Silver State Times

Nevada War Room, affiliated with the Better Nevada Political Action Committee (PAC), announced that Aaron Ford and Steve Sisolak were responsible for AB 236, which it said reduced penalties for retail theft and fentanyl offenses. The statement was made on X, formerly known as Twitter, on April 9.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, AB 236 was enacted in 2019 with bipartisan support to reform Nevada’s criminal justice system. The law aimed to reduce the state's prison population by reclassifying certain nonviolent offenses, including raising the felony theft threshold from $650 to $1,200 and adjusting penalties for drug possession. Critics argue that these changes have led to an increase in organized retail theft and fentanyl-related offenses.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that under AB 236, the felony threshold for theft in Nevada was increased from $650 to $1,200, meaning thefts below that amount are generally treated as misdemeanors. The law also revised sentencing guidelines for drug offenses, reducing penalties for possession of smaller quantities. These changes were part of broader criminal justice reform efforts in the state.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Governor Joe Lombardo introduced the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act in 2025 to address concerns arising from AB 236. The proposed legislation aims to increase penalties for organized retail theft and fentanyl trafficking, reversing some provisions of the earlier law. Supporters believe it will restore accountability for crimes that have seen increased public concern.

The Nevada War Room is a communications initiative operated by Better Nevada PAC, a conservative political action committee. It functions as a digital platform primarily on X (formerly Twitter) to disseminate political messaging, policy critiques, and endorsements aligned with the PAC's priorities such as public safety, education reform, and government accountability.