March 21, 2025
Legislative Updates
Important Dates:
March 24 Last day for committee bill introductions
April 11th First house passage deadline
June 2nd Sine die
‘Soil is a living thing:’ Why a healthy dirt program is again before Nevada lawmakers
With soil as the backbone of healthy food and people, regenerative agriculture proponents seek to begin a voluntary statewide program. (The Nevada Independent)
State politics has a sexual misconduct problem
An updated report released Tuesday identified 400 allegations of sexual harassment against 145 sitting state lawmakers between 2013 and 2024. (The Nevada Independent)
Freshman Orientation: Hanadi Nadeem’s path from Pakistan to Carson City
Nadeem, an immigrant who hails from a family of physicians, is making history as the first Muslim woman in the Nevada Legislature. (The Nevada Independent)
Follow the Money: Which industries gave the most to Nevada lawmakers?
Legislators raised more than $16.9 million from high-dollar donors in the 2024 election cycle, with Democrats making up more than two-thirds of the haul. (The Nevada Independent)
Could daily room cleanings be required again in Las Vegas hotels?
The Culinary Union is supporting a recently filed piece of legislation that requires most hotel rooms to be cleaned daily. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada teachers in hard-to-fill positions would get more pay under bill
As the stipends for teachers in special education and Title I schools comes to an end, a new bill in the legislature could revive extra compensation for hard-to-fill positions. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
New CCSD superintendent’s experience sets her up for success, her supporters say
Incoming Clark County Superintendent Jhone Ebert knows where to go to advocate for local schools. It’s a place with which she is familiar: the Nevada Legislature. (Las Vegas Sun)
Doctor makes case for expanding Nevada Medicaid coverage of anti-obesity drugs
Senate Bill 244 mandates that Nevada Medicaid cover intensive behavioral and lifestyle treatment programs, specific surgical interventions, and at least one FDA-approved anti-obesity medication. (thisisreno.com)
Democratic senators propose tighter oversight for Nevada charter schools and EMOs
Senate Bill 318 aims to reform Nevada charter schools by eliminating EMOs, and mandating that charter schools and their sponsors adhere to competitive bidding and prevailing wage requirements.(thisisreno.com)
Legislation would mandate prison time for killing a domestic animal
Assembly Bill 381 aims to increase penalties for willful and malicious acts that result in the death of an animal from the current potential one to four year sentence to mandatory imprisonment for one to 10 years, and a possible maximum fine of $10,000. (Nevada Current)
Senator lambasts charter school industry as for-profit real estate scheme
Democratic state Sen. Skip Daly is sponsoring legislation that would put an end to what he sees as a loophole that allows for-profit companies to use taxpayer dollars to build quasi-public schools while skirting Nevada’s prevailing wage laws. (Nevada Current)
Governor dashes hopes for a daily room cleaning mandate
Lombardo writes that the measure, authored by a freshman GOP senator, “was no different than the law that was repealed” in 2023 and he wouldn’t sign it. (The Nevada Independent)
Illegal online gambling sites could face stiffer penalties under Nevada bill
In this edition of Indy Gaming, a look at tougher penalties unregulated internet casinos could face. Also, Tahoe casino gets operator’s “Full” support. (The Nevada Independent)
Lawmakers try again to shield gender-affirming care providers from other states’ crackdowns
After last session’s version was vetoed, proponents say they removed broad language, making it similar to the reproductive rights shield law Lombardo signed. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada one of several states considering boosting antitrust protections
Senate Bill 218 would adopt the Uniform Antitrust Pre-Merger Notification Act, which would require companies to submit to state attorneys general the same notices and information they are already required to provide federal agencies prior to mergers or acquisitions. (Nevada Current)
Updates from the Governor’s Office
In case you missed it, today, Governor Joe Lombardo released an op-ed praising President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at improving education outcomes by empowering parents, states, and communities. (gov.nv.gov)
State and Local Government Updates
Settlements were meant to curb opioid epidemic. Critics say Lombardo’s budget misuses them
Experts warn that some $10 million in opioid settlement funding could be going to programs that are not directly addressing the epidemic. Lombardo disputes it. (The Nevada Independent)
Most of the new inquiries are focused on colleges’ partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit that helps students from underrepresented groups get degrees in business. (The Nevada Independent)
Leaving the chambers of a Southern Nevada Water Authority board meeting, Laura McSwain was ready to turn anger into action. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Commissioner Jones receives public reprimand
A disciplinary panel on Monday night declined to strip Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones’ law license, an action the State Bar of Nevada had requested. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Brightline West bond sales beat expectations–$6B in construction loans being lined up
Brightline West’s private activity bond sale far exceeded expectations, signaling investor confidence in the Las Vegas-to-Southern California high-speed rail project. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Which city council members accepted free tickets to sporting events?
