Las Vegas, NV — On Monday, August 4, 2025, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo officially signed Senate Bill 114, also known as Miya’s Law, into law during a ceremonial event in Las Vegas.

Championed by Senator Julie Pazina, the legislation strengthens tenant protections across Nevada by requiring background checks for apartment maintenance workers and establishing rigorous key security protocols in residential complexes.

Named in memory of Miya Marcano, a 19-year-old Florida college student who was murdered in her apartment by a maintenance worker with unauthorized access, the law was created to prevent similar tragedies through common-sense, enforceable safety measures.

SB 114 passed unanimously in both chambers of the Nevada Legislature, signaling strong bipartisan support for proactive tenant safety reform.

“Every Nevadan deserves to feel safe in their home,” said Senator Julie Pazina, sponsor of the bill.

“Miya’s Law ensures that apartment complexes are held to a higher standard when it comes to who is given access to private spaces. This bill is about saving lives and honoring Miya’s memory through action.”

The signing ceremony brought together elected officials, housing advocates, members of the

Miya Marcano Foundation, and Miya’s family, who have become national voices for legislative change.

“No one should have the kind of access that allowed Miya’s killer to walk into her home without warning,” said Yma Scarbriel, Miya’s mother. “I’m grateful to Nevada’s leaders for standing with our family and taking action so that no other parent has to go through what we’ve endured.”

SB 114 mandates:

  • Criminal background checks for employees with access to master keys
  • Written key control policies, including procedures for storage, usage, and return of keys
  • Key tracking logs to ensure full transparency and oversight in unit access

These provisions closely align with legislation first enacted in Florida in 2022 and later in Virginia in 2023, following Miya’s tragic death.

A National Movement for Safer Housing

With the passage of SB 114, Nevada becomes the third state to enact Miya’s Law, adding momentum to a growing national effort led by the Miya Marcano Foundation. Advocacy is now underway to expand these protections to additional states, including Texas, New York, and Georgia.

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.