Opening remarks
When we feel down after watching committees all week, on Friday, March 14th, we’ll look up to see the blood-red Lunar Eclipse. It’s also Pie Day! 🥧
With just 84 days left in this legislative session, yes, we all can feel it – this session is moving quickly! The Nevada Independent highlighted exactly why it feels this way, noting the record pace at which bills have been introduced and the new deadlines LCB has enacted to bring bill language out faster.
Not only that, but bill hearings seem to be flying, with committee chairs setting limits on public comment early and moving through heavy topics with finesse.
Education and Medicaid seem to be major topics of discussion in the halls, but there are many others on the horizon. Film tax incentives, workforce development, affordable housing, childcare, and energy are among a few others that are getting attention. Will legislators try and curb AI's connection to social media and how will Nevada balance business-friendly practices and consumer protections?
Last week felt like education bills all day every day. However, we still have more to come; Governor Lombardo is expected to release his comprehensive education bill soon, with Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro expected to bring one too.
We kicked off March with Reading Week, led by the Nevada Department of Education. This session is one with a heavy emphasis on literacy. Keep an eye out for bills like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (AB358) and the United Readers Program (SB146) which promote partnerships and programming that address reading literacy gaps throughout Nevada.
Next week is Children’s Week and their schedule reflects the many bills aimed at benefitting children in our state.
SOME REMINDERS:
If you’re a legislator, your bill must be introduced by St. Patrick’s Day. 🍀
Every other bill (except for those matters deemed an emergency) has until March 24th.
And lastly, on April 11th, we will finally see the score card of how many bills survive, and how many fail this first major challenge.
-Tom
ICYMI
Provost takes helm at UNLV after President Keith Whitfield steps down
Special Joint Hearing on the potential impact of proposed congressional cuts to funding affecting Medicaid service delivery to Nevadans
ECONOMY
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford’s proposal to ban price fixing on essential goods and services has met strong resistance from business and industry groups, who argue it could unfairly penalize normal market activity. The bill, AB44, seeks to prohibit fraudulent price manipulation affecting necessities like food, housing, and utilities. Still, opponents, including telecommunications and housing organizations, warn it may function as a de facto price cap. Ford, a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate, defended the measure as necessary to curb deceptive practices but signaled a willingness to amend it.
Trump administration briefing: Trump changes tack on tariffs – again – as US plans to close consulates
Former President Donald Trump has delayed the implementation of tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, reversing course on his earlier stance. The decision comes amid a 1.8% drop in the S&P 500, though Trump denied any connection between the market decline and his policy shift. Investors have raised concerns over the administration’s economic approach, while attention has also turned to Elon Musk’s influence and plans to close U.S. consulates in Europe.
EDUCATION
Bill seeks to ban immigration enforcement in Nevada schools after Trump opened door for it
Nevada lawmakers are considering a bill to ban immigration enforcement activities in schools, following President Trump’s rollback of federal protections. Assemblymember Cecelia González’s AB217 would prohibit immigration officials from accessing school grounds without a warrant and make it a misdemeanor for school employees to share student information with immigration authorities.
ENVIRONMENT
Audit shows Nevada forestry division failed to bill $33M in out-of-state firefighting costs
A state audit has revealed that the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) failed to bill for $32.7 million in out-of-state firefighting costs due to staff turnover, outdated billing practices, and lack of oversight. Lawmakers, who had previously approved millions in emergency funding for NDF, ordered the audit after concerns over financial mismanagement. The division has since implemented a new billing system and issued over $25 million in invoices, recovering $1 million so far. NDF is now working to address audit recommendations, with a corrective action plan due in April and a status report expected in October.
HEALTHCARE
Amid huge growth in Southern Nevada’s hospice industry, lawmaker pushes for more oversight
Amid a surge in hospice providers in Southern Nevada, Assemblymember Rebecca Edgeworth is pushing for stricter oversight to combat fraud and protect patients. The number of licensed hospice providers has grown by over 350% since 2020, raising concerns about substandard care. Edgeworth’s bill, AB161, would require providers to accept Medicare, notify patients of billing, obtain national accreditation, and undergo enhanced oversight. The legislation follows reports of inadequate care and suspected fraud, mirroring issues uncovered in California.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Great Basin National Park Loses 20 Percent of Staff; Great Basin National Park Foundation Offers Solution
Great Basin National Park faces a critical workforce shortage after five permanent rangers were terminated on February 14, cutting 20% of its staff. This reduction comes as the park, which has already had eight unfilled positions, prepares for peak summer visitation. The park's increasing popularity, with 143,000 visitors in 2023 contributing $15.4 million to the local economy, underscores the urgent need for staffing.
In response, the Great Basin National Park Foundation has invested $25,000 to create a Temporary Park Operations Team to maintain operations and continue serving visitors.