Bill would let participants in 24/7 sobriety program retain broader driving privileges while in compliance

Senate Bill 416, presented to the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure on 2025-05-01, would revise statutory provisions governing Nevada's 24/7 Sobriety and Drug Monitoring Program to permit participants who comply with the program's testing and monitoring requirements to hold a driving privilege license while in compliance.

Andrew Bennett, chair of the Nevada Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety, described the program's history and statutory basis, saying the program was established in statute (NRS 408.581) and originated from earlier legislation. Judge Scott Pierson, who has presided over impaired‑driving cases for more than two decades, told the committee the 24/7 program applies frequent, randomized testing and rapid responses that can change behavior. "One of the most effective tools that a judge can use is the 24/7 program," Pierson said, adding that the program pairs testing with treatment and immediate responses when tests are positive.

Pierson said the original in‑person 24/7 models tested participants twice daily and that modern approaches increasingly use remote testing technologies and transdermal monitors. He also described limitations of ignition interlock devices, which do not test for drugs and in many cases only produce data downloaded every 90 days. "For those drug offenders, the effective testing has to be 2 out of every 7 days completely random or 3 set days per week," Pierson said, summarizing best practices he said were reflected in the draft language.

Under the bill sponsors' description, the measure would allow participants who are complying with the 24/7 program to obtain a driving privilege similar to an ignition‑interlock privilege — i.e., permission to drive for broader purposes while participation and testing compliance continue. Proponents said this change preserves public safety while enabling participants to keep jobs, take children to appointments and access treatment.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles testified neutral. Sean Severs of DMV said the agency is neutral on the bill, that an earlier fiscal note was zeroed by an amendment changing the implementation date and that DMV appreciates the sponsor's work on timing to avoid IT costs. "We appreciate that and the bill sponsors working with us on it," Severs said.

No callers registered opposition during the hearing. The committee closed the record without taking a vote.