April 25, 2025
Hundreds of bills made it through the major deadline known as First House Passage on Tuesday, sending the measures to the Nevada Legislature’s second chamber for consideration. Unlike the first committee passage deadline on April 11, which saw more than 280 bills die from inaction, Tuesday’s deadline resulted in the death of just seven bills. More than 200 bills out of the more than a thousand introduced so far have been exempted. Attorneys general from Nevada and 11 other states sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York on Wednesday to stop its tariff policy, saying it is unlawful and has brought chaos to the American economy. And Elon Musk took his chainsaw last month to federal grants for mental health – including two that provide free mental health counseling to youth in Elko and Humboldt Counties, where access to such services is scarce, according to UNLV’s Dr. Dan Allen, director and principal investigator of the Nevada Rural Mental Health Outreach Program (RHOP). DOGE also eliminated another grant for the mental health needs of homeless children. These Nevada news updates and lots more below!
Legislative Updates
Days until:
Should NV Energy help pay for fuel costs? Lawmakers say it’d help reduce bill spikes
A bill making its way through the Legislature asks state energy regulators to search for a way to mitigate power bill volatility when fuel prices spike by potentially requiring NV Energy to have more skin in the game. (The Nevada Independent)
Follow the Money: Trial lawyer group was the top donor to Nevada lawmakers in 2024
The Nevada Justice Association, through its political arm, donated more than $320,000 directly to state lawmakers during the 2024 cycle, in addition to nearly $500,000 to PACs associated with prominent Democratic legislators. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada lawmakers often fail to disclose rental property income, point to confusing forms
Although they are more consistent about reporting whether they own homes, omissions on whether they make money on the properties can draw an incomplete picture. (The Nevada Independent)
Despite broad support, prevailing wage reform may get sunk
A bill to boost the state’s ability to investigate and enforce prevailing wage violations has earned the support of both organized labor and industry groups, but it may still face an uphill battle in the Nevada State Legislature because it would fund new state positions at a time of fiscal uncertainty. (Nevada Current)
Proposed ‘second look’ law would allow some lengthy prison sentences to be reviewed
Assembly Bill 91, deemed “second look” legislation, would create an avenue for those incarcerated to have sentences reviewed by the State Board of Parole Commissioners after they’ve served extended periods of time. (Nevada Current)
A look at key bills that are safe as another Nevada legislative deadline approaches
In this edition of Behind the Bar, we also examine a legislative tool that allows lawmakers to advance a bill without a majority “yes” vote. (The Nevada Independent)
Live updates: Nevada Legislature’s first house passage deadline day
Tuesday’s deadline is expected to result in the death of only a handful of measures, as more than 200 bills have been exempted. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada Legislature: Another deadline passes, another update on bills the Current is watching
Tuesday marked the 79th day of the 120-day Nevada State Legislative session. It was also the deadline by which non-exempt bills needed to pass the full Senate or full Assembly or be declared dead. (Nevada Current)
Scores of measures beat deadline–Bills that survive can go to the other chamber
Hundreds of bills made it through the major deadline known as First House Passage on Tuesday, sending the measures to the Nevada Legislature’s second chamber for consideration. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada Senate approves bill to double trucking liability insurance coverage by 2030
The Nevada Senate narrowly approved legislation Tuesday that would gradually double minimum liability insurance requirements for larger commercial vehicles making intrastate deliveries. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada budget chairs brace for grim economic forecast
The Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance, the two legislative committees closest to the budget process, dominated the past week with joint budget meetings, reconciling agency and the governor’s requests with what’s possible. (Las Vegas Sun)
Some measures falter, some endure–Waivers, exemptions let dozens of bills live
Hundreds of bills had passed through the Nevada Assembly and Senate by Tuesday, but a handful died — and more than 300 had their deliberations extended through waivers and exemptions that exclude them from major deadlines in the Legislature. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Live updates: Nevada Legislature’s first house passage deadline day
