2023 End of Session Legislative Report

As Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I consider you, our members, the strength and most important asset of the Vegas Chamber. We as employers are the backbone of Nevada’s economy: the job creators, the innovators, the catalysts of change that helps a community transform and evolve. Every one of you matters in this legislative process, regardless of industry or size.

A strong and resilient business community is essential for growth and prosperity for our employers, their families, and the entire State.

That is why I am pleased to share with you that the Vegas Chamber’s direct involvement at the State Legislature had a significant impact on protecting employers during the legislative session. Our goal was to ensure that Nevada’s business climate continues to be one that strengthens the economy and spurs economic development. We achieved this goal, which was the result of the commitment made by the Chamber to protect you every day in Carson City. We should all feel proud of what we achieved as a unified business community. However, our work is not done. We know that the Chamber must continue our advocacy efforts on your behalf every day. As a fellow Chamber member, I ask you to support the Chamber’s efforts to keep employer’s priorities front and center with policy makers by contributing to BizPAC, the Chamber’s bipartisan state and local political action committee. Your investment in BizPAC is needed more than ever.

Why is giving to BizPAC so important? Your financial support sends a strong and unified message that the business community has the resources to support pro-business candidates, promote policies to spur economic growth, and mostly importantly fight off initiatives that would harm our economy. It will also help us have a strong daily presence during the interim period before the next legislative session and helps ensure the strength of our political and legislative efforts, especially as priorities are determined, and proposals made in the interim period before the next legislative session in 2025. The simple reality is that we cannot have a strong daily presence before government without your support through membership and contributions to BizPAC. Please consider contributing to BizPAC, or increasing your level of contribution, to help us continue to do good and successful work.

While the 2023 Legislative Session has come to an end, the Chamber’s job of looking out for you, my fellow member, will not let up. I promise you that we will continue to be your champion at all levels of government. That means we will commit staff, time, and resources to protect you from damaging legislation regulation, and proposals that could hinder Nevada’s economy and negatively impact your business. Please know that your voice matters and the Vegas Chamber could not be the Voice of Business without you.

Sincerely,

Paul Anderson Chairman Board of Trustees Vegas Chamber

Integrity, tireless advocate, unmatched dedication, and common sense - these are the words that I use to describe the work that was undertaken by the Vegas Chamber during the 82nd Legislative Session.

As the CEO of the Vegas Chamber, I look back at the work that we accomplished during this legislative session with great pride, especially the face the Vegas Chamber provided a strong and united voice for Nevada’s employers in Carson City.

We were driven by the common sense philosophy that Nevada thrives when Nevada employers thrive. This philosophy aligns with our purpose: to Cultivate growth and prosperity. Taking the lead role in the Nevada Legislature as the voice of business and advocate for common sense policy solutions on behalf of employers and small businesses is part of our responsibility to our members.

I believe that without you our members, the State’s job creators, the Nevada we know would not exist. You are essential to Nevada’s economic success. That is why, no matter the challenge, no matter the difficulty of the issue, the Chamber took on the job to protect you, our members, against harmful legislation that would hurt your business and our State’s economic climate.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs team worked every day to represent the Chamber’s legislative priorities. Our team read and analyzed more than 1,000 bills and reviewed hundreds of amendments. They testified on hundreds of bills, held numerous meetings with legislators and the Governor’s Office, negotiated on dozens of bills, so you, our members would be able to run your business without excessive government oversight and burdensome regulations.

The Chamber fought hard for you and due to tireless efforts of the Government Affairs team, many of these bad bills failed or were vetoed by Governor Joe Lombardo. Nevada’s employers and employees were protected because of the Chamber’s efforts, engagement, and work at the State Legislature.

And we were successful in our pledge to you that no harm would come to your business this legislative session. Not only did the Chamber hold the line against damaging and harmful legislation, we helped move Nevada forward based by advocating and supporting legislation that promoted more accountability, greater transparency, and increased efficiency in government operations.

