A historic victory for residential safety and tenant rights, Senate Bill 114—widely known as Miya’s Law—has officially been signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo.
Sponsored by Senator Julie Pazina, the legislation passed unanimously out of the Nevada Assembly, marking a bipartisan commitment to honoring the legacy of 19-year-old Miya Marcano and preventing future tragedies.
The ceremonial bill signing is scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PT in Las Vegas.
Named in memory of Miya Marcano, a college student who was murdered in her Florida apartment by a maintenance worker with unauthorized access, Miya’s Law ensures stronger safeguards for tenants across Nevada.
The legislation requires property managers at large apartment complexes to conduct background checks on employees and implement strict key control systems—provisions that could have saved Miya’s life.
Key Provisions of Miya’s Law (SB 114):
- Mandatory Background Checks: Apartment complexes with 100+ units must conduct criminal background screenings for employees who can access master keys.
- Key Control Policies: Clear, written protocols for secure storage, handling, and return of all keys.
- Key Tracking Logs: Formalized logbooks documenting when, by whom, and for what purpose keys are used, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A Law Born from Tragedy and Driven by Advocacy
“This legislation is about one simple principle: safety,” said Senator Julie Pazina. “Every Nevadan deserves to feel secure in their own home. Miya’s Law will ensure that landlords and property managers take that responsibility seriously.”
Miya’s family, including her mother Yma Scarbriel, has become a national voice for tenant protections, testifying across states and championing reforms in her daughter’s name.
“No parent should ever endure what we did,” said Scarbriel. “Miya’s Law isn’t just about my child—it’s about protecting every student, every renter, every family from the trauma we faced.”
The Urgent Need for Enforcement: A Recent Case in Florida
The passage of SB 114 comes amid renewed concerns about apartment safety nationwide.
Just last week, Nana Laureano, a resident at Eastmar Commons Apartments in Orlando, reported that a maintenance supervisor with a questionable background entered her grandmother’s vacated apartment without notice.
More than $3,500 worth of her son’s collectibles were allegedly stolen.
“The same kind of unchecked access that cost Miya her life is still happening today,” said Laureano. “We reported it, filed a police case, but nothing has changed. The same person is still employed and still has access.”
Laureano’s case underscores the urgency for widespread adoption and enforcement of Miya’s Law across all states—especially in high-density rental communities.
A National Movement in Motion
With laws already passed in Florida and Virginia, and now Nevada, Miya’s Law is quickly becoming a national model for residential safety. The Miya Marcano Foundation and its partners—including advocacy groups, legislators, and communications firm The Brand Development Group—will continue pushing for adoption in other states.
“This is Miya’s legacy,” said Scarbriel. “And it’s only just beginning.”
About the Miya Marcano Foundation
Established in the wake of Miya’s tragic passing, the Miya Marcano Foundation is dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering families of missing persons while advocating for policy changes to enhance safety and security in residential communities nationwide.
