Nevada SB 413 and good time credits: the complete guide
When does Nevada SB 413 start? July 1, 2027, after AB 542 (2025) and AB 4 (2025 special session) delayed it. The new method in NRS 209.4467 gives eligible people credit equal to 35% of the minimum term (toward parole eligibility) and 35% of the maximum term (toward expiration). Violent, sex, felony DUI and category A/B felony convictions are excluded from the minimum-term credit only. Until then, current good time under NRS 209.4465 applies.
Nevada good time at a glance
| Law in effect now | NRS 209.4465: 20 days a month for good behavior, plus work, study, education and meritorious credits. [NRS 209.4465] |
|---|---|
| New method | NRS 209.4467 (created by SB 413): credit equal to 35% of the minimum and of the maximum term. [NRS 209.4467] |
| Scheduled start | July 1, 2027, after two delays. [AB 542] [AB 4] |
| Next chance to change | The 2027 legislative session, starting February 2027 |
| Who calculates dates | Only the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) |
How Nevada good time credits work today (NRS 209.4465)
This is the law for people sentenced for crimes committed on or after July 17, 1997. It stays in place until the new method starts, and keeps applying afterward to people with earlier crimes who don't elect the new method. [NRS 209.4465]
- Statutory ("stat") credit: 20 days a month for each month served with no serious infraction and faithful performance of assigned duties. It counts in prison, in residential confinement, and in certain Division of Parole and Probation custody. [209.4465(1)]
- Work and study: up to 10 more days a month, at the NDOC Director's discretion. [209.4465(2)]
- Education: 60 days for a GED or equivalent, 90 days for a high school diploma, 120 days for a first associate degree, and up to 90 days for each additional degree (discretionary). [209.4465(2)-(3)]
- Programs outside the prison: up to 10 days a month for a restitution center, reentry program, conservation camp, work release or similar program. People earning this credit can earn the full 30 days a month. [209.4465(4)]
- Meritorious credit: up to 90 days a year for exceptional meritorious service. [209.4465(5)]
- Emergency credit: the Governor may authorize up to 5 more days a month by executive order, applied to everyone. [209.4465(10)]
- Cap: no one can earn more credit than it takes to expire the sentence. [NRS 209.4495]
- On parole: 20 days a month while on parole (for terms less than life) if current on supervision fees and restitution. [NRS 209.4475]
Minimum vs maximum: parole eligibility vs expiration
Nevada sentences have a minimum term (tied to parole eligibility) and a maximum term (tied to expiration). Credits treat them differently:
- Credits are always deducted from the maximum term, which moves the expiration date earlier. [209.4465(7)(a)]
- Credits apply to parole eligibility unless the sentencing statute sets a minimum that must be served first. [209.4465(7)(b)]
- For people not convicted of a felony involving the use or threatened use of force or violence; a felony sexual offense; a felony DUI under NRS 484C.110, 484C.120, 484C.130 or 484C.430; or a category A or B felony, or felony animal cruelty under NRS 574.100(6), credits are also deducted from the minimum term until parole eligibility. [209.4465(8)]
- That minimum-term reduction is capped at 58% for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2014 (or aggregation elections made on or after that date). [209.4465(9)]
- Mandatory parole: a person serving 3 years or more who hasn't been paroled on that sentence and isn't otherwise ineligible must be released on parole 12 months before the end of the maximum term as reduced by credits. Exceptions apply, including when a consecutive sentence remains. [NRS 213.1215(1)]
NDOC's official parole eligibility date (PED) and projected expiration date (PEXD) already include the credits NDOC has applied so far. They change as credits are earned or forfeited. How to read an NDOC record
SB 413's 35% method, in detail (NRS 209.4467, effective July 1, 2027)
- Minimum-term credit: credit equal to 35% of the minimum term (or minimum aggregate term), plus up to 90 days a year of meritorious credit. It counts only while actually incarcerated and applies to parole eligibility. [209.4467(1)]
- Maximum-term credit: credit equal to 35% of the maximum term, plus up to 90 days a year of meritorious credit. It counts in prison, residential confinement, and certain Division custody, on top of credits other statutes allow. [209.4467(2)]
- Who's covered automatically: people sentenced for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2027. [209.4467]
- Earlier crimes: an irrevocable election. People sentenced for crimes before July 1, 2027 may elect the new method for both the minimum and maximum. Before anyone elects, NDOC must give a written projection comparing estimated credit under each method. [209.4467(3)]
- The within-2-years rule (AB 4 §58.2): people in NDOC custody who are within 2 years of completing their minimum or maximum term on or after July 1, 2027 are subject to the section and may elect. If they become eligible earlier under the new calculation, the Director may allow early parole consideration or release. [209.4467(4)] [AB 4]
- Programming matters: NDOC must give each person a list of programs from their risk and needs assessment and report completed programs to the Parole Board. Regulations must require forfeiting credits if the person doesn't follow assigned programming and placement. [209.4467(6)-(7)]
- No retroactive loss: the section can't reduce credit earned under earlier law if that would violate the U.S. or Nevada Constitution. [209.4467(5)]
Who's excluded, and from what
Exclusions are tied to a specific credit, not to the whole law. This is the most common mistake we see.
