Senate hearing advances proposal to let RTC security officers remove disruptive riders to speed service and protect drivers

CARSON CITY — The Senate Committee on Government Affairs took testimony on SB 290, which would amend Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 277A to authorize security officers for Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) systems to remove individuals from RTC vehicles or property when they engage in disruptive or unlawful behavior defined in existing statutes.

Sponsor and rationale: Senator Rochelle Winn, the bill sponsor, said SB 290 is intended to make public transit safer and more reliable by giving RTC security officers explicit authority to remove disruptive passengers without waiting for a law-enforcement response when circumstances allow. “Public transit must continue to be a safe and reliable option for all who depend on it,” Winn said.

What the bill does: Legal counsel for the RTC, Kelsey Hardy, told the committee the bill aligns RTC authority with NRS 203.1, which defines unlawful acts on public transportation, and clarifies that security officers may remove individuals engaged in unlawful conduct. “This bill clarifies that RTC security officers can remove individuals engaged in unlawful behavior, ensuring that transit vehicles remain safe and operational,” Hardy said. The bill does not change trespassing law, does not confer arrest powers on security officers and does not create a permanent ban or trespass authority from vehicles.

Testimony and support: Dozens of stakeholders testified in favor. RTC staff described a multi-pronged safety strategy and said the system served more than 52 million riders in 2024. Maria Nietoorta of the RTC said the agency has invested in security and technology and formed a transit security discussion group including labor, prosecutors, the ACLU, community organizations and law enforcement. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, ATU union representatives, Intercon/Intercon Security (the contractor), Transdev (the operator), firefighters, the Sierra Club and multiple community organizations also supported the change.

Operational questions: Senators asked how removal would work in practice and how juveniles would be handled. Kelsey Hardy and RTC staff said security “rovers” in quadrant vehicles respond to incidents and can de-escalate and remove disruptive riders so buses return to service more quickly; removal is intended to be noncustodial and temporary — the individual would be free to go and the matter could be referred to law enforcement as appropriate. Angela Castro of RTC said policies and procedures address students in the RTC “Ride On” school pass program and that operators and security are trained; she said RTC would add clarifying language about parental notification and procedures for minors if necessary.

Safety impact and data: Intercon Security and RTC officials said proactive security and expanded rovers contributed to a 38% decline in incidents while ridership increased roughly 5% in the most recent year. Bus operators and union representatives said current limitations on security staff increased the risk for drivers and riders and created lengthy service delays when buses waited for law enforcement.

Limitations noted by the ACLU: ACLU of Nevada participated in drafting and discussion and testified in a neutral posture; the organization asked for clear safeguards, training standards and transparency measures in implementing procedures.

No formal vote: The committee did not take a vote at the conclusion of the hearing. Sponsors said the bill is narrowly tailored to allow de-escalation and temporary removal by trained security officers and that it preserves law-enforcement authority for arrests or citations when warranted.