Bill > AB123

This bill addresses election-related intimidation by creating new legal protections for candidates for public office. Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals from directly or indirectly threatening or intimidating candidates in a way that communicates an intent to cause bodily harm to the candidate, their family members, or damage to their property, and does so in a manner that places the recipient in reasonable fear that the threat will be carried out. The bill allows a candidate who believes they have been threatened to notify the Secretary of State, who is then required to investigate the claim. If the Secretary of State finds reasonable suspicion of a violation, they must refer the matter to the Attorney General for potential legal proceedings. Violators would face misdemeanor charges for a first offense and gross misdemeanor charges for subsequent offenses. The bill explicitly protects constitutionally protected free speech, including political hyperbole, ensuring that only genuine threats are prosecuted. After investigating, the Secretary of State must provide the candidate with a written report detailing the alleged violation, investigation results, and any actions taken by the Attorney General.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12035/Overview