A city council member in Henderson and one in North Las Vegas each accepted free tickets to sporting events last year, according to annual financial disclosure statements — a move increasingly under scrutiny by state ethics officials. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada official faces ethics commission over Golden Knights perks
The state energy office director accepted free tickets and access to luxury watch parties during talks about a partnership deal with the hockey franchise, according to an ethics complaint. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
‘If it’s not grown, it’s mined’: CCSD teachers get crash course on mining
The Nevada Mining Association and the Nevada Division of Mines are hosting a two-day workshop that will bring teachers all the way to Beatty to tour a gold mine. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada teachers in hard-to-fill positions would get more pay under bill
As the stipends for teachers in special education and Title I schools comes to an end, a new bill in the legislature could revive extra compensation for hard-to-fill positions. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Clark County commissioner receives public reprimand, keeps law license
A disciplinary panel declined to strip Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones’ law license, an action the State Bar of Nevada had requested. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Washoe County to revamp citizen advisory boards
Washoe’s Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to open up the county code to make changes to citizen advisory boards (CABs). Washoe County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gustafson presented the proposed changes to commissioners and said it would be the first update of CABs in the county code since 2015. (thisisreno.com)
Police report filed against Reno City Council member Devon Reese
Reno City Council member Devon Reese has been accused harassment following an incident at a local wine bar. Michael Leonard, the complainant, claims Reese acted aggressively toward him and threatened to call the police. Reese said the opposite occurred. (thisisreno.com)
Downtown Reno Partnership budget approved with $4 million funding
The Reno City Council has approved the Downtown Reno Partnership’s annual operating budget and assessment plan for the Business Improvement District. The plan includes the addition of more ambassadors, continuation of the “Positively Downtown” initiative, and investment in various downtown activations, including roller skating events. (thisisreno.com)
After 2023 veto, Nevada Dems again pushing inaugural committee transparency bill
In today’s edition, Gov. Joe Lombardo will only sign legislation that “protects school choice and expands opportunity,” an effort to punish death threats on the campaign trail and new measure seeks to address high teacher vacancy rates. (The Nevada Independent)
Federal Updates
Dems back stock ban for Congress–Rep. Lee has Nevada’s biggest trading history
Nevada’s Democratic congressional members support prohibiting members of Congress from trading individual stocks — including those whose family members have a long history of trading stocks. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada drugmaker joins legal effort to fight rollback of abortion pill rules
GenBioPro, the Nevada pharmaceutical company that makes and distributes a generic version of the medication abortion drug mifepristone, has joined the Food and Drug Administration in a lawsuit to protect access to the drug that’s become a major method of ending a pregnancy in the United States. (Las Vegas Sun)
Horsford takes unlikely role in GOP-heavy House DOGE Caucus
Nevada U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford is one of two Democrats remaining in a House caucus that was created after billionaire Elon Musk was tasked to head President Donald Trump’s government efficiency initiatives.(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Legislation would protect nuclear assets from drones
The Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense Act would give the U.S. Department of Energy the authority to protect facilities critical to nuclear security from the threat of drones, including when materials are transported to a different location, according to Lee’s office. .(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada lawmakers aim to protect nuclear assets from drones
Reps. Susie Lee and Mark Amodei introduced legislation to give the Department of Energy authority to protect nuclear-related facilities from drones. .(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevadans may face hurdles as Social Security strengthens ID checks
The SSA said it will require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients. Some worry the change will add obstacles for Nevada’s elderly. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Even after court rulings call their firings illegal, federal workers in NV face uncertain future
Federal judges have mandated the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of abruptly terminated federal workers, citing violations of laws governing workforce reductions, leaving many Nevadans affected by the purge feeling uncertain about their employment. (thisisreno.com)
Cortez Masto votes yes; Rosen votes no on Republican spending bill
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer required the backing of seven additional Democratic colleagues to advance the Republican stopgap spending bill. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen opposed the bill, aligning with the majority of Senate Democrats, but Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto supported the bill. (thisisreno.com)
The lifeblood of Nevada’s economy, its casinos, could be targeted by President Donald Trump’s orders to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from corporate and public life, thanks to a provision that calls for civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations. (Nevada Current)
