Nevada corrections officials appeared before state lawmakers Tuesday to provide an update on efforts to strengthen protections for transgender people who are incarcerated and to reduce the use of solitary confinement in state prisons. While officials outlined regulatory changes adopted in response to recent legislation, lawmakers raised questions about implementation, data gaps, and whether the reforms are producing measurable outcomes.
The discussion took place during a meeting of the interim Judiciary Committee, which continues to monitor laws passed during the 2023 Legislative Session aimed at reforming the state’s correctional system.
Background
Two major bills passed in 2023 significantly altered Nevada Department of Corrections policies. Senate Bill 153 required the department to adopt regulations governing supervision, housing, medical care, mental health treatment, and safety standards for people who are transgender, gender nonconforming, or gender nonbinary. Senate Bill 307 restricted the use of solitary confinement, allowing it only as a last resort, for the least restrictive purpose, and for the shortest time possible.
Lawmakers said the hearing was intended to assess whether those requirements are being met and how incarcerated individuals are affected by the changes.
Solitary
During the hearing, lawmakers pointed to racial disparities in the use of solitary confinement. Data presented showed that 45 percent of people placed in solitary confinement in Nevada prisons last year were Black. Corrections officials estimated that the overall prison population is close to 40 percent Black, though they did not provide a precise breakdown at the meeting.
Don Southworth, chief of the offender management division, told lawmakers that the overall number of people held in solitary confinement has been trending downward, despite a spike last year. He attributed that increase to a temporary transfer of incarcerated people between Ely State Prison and High Desert State Prison, which required lockdowns during the transition.
Southworth said data from 2025 shows that more than 70 percent of people in solitary confinement are there for safety reasons rather than as punishment. This includes individuals who request separation from the general population due to fear or perceived risk.
Limits
Southworth said the department’s long-term goal is to eliminate the use of solitary confinement entirely, but staffing shortages remain a major obstacle. The 2023 legislation requires that a multidisciplinary treatment team, including a licensed mental health clinician, review cases after a person has spent 15 consecutive days in solitary confinement.
According to Southworth, the law’s definition of licensed clinicians does not always align with existing staffing standards within the department, creating compliance challenges.
Transgender
Lawmakers also examined the implementation of SB 153, which was enacted following testimony from transgender and intersex incarcerated individuals who said the lack of clear policies left them vulnerable to violence and sexual assault.
Of the 10,526 people currently incarcerated in Nevada prisons, officials said 70 identify as transgender or intersex. The department’s administrative regulation to comply with SB 153 was approved last year, along with standard protocols for housing, medical care, and supervision.
Kenneth Williams, NDOC’s medical director, said individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse undergo an intake assessment that evaluates medical history, mental health needs, current medications, and any prior or planned gender-affirming treatments.
Housing
Housing determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, Southworth said. Officials consider programming needs, medical and mental health restrictions, and safety risks, including assessments conducted under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Transgender and intersex individuals are re-evaluated every six months to reassess housing and care needs. NDOC has also implemented mandatory cultural competency training for staff to address the needs of transgender incarcerated people.
Oversight
Several lawmakers asked whether NDOC has collected data on victimization rates among transgender individuals or whether the new regulations have improved safety. Corrections officials said that information was not available.
Democratic Assemblymember Cecelia González also asked whether the department had received feedback from incarcerated individuals about the impact of staff training. Officials said they had not collected such feedback.
Lawmakers indicated that further oversight would continue as additional data becomes available and as agencies work to address implementation challenges.
FAQs
What did SB 153 change?
It set standards for transgender inmate care.
What does SB 307 restrict?
It limits when solitary confinement can be used.
Why did solitary use increase last year?
Due to prison transfers and lockdowns.
How many trans people are incarcerated?
About 70 individuals statewide.
Are lawmakers satisfied with progress?
They say more data is needed.
