Advisory Committee Note 2019 Amendment Subsection (a). Rule 6(a) represents a major change in calculating time deadlines. It adopts the federal time-computation provisions in FRCP 6(a). Under Rule 6(a)(1), all deadlines stated in days are computed the same way, regardless of how long or short the period is. This simplifies time computation and facilitates “day-of-the-week” counting, but it has required revision to time deadlines stated elsewhere in the NRCP. To compensate for the shortening of time periods previously expressed as less than 11 days by the directive to count intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, many of the periods have been lengthened. In general, former periods of 5 or fewer days are lengthened to 7 days, while time periods between 6 and 15 days are now set to 14 days. Time periods of 16 to 20 days were set to 21 days, and periods longer than 30 days were retained without change. The use of 7-, 14-, and 21-day periods enables “day-of-the-week” counting; for example, if a motion was filed and served on Wednesday with 7 days to respond, the opposition would be due the following Wednesday. Statutory-and rule-based time periods subject to this rule may not be changed concurrently with this rule. If a reduction in the times to respond under those statutes and rules results, an extension of time may be warranted to prevent prejudice.

Subsection (b). Rule 6(b) addresses extensions of time. While it borrows language from its federal rule counterpart, the rule retains Nevada-specific provisions governing stipulations for extension of time, subject to court approval. Rule 6(b) provides the court may extend the time to act “for good cause.” If another rule provides a method for extending time, such as Rule 29 for stipulations about discovery, the court or the parties may extend time as provided in that rule.

Subsection (c). Rule 6(c), previously NRCP 6(d), is conformed to FRCP 6(c), with reference to Nevada’s local rules. The local rules govern motion practice in general and may provide, for example, larger periods of time in which to file motions, specific procedures governing motion practice, or procedures to request a hearing or to submit a motion without a hearing.

Subsection (d). Rule 6(d) limits the instances in which three additional days will be added to a time calculation to instances in which service is accomplished by mail, by leaving it with the clerk, or in cases involving express consent.

In all other respects, the 2019 amendments to the NRCP and the companion amendments to the Nevada Electronic Filing and Conversion Rules (NEFCR) and the NRAP eliminate the former inconsistent provisions for adding three days for electronic service. These amendments also require the simultaneous filing and service of documents on submission to a court’s electronic filing system. The Committee recognizes this will require local rule amendments and changes to existing electronic filing systems. However, the Committee agrees with the following advisory committee notes to the 2016 amendments to FRCP 6, which explain that the FRCP were amended

in 2001 to provide for service by electronic means. Although electronic transmission seemed virtually instantaneous even then, electronic service was included in the modes of service that allow 3 added days to act after being served. There were concerns that the transmission might be delayed for some time, and particular concerns that incompatible systems might make it difficult or impossible to open attachments. These concerns have been substantially alleviated by advances in technology and in widespread skill in using electronic transmission.

Diminution of the concerns that prompted the decision to allow the 3 added days for electronic transmission is not the only reason for discarding this indulgence. Many rules have been changed to ease the task of computing time by adopting the 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-day periods that allow ‘day-of-the-week’ counting. Adding 3 days at the end complicated the counting, and increased the occasions for further complication by invoking the provisions that apply when the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

Requiring simultaneous filing and service of documents submitted to an electronic filing system will take advantage of the speed of electronic communication and reduce litigation delays. If electronic service after business hours, or just before or during a weekend or holiday, results in a practical reduction of the time available to respond, an extension of time may be warranted to prevent prejudice. Consent to and use of electronic filing and service remain governed by local courts and the NEFCR.

Drafter’s Note

2004 Amendment

Subdivision (a) is revised to extend the exclusion of intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and nonjudicial days to the computation of time periods less than 11 days consistent with the 1985 amendments to the federal rule. Additionally, the ”inaccessibility of the court” provision found in subdivision (a) of the federal rule is added to Rule 6(a). Subdivision (a) is further amended, by adding language referring to ”proceedings filed under Titles 12 or 13 of the Nevada Revised Statutes,” to avoid any changes to current procedures in probate, guardianship and trust proceedings.

Subdivision (b) is amended to preclude the district court from extending the time for taking any action under Rule 50(c)(2), except to the extent and under the conditions stated in that rule. The revision is consistent with the federal rule.

Subdivision (d) is amended to require that an affidavit in support of an opposition to a motion must be served with the opposition. The revised rule is based on local rules in several districts. The revised rule does not incorporate language in the federal rule that requires opposing affidavits to be filed 1 day before the hearing.

Subdivision (e) is amended to provide an additional 3 days to act in response to a paper that is served by electronic means under new paragraph (2)(D) added to Rule 5(b).