The Vegas Chamber has been your champion and your strongest advocate in Carson City and will continue to do so. That is our legacy, our responsibility, and our commitment to you and the future of Nevada.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO Vegas Chamber

Every legislative session is unique. It means there are both new challenges and opportunities to move legislation forward that will strengthen Nevada’s economy and to also defend against damaging legislation that would hurt the State’s economic climate. Each legislative session is shaped by the needs of the State, legislative priorities, and engagement from Nevada’s broad and diverse communities.

However, one factor that is always consistent at the Nevada Legislature is the Vegas Chamber being on the ground representing your needs every day. It is that strong commitment that I value most as a Chamber member. Knowing our Government Affairs team was in Carson City making sure our members voices were heard throughout the legislative process gave me as a business owner a piece of mind.

This commitment was driven by the Chamber’s forward-thinking, bold, and comprehensive policy agenda, “Why Common Sense Matters”. This approach was based on the notion that Nevadans want common sense legislation. It was the mission of the Government Affairs Committee, which is comprised of 30 Chamber members, to support legislation that was practical, fair, and based on consensus and oppose legislation that was not. It was the belief of the Committee that legislation should not be extreme or radical in its approach and an expectation that we should have for state legislators.

This meant that our Government Affairs team worked every day to ensure that employers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs were not harmed with additional burdens and mandates such as new taxes, regulations, and requirements. The Chamber knew it would be a challenge to push back on so many of these proposals which hinder economic development and potentially cause the state’s economy to stall or falter. However, we persevered, and we were successful in helping move Nevada forward with the passage of several key bills, while maintaining the principles that foster economic development and growth in our State.

I want to thank our Government Affairs Committee for their leadership during the 2023 Legislative Session. Their insights and involvement were invaluable throughout the legislative session. Their countless hours and meetings were essential to our legislative success.

I also want to thank you, our members, for your engagement and support of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts at the State Legislature. Your voices and in-depth industry knowledge allowed us to successfully make changes to employment laws, reduce liability for employers, and significantly change the outcome of many bills in the State Legislature. Your voice is powerful and respected, and it was heard by State Legislators.

Sincerely,

Hugh Anderson Chairman Government Affairs Committee Vegas Chamber

WORKING FOR YOU:

For over a century, the Vegas Chamber has been the leading advocate for employers and employees in Nevada. As the largest, and broadest business association in the state, the Chamber serves as a respected and unifying voice at the State Legislature. We represent the interests of job creators who power Nevada’s economy and the hardworking Nevadans dedicated to building a prosperous community. Our voice resonates with state policy makers and legislators in Carson City, earning their respect and attention.

Throughout the legislative session, the Chamber remained steadfast in its mission to advance policies that foster economic recovery and safeguard Nevada’s low-tax, employer-friendly regulatory environment. We recognize that higher taxes and additional regulations only serve to push employers and workers away. Therefore, the Chamber made a commitment and pledged to protect our business climate, serving as our driving force every day in the State Legislature.

This report provides a summary of key business legislation and related proposals in which the Chamber actively engaged during the legislative session. It underscores our unwavering dedication to advocating for policies that promote economic prosperity and preserve the factors that make Nevada an attractive place to do business. Together, we will continue to champion the interests of employers and employees, shaping a brighter future for our state.

BY THE NUMBERS

1,229

Numbers of Bill Drafts Requested

1,044

Number of Bills Introduced

52

Number of Resolutions Introduced

823

Number of Bills, Bill Drafts Requested, and Resolutions Tracked by the Vegas Chamber

173

Number of Bills Testified on by the Vegas Chamber

453

Number of Bills Signed by the Governor

75

Number of Bills Vetoed by the Governor

K-12 EDUCATION

K-12 EDUCATION

The Vegas Chamber has been a steadfast advocate for meaningful K-12 education standards and reform initiatives at both the state and local levels of government. We have tirelessly pushed for greater accountability, increased transparency, and elevated standards within the K-12 education system. These crucial factors play a pivotal role in narrowing the student achievement gap, enhancing teacher performance, and fostering robust public and private partnerships. By utilizing measurable metrics, setting goals, and assessing outcomes, we can effectively gauge the impact of educational programs and investments.

