The G3Wire

April 11, 2025

Today marks the Nevada Legislature’s first committee house passage deadline, which typically marks the largest round of bill deaths in the 120-day legislative session. By the time lawmakers wrap up today, any bills not voted out of their first committee or granted an exemption from legislative deadlines end up in the legislative graveyard.  The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors discusses its budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year next month, it anticipates the tourism economy it is so reliant upon for room tax revenue will be down from the current year. And with the early termination of federal grants supporting immunization and mental health in Nevada, Cortez Masto has sent a letter to Kennedy demanding to know the rationale behind the cuts. Cortez Masto requested Kennedy explain why the cuts were made, share any analyses done to determine the effect of the grant terminations and what the department planned to do to ensure that Nevada continues to receive necessary services.  These Nevada news links and so much more below!

Legislative Updates

April 11^th      First house passage deadline

June 2^nd       Sine die

Lawmaker seeks to establish guardrails, ‘some accountability’ around artificial intelligence   Senate Bill 199, heard Wednesday by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, would establish a process for AI companies to register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection within the Attorney General’s Office.  (Nevada Nevada)

In the nation’s driest state, two bills seek to buy back and retire unused water rights

The Senate and Assembly are considering separate, but similar, bills that would implement a program to buy back and retire water rights in some of the state’s most over-appropriated basins. (The Nevada Independent)

Bill would change probate laws after RJ investigation

The state Senate Judiciary Committee put forward a measure on March 20 that would increase requirements for people seeking to manage a probate case. Such cases involve transferring ownership of a dead person’s property and settling their debts. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Bill would allow open enrollment–Advocates: School choice improves outcomes

A proposed bill would allow students in Nevada to choose which school they attend, regardless of their ZIP code. (Las Vegas Review Journal) 

Follow the Money: Unions and labor groups gave Nevada legislators $1.6 million

Electrical and construction workers’ unions led the way, with Democrats receiving almost all of the industry’s donations. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada lawmakers consider bill to protect workers from poor air quality

Senate Bill 260 would require employers to implement safety measures for outdoor workers when air quality deteriorates due to wildfire smoke, which contains dangerous fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. (Las Vegas Sun)

Need for eviction assistance ‘is only going to get greater,’ state lawmaker warns

Assembly Bill 475, heard Friday in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, would appropriate $18 million to Clark County and $7 million to Reno to continue their ongoing eviction diversion programs. (Nevada Current)

Cigarette sales in Nevada targeted–Focus on those born after 2004

Assembly Bill 279’s restrictions on the sale of cigarettes to people turning 21 next year is what’s known as a “generational ban.” The bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember David Orentlicher, said the proposal is aimed at phasing out the sale of combustible tobacco products, which he said have the worst health effects. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada lawmaker drops college degree requirements for state jobs in bill

Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager introduced a bill to remove college degree requirements and direct state agencies to treat federal government experience the same as state experience. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Are energy shutoffs common during heat waves? Bill seeks public data

Instead of a data dump in April that can only be accessed easily through a records request, Senate Bill 442 would require shutoffs to be released quarterly, with numbers divided into months and separated by ZIP code. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada aims to protect warehouse workers from heat, toxic gases

Edward Goodrich sees himself in the text of Nevada’s Assembly Bill 414.  “As I read the contents of AB 414, I quickly realized that this legislation was actually about me,” Goodrich told lawmakers on behalf of a Northern Nevada chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump slashes protections for Ruby Mountains as Nevada senator vows fight

A Nevada senator plans to reintroduce a bill that would permanently rule out oil drilling in the northeast Nevada range. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

What’s in Lombardo’s big crime bill? Changes to sentencing, fentanyl and habitual criminals

In this edition of Behind the Bar, we break down the governor’s crime bill, explain the efforts to take on Ticketmaster and explore a new bill to counter federal layoffs.  (The Nevada Independent) 

Lombardo promises changes to major crime bill amid big price tag from state prison system

Lombardo, alongside several state law enforcement officers, championed the bill during the press conference as “commonsense criminal justice reforms” that will improve community safety, although state data indicates that property crime and violent crime have ticked down over the past two years. (The Nevada Independent)

