March 28, 2025
The Trump administration informed Nevada food banks that it was suspending emergency food assistance programs poised to deliver more than 1.3 million pounds of food, at a time when food bank usage in the state remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. That amount of food could provide more than 1 million meals to Nevada families. Nevada’s tourism industry was responsible for nearly $100 billion in economic activity, produced more than 436,000 jobs paying out $24.4 billion in wages, and generated nearly one-third of the state’s general fund revenue in 2024, according to a new report from the Nevada Resort Association. And lots of bills getting past in the legislature, including, AB523, a fast-tracked bill that was heard and passed unanimously Tuesday in the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure just a day after being introduced, states that ridesharing companies would not be liable for harms imposed by their drivers or passengers as long as they provide a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage to drivers while transporting passengers. This marks a decrease from the current minimum threshold of $1.5 million. These Nevada news links and so much more below!
Legislative Updates
April 11th First house passage deadline
June 2nd Sine die
Freshman Orientation: Decades of community service led Heather Goulding to the Assembly
The Reno Democrat helped pass legislation as a volunteer prior to running for office and has been involved in several community organizations. (The Nevada Independent)
Follow the Money: Gaming returns to top of Nevada legislator donors
It’s the first time since the 2018 cycle that casinos and other gaming groups donated more than any other industry, and the most they have donated in a single cycle since The Indy began tracking contributions to lawmakers in the 2016 election cycle. (The Nevada Independent)
Bees, butterflies and beetles — bill would allow Nevada to manage certain invertebrates
If passed, the state’s department of wildlife would gain permission to protect 66 of Nevada’s most imperiled insects. (The Nevada Independent)
Picon punch, cocktails to go and other libation legislation on deck in Nevada
AB375 would make the Picon Punch the state drink and allow for cocktails to go. Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) said the measure will help local businesses, reduce the number of people driving under the influence. (The Nevada Independent)
Lawmakers take another shot at helping voters overcome language barrier
CARSON CITY — Spring Valley High School senior Abigail Negate shoulders the responsibility of translating critical documents — report cards, legal papers, and medical forms — from English to her family’s native Amharic. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada lawmakers take another shot at helping voters overcome language barrier
CARSON CITY — Spring Valley High School senior Abigail Negate shoulders the responsibility of translating critical documents — report cards, legal papers, and medical forms — from English to her family’s native Amharic. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada Democrats Rep. Dina Titus and Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto were listed in the “top ten” among their party for their respective congressional chambers. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada bill would outlaw AI-generated child porn. Here are the pros and cons
Can Nevada outlaw computer-generated child pornography without violating the U.S. Constitution? That was the question before a recent hearing of the state Senate Judiciary Committee. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Pharmacy benefit managers lining pockets at expense of patients, say lawmakers
Third-party companies known as pharmacy benefit managers, which administer prescription drug benefits for health insurance plans, employers, and other organizations including governments, are driving up prescription drug costs, putting small pharmacies out of business, and interfering in the relationship between doctors and their patients, says Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, a Democrat from Las Vegas and the sponsor of Senate Bill 316, a measure that seeks to reform PBMs. (Nevada Current)
Reproductive rights bills in Nevada Legislature tackle IVF, contraceptives, provider protections
Democrats in the Nevada State Legislature two years ago sponsored the Right to Reproductive Health Care Act, a broad bill that covered myriad reproductive health services, including pregnancy care, contraception and sterilization, and treatments for miscarriage and infertility. (Nevada Current)
Traffic cameras proposed for construction zones
Assembly Bill 402, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Selena Torres-Fossett of Las Vegas, seeks to authorize transportation departments and commissions to install automated traffic enforcement systems to enforce speed limits in construction zones. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Uber, Nevada trial lawyers strike deal through bill to limit ridesharing company liability
AB523, a fast-tracked bill that was heard and passed unanimously Tuesday in the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure just a day after being introduced, states that ridesharing companies would not be liable for harms imposed by their drivers or passengers as long as they provide a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage to drivers while transporting passengers. This marks a decrease from the current minimum threshold of $1.5 million. (The Nevada Independent)
