Nevada Senate introduces Mia's Law for enhanced tenant safety standards

In a poignant Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor meeting held on March 24, 2025, Nevada lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 114, known as Mia's Law, aimed at enhancing safety standards for residential tenants. The bill is named in memory of Mia Marcano, a 19-year-old student tragically murdered in 2021 by a maintenance worker who had unrestricted access to her apartment. This incident highlighted significant vulnerabilities in tenant safety, particularly regarding the hiring practices of apartment complex staff.

Senator Julie Pizzina, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the need for comprehensive background checks for employees who have access to master keys in apartment complexes. Currently, Nevada lacks a standardized protocol for such checks, which can leave residents at risk. Pizzina noted that nearly 40% of Nevadans live in rental housing, with many residing in multi-unit apartments, making the implications of this legislation particularly relevant.

Mia's parents, Marlon and Ima Marcano, shared their heartbreaking experiences, urging lawmakers to support the bill to prevent similar tragedies. They highlighted the importance of accountability in hiring practices, noting that the individual responsible for Mia's death had a criminal history that should have disqualified him from employment in a position of access. Their testimony underscored the emotional weight of the legislation, framing it as a necessary step toward ensuring the safety of all tenants, especially vulnerable populations such as young women and students.

The proposed legislation mandates that landlords of properties with over 200 units conduct background checks for certain positions, establish written policies regarding key management, and maintain logs of key issuance and return. These measures aim to create a safer living environment for tenants and enhance transparency between landlords and residents.

The meeting also featured testimonies from advocates and family members of other victims of similar crimes, reinforcing the urgency of the bill. Supporters from the Nevada Multifamily Alliance expressed their backing for the legislation, noting that implementing background checks is already considered an industry standard among responsible landlords.

As the committee deliberates on the bill, the emotional testimonies and the pressing need for tenant safety resonate strongly within the community. The passage of Mia's Law could mark a significant step forward in protecting residents and ensuring that tragedies like Mia Marcano's are not repeated. The committee's decision will be closely watched as it reflects broader societal concerns about safety and accountability in housing.