Opening remarks
IIt’s that time of year: summer's coming to an end, school’s back in session, football has woken from its slumber and campaigns are gearing up for the final weeks leading up to the General Election.
Oh and a little something called Burning Man is getting ready for its annual celebration. For a little nostalgia, here's me in 2005 (before the first iPhone!) with my art car, the Playa Taxi.
It's a very important time at the Legislature too. Interim Standing Committees are holding their final meetings, debating and voting on issues that will soon become Bill Draft Requests. The final products, referred to as “Work Session Documents” are available for each committee once the meeting has been agendized. You can find the list of Interim Committees, schedules, and related documents by visiting the comprehensive Legislative Website here.
The BDR list is also a great way to get a preview of what’s to come.
Legislators, committees, state agencies and local governments submit their BDR language to the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) along with an extremely brief summary of what the bill intends to cover. If you want to know what the bill will do, you have to reach out to the sponsor that submitted the BDR and ask nicely. This list is an extremely important tool for policy makers, the public, and of course, lobbyists.
We will also start to see public appearances of candidates. Our client, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Candidate Forums beginning next week. Members can attend these forums and have the unique opportunity to meet candidates, ask questions, etc. Many groups and associations will be holding similar events. I encourage everyone to attend.
Finally, we maintain a comprehensive list of candidates on our website. You can visit it here.
I hope you continue to enjoy the remainder of your summer!
-Tom
Important Dates
| Early Voting begins | October 19 |
| General Election | November 5 |
| 2025 Legislative Session | February 3 |
ICYMI
Cortez Masto talks up Harris, Nevada’s importance in DNC speech
Nevada Supreme Court declines to wade into flap over certification of election results, for now
Governor Lombardo Sends Open Letter to Nevada Parents on Free School Meals
2024 ELECTION
Why Harris, some Democrats and a Nevada union endorsed Trump’s no taxes on tips policy
Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the federal tax on tips has stirred debate in Nevada, where it could significantly impact 350,000 hospitality workers. The proposal initially surprised Nevada Democrats but has now gained traction, with Vice President Kamala Harris recently endorsing it, highlighting its relevance to Nevada. This proposal has quickly become central to the political conversation, with Trump planning to visit Las Vegas on Friday to discuss it further.
Cannizzaro to introduce legislation protecting IVF in Nevada
Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, alongside reproductive rights groups, announced plans to introduce legislation in 2025 to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the Silver State. The bill aims to establish a statutory right to IVF, protect healthcare providers, and expand insurance coverage for IVF treatments, which can cost as much as $60k. This move comes amid concerns that IVF could be targeted by abortion opponents, especially following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision. Nevada voters will also decide on Question 6 in 2024 to enshrine reproductive rights into the state Constitution.
A spokesperson for Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, said that “Lombardo agrees that IVF treatment shouldn’t be a political issue, and he supports protecting the rights of individuals trying to build their families.”
ECONOMY
Warner Bros. pledges massive Nevada expansion if lawmakers expand film tax credit
Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans for an expansion into Southern Nevada, pledging to invest $500 million annually in local productions as part of a partnership with UNLV and Birtcher Development. This commitment, totaling $8.5 billion over 17 years, is currently waiting on the approval of an expansion to Nevada’s film tax credit program. Similar efforts, including one by Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui, have failed to expand the program during past legislative sessions.
ENVIRONMENT
Lake Tahoe Summit: Transportation, trail projects aim to help with overcrowding
At the 28th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, officials discussed new transportation and trail projects aimed at reducing traffic and environmental impact in the Tahoe Basin. Key initiatives include a $24 million expansion of the Tahoe East Shore Trail and safety improvements along State Route 28, reducing illegal parking and sediment runoff. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of trails for safe transportation. The summit also focused on reauthorizing the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, essential for ongoing environmental efforts.
GAMING
Venetian Las Vegas reaches tentative deal with workers for first union contract
The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas has reached a tentative agreement for its first union contract with over 4,000 hospitality workers, marking a significant shift as the last non-union casinos on the Strip.
Resorts World facing millions in fines for allegedly violating anti-money laundering laws
Resorts World Las Vegas faces a 12-count disciplinary complaint from Nevada gaming regulators for allegedly violating anti-money laundering laws by allowing illegal bookmakers to gamble millions without verifying the sources of their funds. The complaint highlights a culture of negligence among the resort's executives tied to financial incentives. Regulators are seeking multi-million dollar fines and actions against the property's gaming licenses. The hotel-casino has acknowledged the complaint and is cooperating with the investigation.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Vegas stadium officials hope to wrap A’s ballpark contracts by December
Las Vegas Stadium Authority officials aim to finalize contracts with the Oakland Athletics for their planned $1.5 billion ballpark on the Strip with a private financing plan being presented in October. The ballpark's funding includes $380 million in public money, with $850 million expected to come from private sources. Discussions are ongoing about lease agreements, community benefits, and relocation clauses, with the goal of breaking ground by April 2025.
Sparks proposing Nevada's first toll road to connect Spanish Springs to industrial center
Sparks city officials are proposing Nevada's first toll road to connect Spanish Springs with the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. The 13-mile, $500 million project requires a new law to permit toll roads in the state. Mayor Ed Lawson highlighted the toll road's necessity, citing significant delays for employees commuting to major companies like Tesla and Panasonic. The road would cut commute times by nearly half and potentially reduce carbon emissions, with construction to start within five years if approved by the 2025 legislature.