Tuesday’s deadline is expected to result in the death of only a handful of measures, as more than 200 bills have been exempted. (The Nevada Independent)
‘We have to feel safe’: Women judges advocate for their safety as threats against them rise
Women judges, including those who have experienced violent attacks firsthand, are working to sound the alarm on solutions to better protect judges at all levels of government. (The Nevada Independent)
Will Nevada’s budget be busted? Initial forecast sparks fear of lower revenues
A Nevada panel that provides projections for the state’s non-major revenue sources for the next two years approved a less optimistic outlook on Wednesday than estimates it made in November, driven in large part by bearishness regarding Las Vegas tourism. (The Nevada Independent)
What are they hiding? Bill to subject Legislature to public records fails
Though the Nevada Legislature creates public records laws, it is not subjected to follow them. The public can’t examine legislators’ emails, or view investigative documents on legislators’ alleged misconduct. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
As lawmakers mull massive expansion of program, WWE offers glimpse of how film tax credits work
WWE is approved to receive $4.2 million in transferable film tax credits for WrestleMania 41 and related events, according to an application approved earlier this month by the Governor’s Office for Economic Development and the Nevada Film Office. (Nevada Current)
Nevada Legislature: Another deadline passes, another update on bills the Current is watching
Tuesday marked the 79th day of the 120-day Nevada State Legislative session. It was also the deadline by which non-exempt bills needed to pass the full Senate or full Assembly or be declared dead. (Nevada Current)
Here’s what the Nevada Legislature is doing to expand, regulate the use of AI
More than a dozen bills introduced during this year’s legislative session have sought to regulate or expand the use of AI, including to prevent its use in certain mental health settings and use it to give SNAP recipients discounted food. (The Nevada Independent)
Updates from the Governor’s Office
Governor Lombardo Announces Mike Dreitzer as Incoming Chairman of Nevada Gaming Control Board
Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced Mike Dreitzer as the incoming Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Dreitzer will replace Chairman Kirk Hendrick, who earlier this year announced his plans to resign following the 2025 Legislative Session. (gov.nv.gov)
Nevadans mourn Pope Francis, call him ‘a champion of the marginalized’
Gov. Joe Lombardo orders flags to be lowered to half-staff and lawmakers have taken to social media to remember the pope, who died Monday at 88. (The Nevada Independent)
‘A serious risk’: Nevada Gov. Lombardo asks Trump to remove tariffs on lithium
Many U.S. companies, including those in Nevada, won’t be able to absorb lithium tariff costs and still remain competitive, according to Lombardo. (Reno Gazette Journal)
State and Local Government Updates
How new Clark County schools leader Jhone Ebert plans to run the district
Last week marked Jhone Ebert’s first as the superintendent of the Clark County School District. She spent it by touring schools, penning an open letter to the community and holding short one-on-one interviews with several reporters. (The Nevada Independent)
WCSD: State won’t pay for student disability program
What we know about WCSD’s fight with the Nevada Department of Education to pay for a residential treatment program for a child with disabilities. (Reno Gazette Journal)
‘Compliance’ vet to head NGC–Governor selects former deputy Nevada AG
The CEO of a gaming equipment supply company who formerly served in the Nevada Attorney General’s Office has been named to head the Nevada Gaming Control Board. (Las Vegas Sun)
Money available for Nevada education may not be ‘rosy number,’ WCSD lobbyist warns
Dylan Shaver of Pinyon Public Affairs told the school board on April 22 that all eyes are on the upcoming May 1 Economic Forum report, which will offer updated revenue projections for the final stretch of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Washoe County School District isn’t applying for disability funding correctly, state says
The Nevada Department of Education said the Washoe County School District refuses to follow state law even after months of explaining how to apply for funding for a residential treatment program for a child with disabilities. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Mesquite Council fires city manager for racist remarks
Four of five Mesquite City Council members voted to terminate Dickie after a parade of residents argued during public comment for his ouster. (Nevada Current)
Future of Washoe libraries in flux after failure at the ballot, director’s resignation
Funding is still up in the air and the Washoe County Board of Commissioners are hesitant to give libraries extra funding for fiscal year 2026, which starts June 1. (The Nevada Independent)
