice involvement and promote healthier developmental trajectories.
The meeting commenced with procedural acknowledgments and a unanimous vote on a prior motion. Following this, the committee turned its attention to Senate Bill 140, presented by Senator James Orenshall and Judge Sonny Bailey from the Eighth Judicial District Court. The bill seeks to enhance existing therapeutic court programs, particularly for children diagnosed with or suspected of having autism spectrum disorders and other neurobehavioral conditions, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Senator Orenshall highlighted the success of the existing DAE COURT, which has effectively diverted youth from the judicial system and provided long-term support for their rehabilitation. Judge Bailey elaborated on the court's achievements, noting a 90% success rate among participants and the importance of individualized care and community involvement in fostering positive outcomes for these youth.
The discussion emphasized the pressing need for expanded services, particularly for children affected by FASD and NAS, conditions that significantly hinder cognitive and behavioral development. Judge Bailey pointed out that many affected children face challenges such as impulsivity and poor social skills, often leading to involvement in the juvenile justice system. The bill aims to streamline access to necessary evaluations and treatments, reducing the current wait times for diagnosis, which can exceed 18 months.
Committee members raised questions regarding the eligibility criteria for the proposed program, the diagnostic process, and the integration of parental involvement in treatment. Judge Bailey confirmed that the program would include comprehensive evaluations and support for families, recognizing the critical role parents play in the rehabilitation process.
The committee concluded the hearing with an invitation for public testimony in support of Senate Bill 140, underscoring the collaborative effort to address the needs of vulnerable youth in Nevada's juvenile justice system. The bill represents a significant step forward in providing essential resources and support for children facing neurodevelopmental challenges, aiming to prevent future criminal justice involvement and promote healthier developmental trajectories.
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