| Credit | Not available to people convicted of |
|---|---|
| Today: credits off the minimum term (NRS 209.4465(8)) | a felony involving the use or threatened use of force or violence; a felony sexual offense; a felony DUI under NRS 484C.110, 484C.120, 484C.130 or 484C.430; or a category A or B felony; or felony animal cruelty under NRS 574.100(6) |
| Today: credits off the maximum term (NRS 209.4465(7)) | No offense-based exclusion listed |
| 2027: 35% off the minimum term (NRS 209.4467(1)) | a felony involving the use or threatened use of force or violence; a felony sexual offense; a felony DUI under NRS 484C.110, 484C.120, 484C.130 or 484C.430; or a category A or B felony |
| 2027: 35% off the maximum term (NRS 209.4467(2)) | No offense-based exclusion listed |
Which category a conviction falls in comes from the Judgment of Conviction and NDOC's classification. Life-without-parole sentences have no parole eligibility. Ask NDOC Family Services or an attorney about a specific case.
How the Parole Board process works
- 1. Eligibility list. NDOC decides who is eligible and prepares eligibility lists; the Board posts them. [Parole Board]
- 2. Hearing. The Board posts monthly hearing schedules. Families and supporters can write to the Board. [Hearings]
- 3. Decision. The Board weighs factors set by law. These include how likely the person is to obey the law, how serious the crime was, past record, the Board's standards, and what victims say. [NRS 213.1099]
- 4. If denied, a rehearing must be within 3 years (5 years if more than 10 years remain). [NRS 213.142]
Nevada parole eligibility, explained Hearings, release and reentry
2027 session watch: dates and how to take part
The 84th Nevada Legislature begins February 1, 2027, five months before the 35% method is scheduled to start. [NELIS] The Nevada Constitution limits a regular session to 120 calendar days, counting the first day, so it must end by midnight on May 31, 2027. [Nev. Const. art. 4, sec. 2] Lawmakers could delay the 35% method again, change who qualifies, or leave it alone. Watch for any bill amending NRS 209.4465 or 209.4467, and NDOC's sentence-management system (AB 542 extended NDOC's deadline to use funds for integrating its Offender Sentence Management System to September 17, 2027). [AB 542]
How families can follow bills and testify
- Find bills: use the NELIS bill list for the 2027 session. Search for "209.4465", "209.4467" or "credits".
- Share your opinion: create a free Nevada Legislature account, open the bill, and use "Submit Opinion" at the bottom of the Overview tab. [NELIS help]
- Watch hearings: every meeting has a "View" button for the livestream or video. No sign-in needed. [NELIS help]
- Testify: each committee agenda explains how to testify in person (Carson City or Las Vegas) or by phone, and use the "Participate" option. Written comments go to the committee email on its Overview tab. [Assembly guide]
We check official sources daily and post changes on News and to Nevada alerts. See also release programs (184, 305, 317) and transitional housing and approved addresses.
