Nevada legislators are considering the controversial revival of a special court that banned offenders from the Las Vegas Strip for up to a year, despite ongoing concerns about its legality and impact on homeless populations.
Tourism Slump Sparks Court Revival Debate
The proposed return of the Resort Corridor Court comes as Las Vegas faces a significant tourism decline. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported an 11 percent decrease in visitors between June 2024 and June 2025, creating pressure to enhance the area's appeal to tourists.
Major casino operators and labour unions have formed an unlikely alliance to support the amendment to Governor Joe Lombardo's comprehensive crime package, known as the "Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act." The amendment specifically seeks to reinstate the specialised court that operated for approximately eighteen months before being disbanded.
Virginia Valentine, president of the influential Nevada Resort Association, emphasised the importance of the measure: "It's important for the safety of our guests and for our employees in the workplace. It's also important for the whole guest experience."
Controversial History and Legal Challenges
The original Resort Corridor Court, established two years ago, handled minor offences including petty theft, assault, drug violations and loitering occurring specifically on the Strip and nearby tourism areas. More than 4,100 people received bans from the Strip during its operation, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
However, the court faced significant opposition from civil liberties organisations. Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, argued that "the now-defunct court unfairly targeted homeless people living in the area and was an attempt to privatise public streets."
Critics highlight that offenders violating the ban could be arrested merely for walking on public sidewalks outside resorts, raising constitutional concerns about restricting access to public spaces.
Crime Statistics and Homeless Impact
Paradoxically, crime has decreased across the Strip according to recent data from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Violent crimes like assault and homicide dropped 6 percent from 2024 levels, while trespassing - the most frequently reported offence - decreased by 35 percent.
Opponents argue the court disproportionately affected homeless individuals, with nearly 8,000 people experiencing homelessness in Clark County according to the 2024 annual homelessness census. Many reside in the extensive storm drain networks beneath the Strip.
Nick Shepack of the Fines and Fees Justice Centre described the process as creating a "revolving door for our most vulnerable population in that area," adding that "we can't fine, fee and arrest our way out of these problems."
The proposed amendment includes requirements for annual reporting on the court's activities, addressing previous transparency concerns. The special legislative session began on Thursday 13 November 2025, with lawmakers weighing public safety against civil liberties in one of America's most iconic tourist destinations.
