Senate gives final approval to juvenile sentencing bill

The Nevada Senate Thursday gave final legislative approval to Assembly Bill 134, barring a life-without parole sentence for juvenile offenders convicted of crimes other than murder.

Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, told the body the legislation was developed in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling banning life without parole sentences for those who committed a crime before turning 18.

Assembly Judiciary Chairman William Horne, D-Las Vegas, confirmed that the legislation was to bring Nevada law in line with that ruling. Asked what crimes currently allow imposing life without on a juvenile, he said the only felony that comes to mind is sexual assault.

Horne said the legislation would apply to just one offender in the Nevada prison system at this time. He said since it resulted from a Supreme Court case, that offender is probably entitled to a new sentencing hearing.

The bill goes to the governor.