The G3Wire

March 7, 2025

In what could be a headlining topic of the 2025 Legislature, lawmakers heard a bill that would dramatically increase tax credits for film industries to lure a film studio and the jobs that come with it to Southern Nevada, creating a mini-Hollywood in Las Vegans’ backyard.  Deportations ordered by President Donald Trump could hinder Nevada’s economic growth and worsen the state’s housing crisis, experts say.  One month into the president’s second term, it’s unclear to what extent deportations are occurring in Nevada. Immigration and Customs Enforcement publishes its arrests in major cities like San Antonio, Denver and San Diego. But Las Vegas — and Nevada as a whole — is not mentioned.  Don’t forget to set your clocks, Nevadans will lose an hour of sleep this weekend, Nevada will begin to observe daylight saving time this Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m., when clocks will be set forward one hour to 3 a.m. Lots of A’s updates and Nevada News links below.

Legislative Updates

Important Dates:

March 17^th     Last day for legislator bill introductions

March 24        Last day for committee bill introductions

April 11^th        First house passage deadline

June 2^nd          Sine die

Session finishes month No. 1–Legislators address egg prices, eye film industry tax credits

One month down. Three to go.  The Nevada Legislature is about 30 days through its 120-day session, and the start has been eventful, to say the least. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

First film tax credit hearing of session sees Nevada lawmakers question economic impact

Some lawmakers were concerned about assurances that the workforce would be made up of Nevadans and whether it would benefit regions outside of Southern Nevada, while trade unions showed wide support for the proposal. (The Nevada Independent)

‘Scalping’ or leveling the playing field? Debate over reservation bidding comes to Nevada

If customers can’t get a reservation at the Las Vegas Strip’s most exclusive restaurants, they’ve traditionally only had one other option: knowing “a guy,” whether that be someone who works at the restaurant or a bigwig. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Freshman Orientation: Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth seeks to improve health care for Nevadans

As a physician, she has firsthand experience with patients’ struggle to understand America’s health care system. (The Nevada Independent)

Freshman Orientation: John Steinbeck’s path from the fire department to Nevada Senate

Steinbeck worked for the Clark County Fire Department for more than 30 years, including five as fire chief.  (The Nevada Independent)

Bill proposes Nevada office to root out government waste — and no, it’s not DOGE

In the latest edition of Behind the Bar, we also look at bills to ban Styrofoam and increase the number of foster families in Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)

Amid huge growth in Southern Nevada’s hospice industry, lawmaker pushes for more oversight

As new providers surge in Southern Nevada, Assemblymember Rebecca Edgeworth wants to “raise the bar” for those providing hospice care. (The Nevada Independent)

Facing growing pains, Sparks looks toward a possible toll road

In an effort to ease congestion on Interstate 80, Sparks officials are asking Nevada lawmakers for permission to build the state’s only toll road. Workers said commuting to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center is stressful and unreliable. (The Nevada Independent)

Bill aims to respect rights of parents while expanding access to sex education

State lawmakers are again pursuing a bill that calls for students to be automatically enrolled in sexual education classes unless a parent opts them out. (Las Vegas Sun)

Amid huge growth in Southern Nevada’s hospice industry, lawmaker pushes for more oversight

As new providers surge in Southern Nevada, Assemblymember Rebecca Edgeworth wants to “raise the bar” for those providing hospice care. (The Nevada Independent)

Bill requires judicial candidates have trial experience, seeks end to secrecy of judicial discipline

During a meeting of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Assembly Bill 141 came under fire from lawmakers, the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, and the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission, which regulates the judiciary. (Nevada Current)

Industries line up to tear down proposal to rein in price-fixing

Assembly Bill 44, heard Wednesday at the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor, expands the state’s existing Unfair Trade Practice Act to include knowingly deceptive price fixing of essential goods and services. (Nevada Current)

