LAS VEGAS — Nevada judges instituted a unique court two years ago to penalize crimes such as petty theft, assault, drug offenses and loitering committed on the Las Vegas Strip by barring offenders from the state's marquee tourist area for a year.

The program was hailed as a success by the state's powerful casino and resort owners, but others questioned its legality and judges voted to disband it a year and a half later.

But now with tourism in Las Vegas slumping and resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors compared to last year, lawmakers are poised to revive the idea in a special session that began Thursday even as crime has been dropping.

Major casinos and labor unions have teamed up on the amendment to Gov. Joe Lombardo’s sweeping crime package to bring back the Resort

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