Elevating the quality of K-12 education is imperative for Nevada’s economic recovery and diversification. A robust K-12 education system benefits of Nevada’s residents, attracting new employers and creating opportunities for well-paying jobs and promising careers. The Chamber’s primary focus is to empower students to succeed so that upon graduation, they are fully prepared for either postsecondary education or the workforce. Prioritizing policies that foster various pathways for students is of utmost importance to Nevada’s employers. The Chamber’s unwavering dedication remains centered on ensuring the educational achievement of Nevada’s students who will ultimately become the future employers, employees, and entrepreneurs shaping their communities.

ASSEMBLY BILL 65

ASSEMBLY BILLS K-12 EDUCATION

Revises provisions governing meetings of a board of trustees of a school district.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: AB 65 prohibits local schools from taking action on agenda items after 11:59 p.m. and requires there be at least eight hours between scheduled school board meetings. The bill also contains provisions relating to cyberbullying and bullying being experienced by students; it also directs that work-based learning programs be approved by the State Superintendent of Education; and makes technical changes when students should enroll for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class.

The Chamber supported this bill to ensure that the public is able to participate in school board meetings at a reasonable hour. The Chamber believes that important matters discussed by the school board such as curriculum decisions, governance policies, and collective bargaining agreements should be done in a transparent manner and at reasonable hours so parents, students, and teachers can participate in the board meetings.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 31, Nays: 11

Senate Vote: Yeas: 15, Nays: 5, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Sections 1 to 12, inclusive, 13, 14, 15 and 15.7 of this act become effective on July 1, 2023. Sections 12.3, 12.5, 15.3 and 15.5 of this act become effective on July 1, 2024.

ASSEMBLY BILL 164

Revises provisions related to outdoor recreation.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 164 would have put forth a study looking at incorporating outdoor recreation into the curriculum of the public education system in this State.

Replace with “The Chamber supported this bill as it stands to further engage students in the areas of natural sciences and history, providing a higher quality education, and will support Nevada’s outdoor tourism industry.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 17, Nays: 3, Excused: 1

Final Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 175

Revises provisions governing boards of trustees of school districts.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Toby Yurek, (R)

Legislative Summary: AB 175 changes the existing composition of the Clark County Board of School Trustees of seven elected trustees. The bill would add four appointed trustees from Clark County and the Cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson to the seven elected trustees. These four appointed seats would be non-voting members of the school board.

The Chamber supported the bill because it will provide greater accountability and expertise to the Clark County Board of School Trustees. It will also increase representation on the school board with these additional seats. The Chamber believes that board governance reform is needed to improve student achievement.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 29, Nays: 11, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 16, Nays: 4, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 182

Revises provisions governing educational personnel.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Brittney Miller, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 182 would have removed the paraprofessional program in schools and reduced the available teachers who can teach a subject. This language would require that a person who holds an endorsement in certain fields of specialization to teach only in such a field. The Chamber opposed this bill as it would have narrowed the teacher pipeline, which would have compounded the existing need for new professionals to become teachers.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 22, Nays: 20

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Education. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not Applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 185

Revises provisions governing the education of pupils who are children of military personnel.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 185 expands the current statute to allow students in the advance enrollment in charter and magnet program schools as well as provides the ability to use a Military Base Address to enroll in advance in Nevada school systems. It also requires these schools assist students when military personnel parents are transferred elsewhere in continuing to matriculate either by distance education if available or by coordinating with the student’s next school system.

As longtime military affairs and education advocates, the Chamber supported this bill as it helps provide a sense of stability for children of military personnel and helps shorten gaps in their education.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 30, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 207

Revises provisions governing work-based learning programs.

Sponsors: Assemblywoman Cecelia González, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 207 would authorize, without mandating, the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school to obtain liability insurance against liability arising out of the participation of a pupil in a work-based learning program.

The Chamber supported the bill as it would enable institutions that offer work-based learning initiatives to take the necessary steps in order to continue offering these programs.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 17, Nays: 4

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 256

Revises provisions relating to work-based learning programs.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 256 simplified the process for businesses to engage with work-based internships in schools. Current legislation requires all employees of a company to get fingerprinted for background check purposes before a student can be placed. This is a major burden on small and large businesses alike. This bill proposes that while keeping safety in mind, only the staff who are directly supervising a work-based learning student would have to submit their fingerprints.