Democratic lawmakers urge Lombardo to recruit fired federal workers

In a letter to Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, lawmakers requested a detailed plan of action by March 18 that ensures federal workers are given the opportunity to fill critical workforce shortages in state and local government. (Nevada Current)

Lawmakers propose study bill on what it would take to build regional rail systems

Assembly Bill 256, heard Tuesday at the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, would create a Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group to assess the need for mass transit via rail in the state’s largest metro areas, as well as potential funding sources for such a system. (Nevada Current)

Nevada could be the next state to require overtime pay for farm workers

Senate Bill 172, introduced by Democratic state Sen. Edgar Flores, aims to enhance protections for farm workers in Nevada by creating an Agricultural Workers’ Bill of Rights. (Nevada Current)

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Lombardo Outlines Nevada’s Medicaid Priorities in Letter to Nevada Legislative Leadership

Today, Governor Joe Lombardo released his letter to Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager outlining his recent correspondence to Chairman Mike Crapo of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman Brett Guthrie of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (gov.nv.gov)

Statement from Governor Lombardo on the Model Immigration Policies

“The Model Immigration Policies released by the Office of the Attorney General are currently under review by the Executive Branch. All affected state agencies will continue to comply with – and enforce – all applicable law. (gov.nv.gov)

Governor Lombardo Announces Key Education Appointments

Governor Joe Lombardo announced the appointments of Annette Dawson Owens to the Nevada State Board of Education and Jennifer McGrath to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents. (gov.nv.gov)

State and Local Government Updates

As Washoe County’s high trial rate continues, tensions persist over DA’s policy changes

Police officers are also alarmed that fewer suspected criminals are being charged, while the county’s top prosecutor says the policy ensures accountability. (The Nevada Independent)

Harms possible in deportations–Experts foresee economic fallout for Nevada

Yet one month into the president’s second term, it’s unclear to what extent deportations are occurring in Nevada. Immigration and Customs Enforcement publishes its arrests in major cities like San Antonio, Denver and San Diego. But Las Vegas — and Nevada as a whole — is not mentioned. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Largest investor pulls out of Nevada lithium mine project

The decision to pull out of the project comes after the price of lithium plunged by around 80 percent, after its peak in 2022. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Allegation of secrecy amid top cop drama—As Henderson chief’s job hangs in balance, call for transparency spurs council infighting

The saga involving Police Chief Hollie Chadwick — multiple sources have told the Las Vegas Review-Journal she must decide whether to step down or be fired by Thursday — has also spurred infighting on the council. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Public to query hopefuls at CCSD–Three candidates, 1 ‘tough decision’

During the past year, without a permanent leader, the Clark County School District has faced a budget crisis, paid millions of dollars in lawsuit settlements and remained one of the lowest-ranked systems in the country in student performance. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Reno City Council votes against creating data center standards

The Reno City Council on Wednesday spent hours discussing data centers and whether they should have minimum standards when it comes to power, water and noise. When Mayor Hillary Schieve learned that the process to begin a text amendment would take six months, she said it was too long and voted against it, resulting in a tied vote. That means data centers can be built in Reno without extra conditions placed on them.(thisisreno.com)

Amid cautions, LV officials accept sports tickets

Las Vegas City Council members reported accepting tickets to Vegas Golden Knights and Las Vegas Raiders games in their annual financial disclosure statements, though state ethics officials have cautioned that some gifts may be inappropriate. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Provost takes helm at UNLV after President Keith Whifield steps down

After leading UNLV through the pandemic and the 2023 on-campus shooting, Keith Whitfield announced late Monday he is stepping down as president effective at the end of that day. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada students are half a year behind in learning. There’s more than COVID to blame.

