Nevada: The CROWN Act (AB135)
Adopted: June 2021 Bill Number: AB135 Governor: Steve Sisolak Status: Enacted
Nevada enacted its CROWN Act in June 2021 when Governor Steve Sisolak signed AB135, prohibiting discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles. The legislation brought protections to a state whose economy relies heavily on hospitality and service industries where appearance standards are particularly strict.
Key Provisions
Nevada Revised Statutes amendment. AB135 amends Nevada’s anti-discrimination statutes to include hair texture and protective hairstyles, including braids, locs, and twists, within the definition of race-based protections.
Employment and public accommodation. The legislation covers employment decisions and public accommodations, including the hospitality and entertainment sectors that dominate Nevada’s economy.
Nevada Equal Rights Commission. The commission has jurisdiction over hair-related discrimination complaints, providing investigation and enforcement capabilities.
Nevada Context
Nevada’s adoption was particularly relevant given the state’s economic structure. Las Vegas and Reno are dominated by hospitality, entertainment, and gaming industries that impose detailed appearance requirements on employees. Front-of-house hotel staff, casino workers, and entertainment personnel have historically faced some of the strictest grooming standards in the country.
With a growing and diversifying population, including approximately 270,000 Black residents, Nevada’s enactment addressed discrimination in industries where hair-based bias is especially prevalent. The legislation required hospitality employers to evaluate whether their appearance standards could withstand scrutiny under the new protections.
Nevada’s adoption in June 2021 was part of the second wave of CROWN Act adoptions that saw five states enact protections that year. For the full timeline, see the CROWN Act timeline. For analysis of the data that informed legislative action, see Data Behind the CROWN Act.
For detailed legal analysis of Nevada’s CROWN Act provisions, contact [email protected].