Two bills seek to address growing issue of home insurance cancellations over wildfire risk  

Thousands of homeowners in Nevada have seen their insurance policies canceled or not-renewed due to wildfire risk, prompting state lawmakers to warn that “a crisis is brewing” and considering ways to combat it. (Nevada Current)

Nevada lawmakers hoping Tahoe visitors will BYOB (bring your own bottle)

A bill introduced by Sen. Melanie Scheible (D-Las Vegas) would prohibit the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.  (The Nevada Independent)

The bills that may not survive the Legislature’s first major deadline

In today’s edition, introducing our bill tracker, what we’re watching on deadline day and Lombardo says “f— you” to critics. (The Nevada Independent)

With families getting priced out, NV legislators tackle corporate ownership of housing market

Nevada state lawmakers are once again considering tracking and limiting the purchasing power of cash-rich corporate investors, which many believe are inflating the housing market and pricing out middle-class families. (Nevada Current)

Six ways Nevada policymakers are trying to tackle the housing crisis

From rent control to seeking federal lands and giving tenants recourse when their homes are in disrepair, here are key policies Nevada may pursue to respond.  (The Nevada Independent)

Lombardo disses Democratic voters, and has a raunchy message for detractors 

The governor told the crowd he “had a discussion” with Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. “And I said, ‘Hey, what the hell is going on? My bills haven’t been heard. And the response was, ‘just because you’re the governor doesn’t mean you get a hearing.’”  (Nevada Current)

Lawmaker calls out Realtors Association for flip-flopping on senior rent stabilization bill

The Nevada Realtors Association hopes to kill legislation that authorizes one year of rent stabilization for seniors and puts modest regulations on the collection of rental application fees, despite backing the same bill in the previous legislative session. (Nevada Current)

Nevada bill targets DUI laws with stricter penalties and expanded substance list

Senate Bill 309 introduces stricter regulations on driving under the influence of substances such as fentanyl and methylenedioxymethamphetamine, alongside alcohol and marijuana, with specific thresholds for blood or urine concentrations. (mynews4.com)

Sparks mayor disappointed as toll road plan to ease I-80 traffic congestion hits dead end

A bill proposing Nevada’s first toll road to connect Spanish Springs to the industrial center east of Sparks will not be moving forward in the legislative process, according to Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson who has been a big proponent of the proposal. (mynews4.com)

Legislation plants seeds for community gardens statewide

With thousands of Nevadans struggling to access fresh food in their neighborhoods, a new bill seeks to transform vacant lots across the state into thriving community gardens and urban farms. (Las Vegas Sun)

Pediatricians, families of trans youth seek a shield law for providers of gender-affirming care

Senate Bill 171, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. James Ohrenschall, seeks to enact a shield law for medical providers who offer gender-affirming care and prevents a medical license board from punishing or disqualifying providers. (Nevada Current)

Live updates: Nevada Legislature’s first committee passage deadline

Staff at The Nevada Independent bring you all the details you need to know from the first major legislative deadline. (The Nevada Independent)

Secretary of state’s bill would allow campaign funds to pay for child care

Assembly Bill 79 would allow candidates and elected officials to pay for the cost of child care, the care of an elderly parent, or for the individual’s health insurance premiums, if they are unable to afford the cost as a result of their public service. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Joe Lombardo

@JosephMLombardo

The Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act establishes stricter penalties for theft and repeat offenders, targets fentanyl traffickers, and holds repeat DUI offenders accountable. It’s time to put teeth back into Nevada’s penal code. Our bill does just that. (X)

State and Local Government Updates

Next superintendent of public instruction?–Governor to review selected candidates

Jhone Ebert, who has served as superintendent of public instruction since 2019, was selected in March as the next superintendent of the Clark County School District. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo appointed Steve Canavero, who held the role prior to Ebert, in the interim position, effective April 14.(Las Vegas Review Journal)

With lithium tax credits at risk, Nevada industry cautions ‘the market will devour us’

The stakes — for the Northern Nevada economy and companies powering its growth — are high. (The Nevada Independent)

