Tuesday, March 11, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
Victims in Nevada will no longer have to suffer twice for the same crime, thanks to a bill signed by Gov. Bob Miller.
What was known as Assembly Bill 19 became law Friday, this session's third bill signed into law and the first such individually sponsored piece of legislation. It prohibits a person convicted of a felony from suing the victim for injuries suffered or personal property damaged during the time the felony was committed.
"This is legislation that makes sense," said Reno Assemblyman Brian Sandoval, who introduced the bill. "I am proud that the Legislature and the governor acted with such swiftness."
Sandoval said he was shocked to learn that felons in Nevada could find a way to sue property owners.
"Just imagine if a burglar broke a window, entered your home, stole your belongings and then turned around and sued you because he cut his hand on the glass of the window," Sandoval said.
"It is almost preposterous to think that a store can be sued because a burglar tripped in the parking lot while fleeing from the scene of the crime, but it happened to one of our members," said Mary Lau, executive director of the Retail Association of Nevada, commending Sandoval for his initiative.
"Victims should not be victimized twice."
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