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Senate committee hears proposal to update sheriffs’ and constables’ fee schedules after two decades
Summary
SB 210 would raise fees charged by sheriffs and constables for civil services; sponsors said fees have not changed since 2002 and counties are subsidizing offices, while law enforcement and county representatives urged support.
State Sen. Jeff Stone presented Senate Bill 2 10 to the Senate Committee on Government Affairs, saying the bill would revise fee schedules for sheriffs and constables to better match current costs of providing civil-law-enforcement services.
Stone, who represents Senate District 20, said the fees described in NRS 248.275 (for sheriffs) and NRS 258.125 (for constables) have not been updated in roughly 20 years. ‘‘It is my absolute pleasure to present S. B. 2 10 which revises provisions related to law enforcement for certain services,’’ Stone told the committee.
Kenny Taylor, chief constable of Henderson, testified that costs to operate constable and sheriff functions have increased substantially and that some expense categories — notably vehicle insurance — have risen sharply. Taylor said vehicle insurance for his office rose about 300% in February 2024 and argued that updated fees were needed so offices could cover operating costs.
County and law-enforcement representatives supported the bill in committee testimony. Jeff Rogan, representing Clark County, said Clark County subsidized its constable’s office approximately $1.2 million last fiscal year and that many civil service consumers are private commercial clients who should bear enforcement costs rather than taxpayers.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Washoe County sheriff representatives echoed the call for modernization. Jason Walker and Adrien Hunt testified in support on behalf of Washoe County and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, respectively.
Jordan Ross, chair of the Southern Nevada Bridal Constables Alliance and a constable in Laughlin, said increases in insurance, workers’ compensation, liability and mileage justify fee modernization and that many civil enforcement services are used by commercial clients.
Committee members asked whether fee schedules could be modified administratively by counties; Stone and witnesses said state law requires legislative action to adjust the statutory fee schedule. Senator Ellison requested follow-up on statutory language and past county practices; witnesses said they would report back to the committee with any clarifications.
No committee vote was recorded; the hearing closed after supporters testified in person and by phone. Sponsor Stone said the bill ‘‘seeks to modernize the fee schedule for sheriffs and constables ensuring that the fees charged are commensurate with the services provided.’’
The hearing record reflects concerns about fiscal impacts on citizens (eviction and small-case costs) balanced against county officials’ statements that most fee-driven services are used by private firms and property owners.
At the close of the hearing, senators did not vote on SB 210. The bill remains pending further committee action.
