Bill would give RTC security officers explicit authority to remove disruptive riders

The Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure heard testimony on SB 290, which would amend Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 277A to explicitly authorize Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) security officers to remove individuals from transit vehicles or RTC property when they engage in disruptive or unlawful behavior.

Supporters said the change would reduce delays, ease demands on law enforcement and help keep transit service reliable for riders who depend on buses for work and school. “The RTC transit system served over 52,000,000 passengers and 1,200,000 paratransit riders,” Maria Nieto-Orta, representing the RTC of Southern Nevada, told the committee, describing a multi‑pronged approach the agency has adopted to improve transit safety.

Proponents framed the change as a narrow clarification, not an expansion of arrest powers. Kelsey Hardy, who provided the bill’s technical overview, said, “This bill simply clarifies RTC’s authority to act in situations where immediate intervention is necessary for the safety of passengers and operators.” Hardy also said the bill “does not grant RTC security arrest authority or the power to issue trespass notices for transit vehicles.”

Law enforcement and workforce representatives testified in support. Joshua Martinez of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the measure “will help RTC out and it’ll also make it safer.” John Jones of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office said his office participated in the RTC transit security discussion group and supported the bill. Richard Stack, chief operating officer of Intercon Security, the RTC’s contractor, said the company and its unionized workforce back the measure because it would help deter fare evasion, harassment and other disruptive conduct.

Public‑sector and labor groups also offered support. Nick Schneider of the Vegas Chamber said the bill “will increase safety” and reduce delay times; Ashley Cole of Transdev called it “very important” for employees and customers; Ron Williams of ATU Local 1637 described personal experience as a long‑time bus driver and urged passage; and representatives from the Professional Firefighters, cities (Las Vegas, Henderson), the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition and UNLV testified in support.

No callers or witnesses recorded opposition testimony during the hearing. Multiple supporting witnesses described the RTC’s recent investments in security and safety equipment; Nieto-Orta said the RTC has invested more than $33,000,000 in transit services and safety upgrades and that incidents had decreased during the most recent reporting period. Committee staff recorded no formal motion or vote on SB 290 during this hearing.

The sponsor, Senator Rochelle Winn, said the bill arose from a transit security discussion group that included the transit union, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Clark County district attorney’s office, the ACLU and other stakeholders. Committee Chair Watts closed the hearing without a recorded vote.