Broad coalition backs extending gas tax indexing in Clark County

RTC’s solution to the problem is Assembly Bill 530, which would allow the Clark County Commission, by a two-thirds vote, to extend FRI an additional decade beyond its current sunset date. Continuation beyond 2036 would require voter approval. (Nevada Current)

Mesquite city manager admits racial slurs, can’t remember using ‘N’ word

A divisive and protracted years-long quest to terminate Mesquite’s police chief is causing collateral damage in the executive offices of City Hall over allegations of racist remarks by the city manager.(Nevada Current) 

Prison guard musical chairs incurs $60 million in overtime, $50 million shortfall

The Nevada Department of Corrections is racking up $60 million in overtime a year because of the need to shift correction officers from one post to another to address staffing shortages, resulting in a $50 million dollar budgeting shortfall that took lawmakers by surprise during a hearing Thursday of the Interim Finance Committee. (Nevada Current)

Lennar looking to buy shuttered state office complex in Las Vegas

Lennar wants to buy the Grant Sawyer state office site, which would expand the homebuilder’s footprint near downtown Las Vegas, according to officials. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

‘State of Middle Schools:’ Student growth making uptick

The Measures of Academic Progress assessment results revealed students who are in the sixth through eighth grades are creeping up from the bottom-ranking 20th percentile. (Nevada Appeal)

Supreme Court justices question John Doe’s right to stay anonymous in Reno mayor GPS case

Nevada Supreme Court justices seemed doubtful that “John Doe” should remain anonymous in a civil case that seeks to determine whether he invaded the privacy of Reno’s mayor and a Washoe County commissioner. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada state school board weighs options for superintendent post

Nevada could face political uncertainty in its search for a new state education chief as the clock winds down on Gov. Joe Lombardo’s first term in office. (Las Vegas Sun)

Search for next chief begins–Henderson hoping for hire by summer

The announcement comes nearly a month after the March 6 firing of former Police Chief Hollie Chadwick, who had been on leave since Feb. 13. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

LVCVA forecasts revenue drop–Economic jitters may impact 2025-26 budget

When the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors discusses its budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year next month, it anticipates the tourism economy it is so reliant upon for room tax revenue will be down from the current year. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada leaders mount efforts to protect minors online

Last month, four Las Vegas teenagers attended a Nevada Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor meeting to support a proposed bill that would require social media platforms to verify the ages of teenage users and limit certain features for those accounts during school hours. (Las Vegas Sun)

Clark County pilot study prompts push for statewide school bus traffic camera law

BusPatrol has installed cameras on school buses across the country to document vehicles blowing past the buses’ flashing lights and extended stop signs. (Las Vegas Sun)

New chancellor selected to lead Nevada System of Higher Education

The Nevada System of Higher Education has appointed its next chancellor following an extensive national search, officials announced today.  Matt McNair will succeed Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton, who has led NSHE since September 2023. (Las Vegas Sun)

Federal Updates

Sigal Chattah blurs conflict of interest lines by continuing political activity as new U.S. attorney

Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah has yet to publicly resign her position as the state’s Republican national committeewoman and was introduced virtually at a state party meeting Saturday, potentially violating Department of Justice rules against its employees participating in political activities. (The Nevada Independent)

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest open for logging under new USDA orders

Nevada’s national forests are open for logging under an emergency order issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reversing Biden-era ruling, feds re-open Ruby Mountains to oil, gas and geothermal leasing    The U.S. Forest Service said the decision to allow oil and gas leasing to continue in Elko County’s Ruby Mountains was brought on by a presidential executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy,” and calling on federal land managers to remove regulatory barriers to energy production and expand access to federal lands and waters for energy exploration.  (Nevada Current) 

RFK Jr. to tell CDC to stop advising fluoridation–EPA reviewing ‘new scientific information’  Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday said he plans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide.  (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Las Vegas tourism feeling the strain of Trump’s tariffs and traveler anxiety

This downturn comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s trade policy decisions last week to institute a universal 10% tariff and additional targeted tariffs on countries that have high trade deficits with the United States — actions economists warn could trigger a global trade war. (Las Vegas Sun)