Invoking Musk, NV House Dems blister GOP stopgap resolution; NV senators, up next, mum for now
The U.S. House Tuesday approved legislation to fund the government through September 30. Now the legislation must pass the Senate by a Friday night deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown. (Nevada Current)
Nevada officials react to Ed Department elimination order
Nevada officials, including state Department of Education, respond to President Trump’s signing of an executive order Thursday to dismantle the U.S. agency that oversees federal funds and services supporting schools and colleges. (Nevada Appeal)
How Nevada’s attempt to clarify immigration enforcement rules turned political
When Attorney General Aaron Ford released a 72-page set of “model immigration policies” last month, it became the latest clashing point in the likely 2026 gubernatorial race between Ford, a Democrat, and Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo. (the Nevada Independent)
Education Dept. to close?–Executive order signed; agency to retain some core functions
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department, advancing a campaign promise to take apart an agency that’s been a longtime target of conservatives. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
As Trump dismantles the Department of Education, Nevada education leaders ‘very nervous’
Nevada education advocates are bracing for impact. Between staffing cuts, the Trump administration’s efforts to cancel federally appropriated spending and congressional Republicans’ budget blueprint — which calls for $330 billion in cuts to education and workforce spending over 10 years — federal education funding in the state could be in jeopardy. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Sanders: ‘Fight back’–Senator, AOC hold rally in NLV, tell Dems they need to be tough
Hundreds gathered on Thursday afternoon in North Las Vegas to hear from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about the state of the country and a vision for the future. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
BLM gets $16.5M in online sale–8 of 10 parcels sell, $1.24M over market value
Eight of the 10 parcels listed for sale on EnergyNet.com sold, totaling 41.85 acres, according to the BLM. The land sold more than $1.24 million over fair market value. The parcels ranged from 2.5 acres to 25 acres in size. The two largest parcels, at 25 acres and 10 acres, didn’t sell. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Lawmakers advocating for children of parents facing deportation
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Legislature is examining a system that would give undocumented parents more control over who cares for their children if they are deported during the ongoing mass deportation operations under President Donald Trump’s administration. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Election News Updates
Republicans set sights on flipping three Democratic seats in Nevada in 2026
Democratic Reps. Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford join 23 other House Democrats on the committee’s target list. The committee provides financial contributions, technical assistance and voter education programs to Republican candidates. (Las Vegas Sun)
Follow the Money: Which industries gave the most to Nevada lawmakers?
Legislators raised more than $17.3 million from high-dollar donors in the 2024 election cycle, with Democrats making up more than two-thirds of the haul. (The Nevada Independent)
Articles of Interest
$53M government-funded Las Vegas microbusiness park breaks ground
The park is designed for microbusinesses but also will include affordable housing units in the Historic Westside. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
What are they hiding? DMV stops releasing records after providing them for years
State law allows media organizations to obtain driving histories and registrations, but the new DMV director decided to stop releasing the information. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
What makes this city the happiest in Nevada? Find out here
A new WalletHub study ranked 182 U.S. cities based on 29 key happiness indicators, including depression rates, income growth and daily leisure time. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nevada’s grad student workforce pushes for collective bargaining rights
Graduate students employed within the Nevada System of Higher Education say they have little recourse when dealing with hostile work environments, low pay, demanding workloads, and financial instability. (Nevada Current)
Nevada snowpack improves, but deficits persist
A string of storms in California and Nevada brought some moisture back to the West this winter, improving snowpack in the region, but not enough to erase deficits in the state. Snowpack is a crucial source of water for Nevada and the West. (Nevada Current)
No measles reported yet in Nevada, but state’s vaccination rate slipping
Measles, a highly contagious disease considered to have been eradicated since the turn of the century, is making a comeback. Nevada has no reported cases as of Thursday morning, but public health officials worry the state may be vulnerable as vaccination rates have slipped in recent years. (Nevada Current)
Resorts World Las Vegas agrees to pay $10.5 million fine to settle money laundering violations
The second-largest fine in Nevada gaming history payment covers the Strip resort’s failure to comply with federal anti-money laundering laws. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada has an affordable housing crisis. A new report shows ways to fix it.
Nevada ranks second highest among cost-burdened renters, behind Florida, and fifth in the country for states with the most excessively cost-burdened homeowners. (The Nevada Independent)
Extra security at Loop stations after Tesla attack
Security measures have been heightened around Boring Company Vegas Loop stations amid an array of incidents involving Tesla’s in Las Vegas and across the nation. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
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