Federal Updates
Ninth Circuit pauses predator killing on Nevada’s federal public lands
Native animals, such as mountain lions and coyotes, will get a reprieve from predator control efforts on Nevada public lands thanks to a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals order requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to reexamine its policy of killing wildlife to benefit cattle ranching and other livestock production. (Nevada Current)
Tax credits helped boost Nevada’s solar industry. Now it’s on Trump’s chopping block
With a Republican Congress preparing for massive spending cuts, Nevada’s solar industry is worried about its future. (The Nevada Independent)
U.S. Education Department to restart defaulted student loan collections
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education said Monday that it will resume collections May 5 for defaulted federal student loans. After pausing during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency has not collected on defaulted loans in over five years. (Nevada Current)
3 Trump Nevada promises: Here’s where they stand as 100-day mark nears
Donald Trump told Nevadans he’d end the tax on tips, free up federal land for new housing and create a missile defense shield partly built here. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Student loans in default will be sent for collection. Here’s what borrowers need to know
Starting next month, the Education Department says student loans that are in default will be referred for collections. Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans. (The Nevada Independent)
Rep. Amodei: No to a third Trump term, yes to waiting to see if tariffs work
“If Donald Trump fails on what prices are and inflation is, he won’t have both houses in the Congress happen the next election.” – Rep. Mark Amodei (Reno Gazette Journal)
DOGE cuts mental health funding for homeless children, youth in Nevada, officials say
Elon Musk took his chainsaw last month to federal grants for mental health – including two that provide free mental health counseling to youth in Elko and Humboldt Counties, where access to such services is scarce, according to UNLV’s Dr. Dan Allen, director and principal investigator of the Nevada Rural Mental Health Outreach Program (RHOP). DOGE also eliminated another grant for the mental health needs of homeless children. (Nevada Current)
Transgender troops ban, nationwide freeze argued in U.S. appeals court
WASHINGTON — A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Tuesday grilled the Trump administration and the attorney for transgender service members who won a lower court order reversing President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender troops. (Nevada Current)
Where does Nevada’s lone congressional Republican stand on the issues?
One policymaker supporting many of the administration’s goals is Mark Amodei, who represents large parts of Northern Nevada in the U.S. House. He’s uniquely positioned as a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee and the only Republican member of Congress from a swing state. (knpr.org)
FAA review spurred by midair collision in Washington finds safety concerns at Las Vegas airport
A federal review of helicopter safety concerns launched after the deadly midair collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., has identified a rash of concerns about the potential for a collision between air tour helicopters and planes at the Las Vegas airport. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada attorney general suing Trump over tariffs
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is suing President Donald Trump’s administration to stop the trade war kicked off against Canada and Mexico in February that’s since expanded across the globe, his office announced today. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada, 11 states sue on tariffs
Attorneys general from Nevada and 11 other states sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York on Wednesday to stop its tariff policy, saying it is unlawful and has brought chaos to the American economy. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Rep. Titus warns Nevada Legislature of ‘tsunami’ of challenges from Trump policies
She echoed warnings from her Democratic colleagues about the disruption the Trump administration is creating. (Las Vegas Sun)
Sandoval signs on to letter objecting to Trump’s higher ed interference
Former Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, who currently serves as president of the University of Nevada, Reno, is one of 435 university and college presidents and chancellors to sign on to a letter protesting the “unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American education.” (Nevada Current)
Trump signs education orders, including overhaul of college accreditations
President Donald Trump signed a series of education-focused orders Wednesday related to accreditation in higher education, school discipline policies, historically Black colleges and universities, artificial intelligence in education and workforce development. (Nevada Current)