Report shows Nevada’s heavy reliance on federal funds — and susceptibility to cuts

Federal funding makes up more than 27 percent of the state’s budget, with Medicaid being the largest line item. Democrats say every dollar cut hurts. (The Nevada Independent)

‘Who’s in charge?’-Horsford goes after Trump’s trade representative after tariff policy is changed during hearing

An exasperated U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford grilled U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the White House reversed course on some new tariffs Wednesday in the middle of a House committee hearing on the president’s trade policy. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Bill aims to help firefighters with cancer; getting it passed is just the beginning

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is considered crucial by its supporters, with climate change fueling an increase in wildfire frequency and firefighting deemed carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.  (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada senator demands answers after DOGE-led cuts to state health care grants

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto wrote that the grant terminations could have a devastating effect on communities across the state. (The Nevada Independent)

IRS sharing of immigrant tax info could have ‘chilling effect’ in Nevada, experts warn

Legal experts say the agreement stokes fears among the immigrant community about filing and could jeopardize the state’s share of federal tax dollars. (The Nevada Independent)

Superintendent contract OK’d–New schools chief starts Monday, receives $385,000 salary

The Clark County School Board unanimously approved a contract with incoming Superintendent Jhone Ebert at Thursday’s meeting.  Ebert will assume her new role on Monday and receive a $385,000 salary, according to her contract, which expires on April 14, 2029. (Las Vegas Review Journal) 

Election News Updates

Federal appeals court dismisses lawsuit challenging Nevada’s election worker protection law

In a unanimous opinion released Monday, the three-member panel of judges unanimously dismissed the suit brought by four former poll and ballot counting observers, who were represented in the case by Sigal Chattah, the new interim U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada, the state’s highest federal law enforcement officer. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada joins bid to block Trump’s election order, saying it violates the Constitution

Democratic officials in 19 states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape elections across the U.S. (Nevada Appeal)

House GOP passes bill to require proof of citizenship for voter registration

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill aimed at preventing non-citizens from voting in federal elections, which voting rights experts say would make voting harder for tens of millions of Americans. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Democrat Steve Sisolak said he may run for Nevada governor again, stands by COVID response

Former Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak says he’s considering running again in 2026 and that he wouldn’t have changed his COVID lockdown policy. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Articles of Interest

MGM raises some fees at Las Vegas Strip casinos

When people visit any city that attracts a lot of tourists, they expect to pay a lot of annoying fees. Las Vegas had, in many ways, been an exception to that.  Until the past few years, parking at casinos was generally free, at least during the week. In many cases, it was free altogether because the goal was to bring people in. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Las Vegas home prices stay at record high for 3rd straight month

Home prices stayed at a record high price in Southern Nevada for the third straight month, according to March figures from the Las Vegas Realtors who pull statistics from the Multiple Listing Service. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Record for home prices at 3 months—Median high for March $485,000

Home prices stayed at a record high price in Southern Nevada for the third straight month, according to March figures from the Las Vegas Realtors who pull statistics from the Multiple Listing Service. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Why are Canadians staying away from Las Vegas? ‘Friends shouldn’t be treated like this’

In this week’s Indy Gaming, the LVCVA says it’s ‘too early’ to measure the magnitude of lost international business. Also, the A’s stadium gains approvals. (The Nevada Independent)

Could a person making minimum wage in Nevada afford to pay an average rental rate in 2025?

Even if a person making minimum wage put all their wages from a 40-hour week toward housing, it would not be enough to afford the average asking rent in Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)

Huge day for Wall Street–U.S. stock market soars to one of its best showings in history

 U.S. stocks soared to one of their best days in history Wednesday on a euphoric Wall Street after President Donald Trump said he would back off on most of his tariffs temporarily. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

This Nevada town named the best in the state by World Atlas

According to World Atlas, the best place to live in Nevada is Mesquite, a town of almost 23,000 in northwest Clark County. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reno-Sparks climbs US population rankings, Las Vegas holds steady: See latest Census data

The Reno metropolitan statistical area grew by 8,124 residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. (Reno Gazette Journal)