Supreme Court upholds Biden rule of serial numbers, background checks for ghost guns
Nevada lawmakers passed a state-level ghost gun ban in 2021, which was quickly challenged in court but ultimately upheld by the state’s Supreme Court in 2024. (The Nevada Independent)
Uber, lawyers prompt AB523–Bill limits ride-hail company liabilities
A bill coming out of a political fight between the state’s trial lawyers and the ride-hailing company Uber was fast-tracked through a Nevada Legislature committee this week. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Sheriff to testify to lawmakers in favor of red light camera bill
Senate Bill 415 would allow traffic cameras to be installed in areas known to have a high rate of crashes and where traditional traffic enforcement methods have failed. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Proposal seeks to strike balance for food vendors, public health
Senate Bill 295, heard Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, would require local health boards to provide targeted outreach and information to sidewalk vendors. The bill also proposes establishing a dedicated task force focused on vendor-related public health policies. (Las Vegas Sun)
Democrats tee up eviction reform Lombardo vetoed two years ago
Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed legislation in 2023 that would have reformed Nevada’s eviction laws, considered some of the nation’s most tenant-hostile. The bill was among numerous tenant protection and eviction protection bills he vetoed. (Nevada Current)
Updates from the Governor’s Office
Governor Lombardo Announces Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction
Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced his appointment of Steve Canavero as the Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Nevada Department of Education. Canavero will officially begin on April 14, 2025. (gov.nv.gov)
Today, Governor Joe Lombardo sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, following their recent announcement of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing. (gov.nv.gov)
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
Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction as part of their lawsuit to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education (ED). On March 13, AG Ford and the coalition filed their lawsuit after the Trump administration announced plans to eliminate 50% of the department’s workforce. (ag.nv.gov)
Ebert ‘exactly what CCSD is looking for’—Incoming superintendent to bring learner-centered approach to schools After 25 years working her way up in the Clark County School District, four as a leader in New York and six as Nevada’s superintendent of public instruction, Ebert is now preparing to become the next superintendent of the Clark County School District. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Transparency sought in 2 cities–Legal dramas afoot in Mesquite, Henderson
Resident Nick Alfonsetti told Mesquite council members that they ought to “do it right this time,” referencing the city’s need for a new police department head amid dramatic legal disputes with its recently fired chief, MaQuade Chesley. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Tackling affordable housing–Governor’s plan includes incentives, easing eligibility
Gov. Joe Lombardo’s proposal for addressing Nevada’s affordable housing crisis includes down payment and rental assistance for working families and incentives for homebuilders, the Republican governor said Monday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Lombardo backs Dept. of Education’s closure–Says dismantling to give power to states
Nevada’s Republican governor said he believes dismantling the U.S. Department of Education will give more power to state officials over Nevada’s curriculum and remove bureaucracy, countering concerns raised by state Democrats and education groups made last week. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Medical students help fill gap in health care system by matching in state
Touro University reported a record number of its osteopathic medical students will remain in Nevada for residencies, with 55 of 169 matched students staying in-state. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
CCSD still paying price for past–Ex-CFO draws checks months after firing
Six months after he was fired amid budget errors, the former chief financial officer of the Clark County School District is still collecting checks. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada’s cannabis industry is positioned to grow should federal policy shift
In the United States’ burgeoning marijuana industry, state lines are more like walls as the drug’s Schedule I narcotic status alongside heroin and LSD makes interstate commerce illegal. (Las Vegas Sun)
Metro won’t be immigration tool–McMahill turns down enforcement requests
Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Wednesday that he has turned down numerous requests from “various different federal agencies” to use the Metropolitan Police Department for immigration enforcement outside the agency’s limited role at the Clark County jail. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Washoe County commission chair says it’s time to talk tax hikes
Local governments are facing budget shortfalls and it’s “time to have a conversation” about increasing taxes, Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill said recently. (Nevada Appeal)
Gaming Commission accepts $10.5M settlement to end case against Resorts World