A Harvard researcher said in the wake of the pandemic, test scores show the ‘tsunami’ of student chronic absenteeism continues to hinder learning. (The Nevada Independent)

Washoe County launches regional behavioral health initiatives fund

Washoe County on Wednesday announced it launched a new fund devoted to improving mental health in the community. The “Regional Behavioral Health Initiatives Fund” will be managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, and it aims to partner public and private interests to tackle behavioral health challenges. (thisisreno.com)

Nevada controller proposes independent office for inspector general

But in Carson City, Republican Controller Andy Matthews, whose office oversees the state’s finances, is trying a less partisan approach. On Monday morning, Matthews spoke before the Assembly’s Committee on Government Affairs about his proposed bill to create an office of the inspector general. (Las Vegas Sun)

Student’s struggle sparks plea for funds to fix rural schools

White Pine Middle School lacks a stable foundation, consistent heating and cooling, fire sprinklers, a fully functional gym and locker rooms, outdoor play space, parking, fencing and a secure front entrance. Its roof leaks and its floors are full of asbestos. It was built in 1913 as a high school. (Las Vegas Sun)

What Trump’s order making English the official language could mean in Nevada

The order, which rescinds a mandate on federal agencies to provide language assistance, comes as Nevada recently doubled down on language access. (The Nevada Independent)

Audit will examine $18,000 in Nye County room tax waivers

The Nye County Commission approved an audit of room taxes after learning the county treasurer’s office had independently waived penalties and interest on late payments from lodging establishments. (Las Vegas Sun)

The Chronic Absenteeism of our Students: Pay me now or pay me later

The number of kids chronically absent from our schools statewide is staggering! Unfortunately, most of us in the state, including our Legislature, may not realize just how significant this crisis is and how costly it will be if we don’t address it now. (thisisreno.com)

Chadwick fired as chief–Henderson city manager: Leadership styles clashed

Chadwick was fired Thursday by City Manager Stephanie Garcia-Vause because their leadership styles were at odds, Garcia-Vause said in an email to the Henderson Police Department. Garcia-Vause also said in the email she wasn’t confident that Chadwick would improve the department’s culture and operations. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Berkley adamant: Las Vegas not a sanctuary city

Mayor Shelley Berkley reiterated Thursday that Las Vegas is not a sanctuary city, one day after House Republicans grilled four Democratic mayors and accused them of impeding federal immigration enforcement.  (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Federal Updates

From YouTube to podcasts, Nevada congressional Democrats try new ways to reach voters

Democrats will spend the next two years in the political wilderness — locked out of power in the White House and both chambers of Congress, lacking a clear party leader and, at the moment, navigating terrible approval ratings, including by their own voters. (The Nevada Independent)

Bomber’s recovered manifesto withheld–Police respond no; Feds deny request

The Metropolitan Police Department punted to the federal government when it came to releasing the manifesto written by Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger, claiming a number of exemptions to open records laws and saying U.S. officials allege the document contains classified information. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

SSA office whose lease will be terminated to relocate in LV

The Social Security office in Las Vegas subject to cuts by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency is a small office used by the Office of the Inspector General, according to the Social Security Administration. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump

A massive federal program meant to expand broadband access to underserved areas across the country is falling behind schedule, state broadband officials and experts say, even as Trump administration actions create further uncertainty about its funding and rules. (Las Vegas Sun)

They voted red, but now they’re losing their federal jobs

They voted for Donald Trump for president and for a change in the direction of the federal government. But this wasn’t the kind of change they had in mind. (Las Vegas Sun)

Rapid-fire adoption of Project 2025 shows blueprint is Trump’s health care playbook

Few voters likely expected President Donald Trump in the first weeks of his administration to slash billions of dollars from the nation’s premier federal cancer research agency.  But funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health were presaged in Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership,” a conservative plan for governing that Trump said he knew nothing about during his campaign. Now, his administration has embraced it.(Las Vegas Sun)

All Nevada GSA employees fired as Trump, Musk continue slashing federal workforce

Approximately 12 people based in Las Vegas and Reno were fired, according to the office of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Cortez Masto first raised the issue in a series of X posts Monday.  (The Nevada Independent)

