Families Demand Funding for Nevada Prisons Amidst Visitation Cuts and Staffing Issues

Concerns over the impact of funding cuts on Nevada's correctional facilities took center stage during the Interim Finance Committee meeting on April 3, 2025. The discussion highlighted the severe consequences of reduced overtime funding within the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC), with advocates urging immediate action to address the resulting challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and their families.

Ashley Shead, a caller during the public comment segment, emphasized the detrimental effects of overtime cuts, which have led to rolling lockdowns in facilities. Shead pointed out that these lockdowns not only worsen mental health issues but also hinder rehabilitation efforts by limiting access to essential programs and outdoor time. "When residents are locked down, they lose access to what little programming NDSP currently offers," she stated, underscoring the critical need for funding to maintain humane conditions.

The emotional toll on families was a recurring theme, with multiple callers sharing personal stories of the struggles they face due to limited communication and visitation opportunities. Nicole Williams, a board member with Return Strong, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the isolation experienced by both incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. "Families already burdened by difficulties of maintaining contact face even more barriers," she lamented, as visitation has been reduced to every other week.

The meeting also saw calls for increased transparency and accountability within the NDOC, with Denise Bolanosheria from Recover Strong urging that the current conditions represent a public health crisis. "Extreme isolation is devastating to mental health, both inside and outside prison walls," she warned, calling for immediate funding to restore visitation and rehabilitative programs.

As the committee concluded the meeting without a vote, the urgency for action was palpable. Advocates left with a clear message: without adequate funding, the cycle of suffering for incarcerated individuals and their families will only deepen, raising critical questions about the future of rehabilitation and community safety in Nevada.