A new report from the Nevada Current reveals that Democrats in the state legislature will push for legislation allowing felons to become “field registrars” to help register voters for Silver State elections. Currently those convicted of theft or fraud are barred from working in these positions.

During a meeting last Friday of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, the committee’s Democratic majority approved numerous bill draft requests (BDR’s) which would impact Nevada’s voters and elections should the legislation pass in the 2025 legislative session, scheduled to begin on February 3.

According to the report:

State Sen. James Ohrenschall, a Las Vegas Democrat, described the proposal as being in line with legislation passed in recent sessions that focused on rehabilitating and reintegrating people into society after they have successfully completed incarceration, probation and parole. Most notable among those efforts was the automatic restoration of voting rights for former felons.

Republicans on the committee opposed the BDR.

State Sen. Heidi Seevers O’Gara (formerly Seevers Gansert), a Reno Republican, said the state should continue to ban felons convicted of theft or fraud and consider expanding the ban to include felons who have committed certain other crimes.

“I would be concerned about felons who have a history of violence or assault,” she said. “We need some safeguards. We should add more limitations.”

Assemblyman Greg Hafen, a Pahrump Republican, said he was concerned about potentially allowing someone who has been convicted of election fraud to help register voters.

[Mark] Wlaschin acknowledged the concern and said the issue could be discussed by lawmakers during the legislative process, adding, “The intent as of right now is to not be restrictive in any way, shape or form.”

Better Nevada PAC, associated with Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, was quick to respond to the controversial legislation and warned Nevadans in an emailed statement:

“Nevada Democrats appear to be following the same flawed logic that led to their passage of AB 236 in 2019, a law championed by Speaker Steve Yeager and Attorney General Aaron Ford that weakened criminal penalties for fentanyl offenses and enabled those who commit smash-and-grab retail theft crimes to escape felony charges even if they steal up to $1,200 worth of items. Since AB 236’s passage, fentanyl deaths have skyrocketed and there are even reports of thieves coming across state lines to take advantage of Nevada’s weaker laws.

While Governor Joe Lombardo has called for increased penalties to strengthen public safety, Nevada Democrats remain convinced that enabling criminals is more important than protecting families across our state.”

Additional BDR’s approved by the committee include establishing a $1,000 filing fee for the Presidential Preference Primary, dedicating elections offices and officials in rural counties, and allowing cured signatures to become the signature on file in the respective county and would shift the administrative responsibility to the Secretary of State.