Restoring felon rights amended by Senate

The Senate on Wednesday voted to weaken legislation restoring the civil rights of ex-felons.

The version of Assembly Bill 337 passed by the Assembly returns civil rights, including the right to vote and hold office, to first-time offenders immediately upon discharge from prison and completion of any other portions of the sentence.

Those with more than one felony or who committed a serious, violent crime would still have appear before a judge to get their rights back.

The plan was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, but Sen. Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas proposed an amendment that would delay automatic restoration of any civil rights for two years following release.

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, a former prosecutor, pointed out that even the state's district attorneys signed off on the bill as written.

But the amendment was approved, with majority Republicans standing together to delay any restoration of civil rights for felons.

The vote on the bill itself is expected before the end of the week. Then the Senate and Assembly members will meet to eliminate differences between the two versions.