Nevada Press Association opposes AB 137 aimed at removing legal storage notices from newspapers
May 10, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Nevada Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 137, which proposes to eliminate the requirement for public notices of storage unit auctions in newspapers. The bill has sparked significant opposition from various stakeholders, emphasizing the critical role of print media in protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparency.
During the meeting, several witnesses voiced their concerns about the potential consequences of the bill. Kamie Dempsey from the Nevada Press Association highlighted the importance of public notifications, arguing that many individuals, especially the elderly and those without internet access, rely on newspapers to stay informed about their personal belongings. She stressed that the current system provides a vital lifeline for those at risk of losing their possessions.
Scott Sibley, also representing the Nevada Press Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that removing newspaper notices would diminish the chances for individuals to recover their personal property. He pointed out that the existing notification process serves as a crucial check against potential abuses by storage facility owners, who currently have the authority to auction off renters' belongings without court oversight.
The committee heard poignant testimonies from individuals like Jamie Griffin, who recounted a personal experience where a newspaper notice saved her family's cherished items during a difficult time. Griffin emphasized that not everyone has reliable internet access, making print notices essential for many in the community.
Opponents of AB 137 argue that the bill undermines due process and consumer protections, allowing storage facility owners to operate with less accountability. They contend that public notices in newspapers not only inform renters but also alert family members and other interested parties about potential auctions, thereby fostering a fairer auction process.
As the committee deliberates on the bill, the discussions underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between modernization and the preservation of essential consumer protections. The implications of this legislation could significantly impact how Nevadans are notified about their personal property, raising questions about access to information in an increasingly digital world. The committee is expected to continue its review of the bill, weighing the concerns raised against the proposed changes to the notification process.
During the meeting, several witnesses voiced their concerns about the potential consequences of the bill. Kamie Dempsey from the Nevada Press Association highlighted the importance of public notifications, arguing that many individuals, especially the elderly and those without internet access, rely on newspapers to stay informed about their personal belongings. She stressed that the current system provides a vital lifeline for those at risk of losing their possessions.
Scott Sibley, also representing the Nevada Press Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that removing newspaper notices would diminish the chances for individuals to recover their personal property. He pointed out that the existing notification process serves as a crucial check against potential abuses by storage facility owners, who currently have the authority to auction off renters' belongings without court oversight.
The committee heard poignant testimonies from individuals like Jamie Griffin, who recounted a personal experience where a newspaper notice saved her family's cherished items during a difficult time. Griffin emphasized that not everyone has reliable internet access, making print notices essential for many in the community.
Opponents of AB 137 argue that the bill undermines due process and consumer protections, allowing storage facility owners to operate with less accountability. They contend that public notices in newspapers not only inform renters but also alert family members and other interested parties about potential auctions, thereby fostering a fairer auction process.
As the committee deliberates on the bill, the discussions underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between modernization and the preservation of essential consumer protections. The implications of this legislation could significantly impact how Nevadans are notified about their personal property, raising questions about access to information in an increasingly digital world. The committee is expected to continue its review of the bill, weighing the concerns raised against the proposed changes to the notification process.
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