Previous attempts to put the law back on the books have failed
Las Vegas officials and hospitality leaders are weighing whether to bring back a special court system dedicated to handling crime on the Strip. The idea centers on reviving the Resort Corridor Court, which operated between 2023 and 2024 before being dissolved. Supporters argue the court created a safer environment for tourists and hospitality workers, while critics say it unfairly targeted vulnerable groups, particularly the homeless.
The original court was designed to handle crimes committed within the resort corridor, including petty theft, assault, drug offenses, and loitering. Judges were able to issue “order-out” provisions, banning repeat offenders from the Strip for a set period of time.
Industry leaders such as Ted Pappageorge of the Culinary Union Local 226 and Virginia Valentine of the Nevada Resort Association believe these measures helped reduce disruptive behavior and kept visitors feeling safe. They now want the Legislature to consider reestablishing the court in an upcoming special session.
Public defenders, however, strongly oppose the move. They describe the system as a “plea factory” that overloaded defendants with harsh penalties for minor offenses, often resulting in long jail sentences at taxpayer expense. Attorneys also argue that the court did little to address root problems such as homelessness, lack of housing, or substance abuse treatment, and instead focused solely on removing people from the Strip.
Crime statistics add complexity to the debate. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department data shows crime in the area actually dropped after the court was disbanded — with double-digit decreases in violent, property, and nonviolent offenses between July 2024 and July 2025. Still, hospitality leaders warn that many crimes go unreported and that high-profile incidents can damage the city’s reputation, threatening its tourism-driven economy.
Lawmakers previously attempted to attach its reinstatement to a broader crime bill, which failed to pass. For now, the discussion highlights the challenge Las Vegas faces in balancing public safety, tourism, and civil liberties in its signature resort corridor.
