Bill > AB344

This bill revises provisions relating to the Nevada judiciary, primarily focusing on replacing the term "master" with "judicial officer" across various legal contexts and making several related changes. The bill standardizes terminology and expands legal protections and representation in child welfare and family law proceedings. Specifically, the bill does the following: replaces references to "master" with "judicial officer" in numerous Nevada Revised Statutes, allowing courts to designate alternative titles for these judicial appointments; establishes a new procedure for transferring child welfare proceedings between courts within Nevada, which requires a joint hearing and determination that the transfer is in the best interests of the child; modifies attorney appointment and compensation rules for child welfare proceedings to ensure more robust legal representation, particularly for indigent parents and children; and clarifies the roles, powers, and procedural responsibilities of judicial officers across different types of legal proceedings. The bill aims to modernize legal language, improve procedural clarity, and enhance legal protections for children and families in the judicial system. The changes will become effective on July 1, 2026, with some provisions taking effect immediately for preparatory administrative tasks.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12438/Overview