Audit shows Nevada forestry division failed to bill $33M in out-of-state firefighting costs

Staff turnover, archaic paper billing system and “lack of proper oversight” led to the billing debacle. (The Nevada Independent)

A welcome development: Lombardo breaks with party on health care

Gov. Joe Lombardo’s decision last week to push back against proposed Medicaid cuts is a welcome — and necessary — departure from the party line. (Las Vegas Sun)

‘Chaos and cruelty’: Nevada Democrats counter Trump boasts of success

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., hours before his address shared a similar sentiment online, writing: “Nothing Trump could say in his joint address tonight would change the damage he’s done to public health and safety, essential government programs, and our democracy in the past six weeks.” (Las Vegas Sun)

Articles of Interest

January plea ends case against political operative

The once high-profile case of Tony Dane, a Republican political operative accused of legislative extortion, ended quietly in late January. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Face of the franchise–Road to stardom was long for A’s leader Rooker

He is the face of the A’s, the slugger who in January signed a five-year, $60 million contract extension. It was the next shoe to drop of some atypical offseason spending by an organization hardly known for opening its checkbook. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Indy Explains: Why Nevada’s cattle population is down despite record profits.

Plagued by drought and high feed costs, Nevada’s beef cattle industry is struggling. the overall number of beef cattle has steadily crept downward since 1974. (The Nevada Independent)

As Washoe County’s high trial rate continues, tensions persist over DA’s policy changes

Washoe County defense attorneys and law enforcement have blamed a policy in the district attorney’s office for increases in criminal trials and non-charging decisions. (The Nevada Independent)

A’s to give Las Vegas a sneak peek with spring training, stadium renderings

This week’s Indy Gaming checks in on the Athletics’ plans in Las Vegas after the team closed the books on a 56-year stint in Oakland. (The Nevada Independent)

Protesters pack Carson City street to protest Trump, Musk — ‘No kings in America’

Hundreds of protesters with handmade signs criticizing President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk lined both sides of Carson Street outside the Nevada Legislature on Tuesday. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Amazon holds grand opening for its new Fallon delivery station east of Reno

Amazon’s new Fallon facility adds more than 50 jobs but does not replace the projected losses from the closure of its Reno facility. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Massive Victory Logistics District project enters next phase in Fernley

The Victory Logistics project boasts “tens of millions of square feet” and was the second-biggest land sale in Nevada history. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevadans will lose an hour of sleep this weekend — daylight saving begins this Sunday

Nevada will begin to observe daylight saving time this Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m., when clocks will be set forward one hour to 3 a.m. (Reno Gazette Journal)

A’s hire former Raiders President Marc Badain for the same position

Former Las Vegas Raiders President Marc Badain was hired Thursday for the same position with the Athletics.  Badain succeeds Dave Kaval, who announced his resignation on Dec. 27. Sandy Dean, who has been spearheading approval and construction of a new stadium in Las Vegas approved, had been the acting president.(Las Vegas Sun)

Tropicana Avenue to close west of Las Vegas Strip for construction

Tropicana Avenue will be closed for construction starting Sunday night from Polaris Avenue to just west of the Las Vegas Strip, the Nevada Department of Transportation said.  The closure will last from 9 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. on March 14, officials said.  (Las Vegas Sun)

LV ballpark designs updated–A’s provide new renderings at Stadium Authority meeting

The Athletics unveiled renderings Thursday that provide an updated glimpse inside the team’s planned $1.75 billion Las Vegas ballpark. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Sands CEO to leave position–Goldstein will become senior adviser in 2026

Longtime Las Vegas Sands executive Robert Goldstein will leave his position as chairman and CEO of the gaming giant next year to become a senior adviser, Sands officials announced Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Price of homes repeats record–February median again at $485,000

The median sale price for a house sold in February was $485,000, the same it was in January, a record high, signaling a potential slowdown in price increases across the Las Vegas Valley that have continued over the past few months. (Las Vegas Review Journal)