Susie Lee helps kick off 2026 cycle, taking the lead in fundraising
Like clockwork, the Federal Election Commission first quarter fundraising deadline came this week, reminding elected officials (and tired journalists) that the 2026 cycle is officially underway. (The Nevada Independent)
Las Vegas Councilwoman Victoria Seaman — who came in second in a bid for mayor last year — announced Monday she will seek a seat on the Clark County Commission in 2026. (KTVN.com)
Nevada donors aided Trump’s $239M inauguration haul
Nevada donors contributed nearly $2 million to President Donald Trump’s record-breaking $239 million inaugural committee fundraising effort, according to newly released quarterly Federal Election Commission data. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada’s Aguilar takes helm of Democratic group of secretaries of state
The organization, which supports Democratic candidates for the position, has raised $25 million over the past 16 years, according to data collected by Pro- Publica. Over half of that came during the 2022 cycle. (Las Vegas Sun)
Once viewed as a tourism boon, cannabis lounges’ future in Nevada is hazy
Of more than 99 initial applicants, just a single state-regulated lounge is open. Experts say it’s time to rethink the model. (The Nevada Independent)
Did the number of people traveling to Nevada for an abortion decrease in 2024?
Yes, about 8.8 percent of people who received an abortion in Nevada in 2024 had traveled from out of state. That’s a 47.4 percent drop in travel compared with 2023. (The Nevada Independent)
Judge dismisses Michele Fiore’s requests for acquittal, new trial after fraud conviction
Judge Jennifer Dorsey ruled that the evidence presented at trial was convincing, and that any improprieties did not indicate “a serious miscarriage of justice.” (The Nevada Independent)
In Nevada, $100K income considered middle class — and may not cover all expenses
The definition is based on Pew Research’s middle-class formula, which includes those making between two-thirds and double the state’s median income. For Nevada, the median household income is $76,364, according to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Las Vegas cannabis consumption lounges still face challenges
Thrive Cannabis Marketplace’s Smoke and Mirrors has ceased operations as a cannabis consumption lounge indefinitely as of April 4, according to Tosh Lollie, general manager of the dispensary, which shares a building with the venue on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. (Las Vegas Sun)
For one final night, Elaine Wynn ‘was presiding over the entire Strip’
In this week’s Indy Gaming, the late Elaine Wynn planned one ‘final’ gift for Las Vegas. Also, airline passenger volume from Canada continued to decline. (The Nevada Independent)
Antisemitic incidents in Nevada on rise in 2024
The number of antisemitic assaults, acts of vandalism and campus-related incidents in Nevada increased in 2024, according to a Tuesday report from the Anti-Defamation League. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Providers hiking homeowners insurance rates
Four insurers, including a major provider, are raising homeowners insurance rates in the coming months, affecting over 200,000 Nevadans. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
GPS tracker case: Appeals court rejects PI McNeely’s suit against Sparks police
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of a private investigator who placed a GPS tracker on the Reno mayor’s personal vehicle. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Fiore gets Trump pardon–Ex-LV official guilty of fraud, conspiracy; decision draws ire
President Donald Trump has granted “a full and unconditional pardon” to Michele Fiore, the former Las Vegas councilwoman found guilty of defrauding donors who believed they were giving money for a statue to honor a fallen Las Vegas police officer. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
MGM Resorts punished with $8.5 million penalty
The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday voted 4-0 to fine MGM Resorts International $8.5 million for permitting two illegal bookmakers to gamble at MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Who are the 50501 and Indivisible groups behind anti-Trump protests in Northern Nevada?
Rallies against Trump administration policies and Elon Musk’s government-efficiency actions are popping up all over Northern Nevada like political wildflowers. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Early work underway at Athletics’ Las Vegas ballpark site
Initial work on the Athletics’ $1.75 billion Las Vegas ballpark site is underway. Crews began early grading of the 9-acre stadium site this week, after Clark County issued a permit for the work Tuesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
| 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. |