The new management team and advisory board sat stoically as gaming regulators chastised the Strip property’s operators for its anti-money laundering violations. (The Nevada Independent)
Federal Updates
Trump administration cancels $8M for Nevada schools, food banks to buy from local farms
Feds say the program is a relic from the COVID era and more stable approaches are needed. Producers say the cut will harm smaller farms and rural communities. (The Nevada Independent)
Trump administration cancels $8M for Nevada schools, food banks to buy from local farms
The Trump administration’s cancellation of two programs that allowed states to purchase fresh food from local farmers for use in schools and food banks has left the Nevada Department of Agriculture millions of dollars short in anticipated funding and has imperiled the Home Feeds Nevada program. (The Nevada Independent)
What RFK Jr.’s plans for baby formula mean for parents
“Operation Stork Speed” makes several commitments, including to review the nutrients in baby formula and to increase ingredient testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. (The Nevada Independent)
Lombardo: Lawsuits ‘unfortunate’–Governor critical of attorney general’s actions
The Democratic attorney general has signed on to more than five lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration, from fighting to block cuts to medical research at universities to challenging the power of Elon Musk and the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Titus takes on taxes placed on sports bets–Says illegal bookies gain unfair advantage
Titus, D-Nev., and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Gaming Caucus, reintroduced legislation to repeal the 0.25 percent excise tax placed on all legal sports bets first enacted in 1951 to counter illegal gambling, which she said is no longer relevant. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Postal workers rally to save USPS amid Trump’s proposed cuts
Postal worker Mark Austin II stood with his family among protesters wearing red shirts emblazoned with the phrase “FIGHT LIKE HELL,” demonstrating support for the United States Postal Service, which he credits with providing for his family’s livelihood. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Seniors, rural Americans would bear brunt of DOGE’s SSA cuts
By pushing for such sweeping changes to go into effect so quickly, Trump is demonstrating a base contempt for retirees and other people who rely on Social Security. (Las Vegas Sun)
Tribal leaders say Medicaid cuts would decimate health programs
More than a million Native Americans enrolled in Medicaid or the closely related Children’s Health Insurance Program also rely on the insurance to pay for care outside of tribal health facilities without going into significant medical debt. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
3 questions for Nevada Sen. Cortez Masto: Medicaid cuts, shutdown vote, Trump agreement
U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto visited the Wells Avenue Health Center in Reno last week to see first-hand how President Donald Trump’s possible proposals could affect Nevada families. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Donald Trump signs executive order requiring proof of citizenship in federal elections
WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that looks to force sweeping changes on how elections are conducted across the nation including establishing new voter identification requirements to prove U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. (Reno Gazette Journal)
USDA cancels funding for popular locally grown food programs in Nevada
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has axed two programs that gave Nevada schools and food banks more than $6 million in funds to buy food from local farms and ranchers in the state last year. (Nevada Current)
Republicans in Congress shrug off leaked Signal chat
WASHINGTON — Republicans in control of Congress reacted with a collective shrug Tuesday to the revelation that top Trump administration national security officials had used a messaging app to chat about military operations, even as Democrats expressed outrage and called for an investigation and resignations. (Las Vegas Sun)
Funding shut off for local school food programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending funding for two programs that supported locally sourced food options for Nevada schools and food banks as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to cut down on federal spending. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Trump’s push for election overhaul faces Nevada backlash
President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order on elections that calls for states to be penalized for noncompliance has raised concerns with Nevada’s top elections official. (Las Vegas Sun)
Trump deflects seriousness of messages by top aides on Signal
President Donald Trump on Wednesday decried concerns over the transmission of military plans on the messaging app Signal. (Las Vegas Sun)
Trump admin abruptly ends NV mental health, immunization grants; 25 employees laid off
The full effects of the move were not immediately clear, but a top state health official said it will have “substantial impacts.” (The Nevada Independent)
Trump funding freeze threatens Walker Paiute water security, housing development
Reliable drinking water, new homes, and community solar power are now further out of reach for members of the Walker River Paiute Tribe after the Trump administration froze $20 million in federal funding awarded to the Tribe. (Nevada Current)