Timeline
- SB 413 enacted (2023 Statutes ch. 394), originally effective July 1, 2025.
- AB 542 signed: start delayed to July 1, 2026; meritorious credit and written projections added.
- AB 4 (36th Special Session) delays the start to July 1, 2027 and adds the within-2-years rule.
- Nevada Legislature convenes; changes possible.
- Scheduled start of the 35% credit method.
FAQ
When does Nevada SB 413 take effect?
The 35% credit method in NRS 209.4467 is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027. SB 413 (2023) originally set July 1, 2025; AB 542 (2025) moved it to July 1, 2026; AB 4 from the 36th Special Session (2025) moved it to July 1, 2027. The Legislature meets again in February 2027 and could change it.
What is Nevada's 35 percent good time credit?
Under NRS 209.4467, an eligible person gets credit equal to 35% of the minimum term, which moves up parole eligibility. They also get 35% of the maximum term, which moves up the end of the sentence. NDOC can add up to 90 days a year of meritorious credit. Regulations must require forfeiture if the person does not follow the programming in their risk and needs assessment.
Does the 35% credit apply to violent or sex offenses?
The credit toward parole eligibility does not apply to some crimes. These are violent felonies, felony sex crimes, some felony DUIs, and category A or B felonies. The statute lists no such exclusions for the maximum-term credit. NDOC applies the law to each record.
What did AB 4 (2025 special session) change about prison credits?
AB 4 delayed the 35% method to July 1, 2027 (sections 58.2 to 58.7). It also covers people in custody who are within 2 years of finishing their minimum or maximum term on or after July 1, 2027. They can choose the new method. The NDOC Director may allow early parole review or release.
What did AB 542 change?
AB 542 (2025) delayed the start to July 1, 2026, added up to 90 days a year of meritorious credit to the new method, and requires NDOC to give a written projection comparing both methods before someone elects. AB 4 later delayed the start again.
How does good time work in Nevada right now?
Under NRS 209.4465, people earn 20 days of credit per month for good behavior and faithful work, up to 10 more days a month for work or study, education credits (60 days for a GED, 90 for a high school diploma, 120 for a first associate degree), and up to 90 days a year for meritorious service. Credits come off the maximum term; for people not convicted of excluded offenses they also come off the minimum term, by no more than 58% for offenses on or after July 1, 2014.
How do I find a Nevada inmate's release date?
Use the official NDOC Offender Search at ofdsearch.doc.nv.gov or our lookup of NDOC's public data. Look for the parole eligibility date (PED) and the projected expiration date (PEXD). These already include credits NDOC has applied and can change. Only NDOC calculates official dates.
Is there a Nevada parole eligibility calculator?
We don't offer one because an accurate date depends on NDOC's record of credits earned and lost, sentence structure, and exclusions. NDOC computes the official parole eligibility date. Our Nevada screener explains which rules might apply without computing a date.
What is mandatory parole in Nevada?
Under NRS 213.1215, some people must be released on parole 12 months before the end of their maximum term, after credits. This applies to terms of 3 years or more, if the person has not been paroled on that sentence and is not otherwise barred. There are exceptions, including when a consecutive sentence is still to be served.
How long until the next parole hearing after a denial?
Under NRS 213.142, the Board schedules a rehearing within 3 years, or within 5 years if more than 10 years remain on the sentence (not counting credits).
Do you have to apply for SB 413 credits?
People sentenced for crimes on or after July 1, 2027 are covered automatically. People sentenced for earlier crimes may make an irrevocable election, and NDOC must first give them a written projection comparing both methods.
Tools for families
Rule version
| Law | SB 413 (2023), as delayed by AB 4 (2025 special session) |
|---|---|
| Citation | NRS 209.4465 / SB 413 §§1-8; AB 542 (2025); AB 4 (2025 SS) |
| Effective | July 1, 2027 at 12:00 AM Pacific |
| Version | 2025.2 |
| Last verified | 2026-10-15 |
Nevada updates
Primary sources
Sources: Nevada Legislature: SB 413 (2023) · AB 4 (36th Special Session, 2025) · NRS 209.4467 · Last verified: · Corrections