Senate committee reviews SB 350 to reform Nevada's death penalty process

The Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss significant reforms to Nevada's death penalty process, primarily focusing on Senate Bill 350 (SB 350). The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for the bill, which aims to extend the timeline for execution warrants, allowing more time for legal reviews and appeals.

Kayla Maesse, a civil rights analyst at the ACLU of Nevada, opened the discussions by expressing strong support for SB 350. She emphasized that the bill is crucial for ensuring that individuals facing the death penalty have adequate time to conduct thorough legal reviews, thereby preventing the state from hastily executing its citizens.

Tonia Brown, an advocate for inmates, followed Maesse's testimony, highlighting the case of DeMarlo Berry, an innocent man on death row. Brown underscored the importance of extending the execution timeline, noting that as time passes, new evidence often emerges that can exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals. She also presented photographs she claimed captured the "lost souls" of those executed, further illustrating the emotional weight of the issue.

Harrison Epstein, a legal extern with the Clark County Public Defender's Office, reiterated the necessity of extending the time for death penalty judgments. He argued that this extension is vital for ensuring that all legal challenges and new evidence are adequately considered, thus reducing the risk of executing innocent individuals.

Mark Bettencourt, executive director of the Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty, also voiced support for SB 350. He pointed out that the death penalty is not only biased and costly but also ineffective as a deterrent to crime. Bettencourt urged the committee to consider the broader implications of maintaining the death penalty in Nevada.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among the speakers on the need for reform in the state's death penalty process, emphasizing the importance of justice and the potential for wrongful executions. The committee is expected to deliberate further on the bill and its implications for Nevada's legal system.