Social Security change coming this week: Agency begins taking back 100% of overpayments
Social Security is reinstating its controversial plan to withhold 100% of people’s benefits if the agency has overpaid them. Last year, it began withholding 10% of funds it accidentally overpaid. (Reno Gazette Journal)
DOGE stimulus check update: Here’s when dividends may be sent and who would get one
As inflation continues to hit Americans in the pocketbook, many still hope a DOGE dividend is still possible despite the relative lack of new details on the topic. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Fired Great Basin National Park rangers back to work, but fears linger
Five Great Basin National Park employees – about 20 percent of the park’s staff – have been rehired after being laid off in February. But staffing uncertainty remains. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada food banks short 1.3 million pounds of food after Trump admin freezes more programs
Food banks were notified on Tuesday that food deliveries from the federal government had been cancelled. (The Nevada Independent)
Trump names GOP attorney Sigal Chattah as interim U.S. attorney for Nevada
Chattah, the Republican National Committeewoman for Nevada, has long been an ally of President Donald Trump. She has filed numerous lawsuits challenging Nevada’s election laws, including representing the state Republican Party in its efforts to cancel the 2024 Republican presidential primary and challenging a state law aimed at protecting election workers. (The Nevada Independent)
Here’s when Social Security payments go out in April and the rest of 2025: See dates
The future of Social Security is top of mind for millions of Americans who get a monthly check from the benefits program. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Election News Updates
Trump order seeks to overhaul US elections; Nevada SOS calls it ‘federal overreach’
Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar said the order calls for safeguards that already exist in Nevada and that his office is determining how to proceed. (The Nevada Independent)
Articles of Interest
Supreme Court declines to take up Wynn’s challenge to landmark libel law
A Nevada law professor noted the filing could have weakened press freedom protections from the 1964 New York Times vs. Sullivan ruling. (The Nevada Independent)
More than 7,000 evictions filed–Report: Notices remain above pre-pandemic levels in valley Roughly 7,288 eviction notices were filed in the Las Vegas Valley through the end of February, according to a new report. The Las Vegas metro ranks seventh out of the 36 metros tracked out of 10 states for the most eviction filings, with more filings than New York City and Philadelphia, according to a new report from Eviction Lab, which is run out of Princeton University. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Big changes ahead for LVCVA tourism marketers R&R Partners
Billy Vassiliadis, the owner of 50-year-old R&R Partners since 1994 when he purchased it from political consultant Sig Rogich, is stepping down from day-to-day management of the company to a chairman role. He’ll turn over his CEO responsibilities to partner and President Michon Martin. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Tourism created $100B in ’24–One-third of Nevada’s general fund revenue
Nevada’s tourism industry was responsible for nearly $100 billion in economic activity, produced more than 436,000 jobs paying out $24.4 billion in wages, and generated nearly one-third of the state’s general fund revenue in 2024, according to a new report from the Nevada Resort Association. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
MGM declares rewards changes–Loyalty program touts partnerships
MGM Resorts International announced changes to its player loyalty program with new benefits and rewards that will allow members to capitalize on the Las Vegas-based gambling giant’s partnerships.
(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Mining is an environmental and human rights nightmare. Battery recycling can ease that.
This story was produced by Grist and co-published with States Newsroom Rows of dead batteries stretch across some 30 acres of high desert, organized in piles and boxes that are covered to shield them from the western Nevada sun. (Nevada Current)
Man accused of setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas arrested, police say
A man who set fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas and who painted the word “resist” for authorities to find at the scene has been arrested, police announced Thursday. (The Nevada Independent)
Poll: Nevada voters oppose Medicaid cuts, Department of Education elimination
In this edition of Behind the Bar, a new poll could be a warning sign for the GOP, a trio of gun reform measures return to the Legislature and a look at who is responsible for reporting spilled sewage.
(The Nevada Independent)
| The Griffin Company is a full-service public policy and government affairs consulting firm based in Nevada. We believe a complete government affairs practice must be able to effectively navigate all levels of government, both with the laws and regulations, as well as with an understanding of and sensitivity to the politics associated with each issue. The Griffin Company provides clients with the breadth of experience – local, state, and federal – that enables a comprehensive approach, integrating policy and relationships at all levels of government. |
Leave a Reply