The Chamber supported this legislation as it provides more access to work-based learning opportunities that better prepare students for the workplace and also simplifies the process for local businesses to engage with the community.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused; 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Section 6 effective June 7, 2023. Section 2 of this act effective June 7, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, and on July 1, 2023, for all other purposes. Sections 1, 1.5, 3, 4, and 5 of this act effective on July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 323

Revises provisions relating to education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Selena Torres, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 323 would have taken multiple steps to reduce Nevada’s teacher shortage by requiring the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to produce a strategic plan for teacher recruitment, adopt certain regulations that would allow for exemptions based on certain qualifiers for teacher licensure, and allow for payment of student teachers and other educational staff.

The Chamber supported this bill as it creates added accountability for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction streamlines the process of becoming a teacher, and allows certain exemptions with defined qualifiers in specific proficiency. It also allows for alternative pathways relating to the Praxis Exam and makes it easier for teachers with licenses from other states to become licensed in Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 38, Nays: 4

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 274

Revises provisions governing required instruction in financial literacy.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Duy Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 274 requires a certain number of credits in Social Studies to include financial literacy. The minimum requirements would include creating a personal financial plan and managing one’s own finances.

The Chamber supported the bill as it provides a unique opportunity for local public K-12 schools to better prepare youth for success in adulthood.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused; 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 24, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 399

Creates the Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 399 creates the Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee which will be able to request reports from the Department of Education and study without limitation: fiscal policy and school finances, sufficiency of current revenue and expenditures, administrative policies, and corrective action plans for public schools, etc.

The Chamber supported thisbill as it provides an added degree of transparency to K-12 education spending and needs and will aid in measuring the impact of additional dollars being spent on education.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS K-12 EDUCATION

ASSEMBLY BILL 400

Revises various provisions relating to education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Education

Legislative Summary: AB 400 provides for several K-12 educational initiatives to the State’s existing education system. This bill develops a more robust teacher pipeline to help solve the shortage of teachers by allowing greater collaboration with the higher education system. It also allows retired teachers to come backto the classroom without their retirement benefits being penalized. The bill will require a review of academic progress in schools that receive public money. The bill will also give local governments the ability to offer charter schools.

The Chamber supported AB 400 because of the proposed initiatives and accountability enhancements to our state’s K-12 education system. Nevada’s employers and entrepreneurs rely upon the K-12 public education system to properly prepare students for the future workforce. The Chamber believes that this bill will also create greater transparency, increased accountability measures, and achievable performance metrics within the K-12 system, and greater opportunities for academic success.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused; 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Sections 95, 96, and 97 of this act effective June 12, 2023. Sections 1 to 5, inclusive, 7, 8, 10 to 24, inclusive, 26 to 39, inclusive, 41 to 70, inclusive, 73, 75, and 79 to 94, inclusive, of this act effective June 12, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, and on July 1, 2023, for all other purposes. Sections 5.5, 6, 9, 25, 40, 70.5, 71, 72, 74, 76, 77, and 78 of this act effective June 12, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, and on July 1, 2028, for all other purposes.

SENATE BILL 144

SENATE BILLS K-12 EDUCATION

Establishes a credit against certain taxes for a taxpayer who donates money to a career and technical program tax credit organization that makes grants to programs of career and technical education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 144 would have provided additional funding for CTE programs to upskill the workforce. This would have been achieved by creating a tax credit organization for taxpayers to contribute to that would distribute funds to approved CTE programs.

The Chamber was in support of this bill as it provided a means for Nevadans to invest in workforce initiatives, increasing the local talent pool, and helped put student achievement first by supporting a model that works. This bill was also a Southern Nevada Forum priority.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 189

Makes an appropriation to Communities in Schools of Nevada for the purpose of providing integrated student support services.

Bill Sponsor: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 189 allocates $6.9 million to Communities in School during the next biennium to support integrated support services. This includes services related to academics, basic needs, physical and mental health, and social and life skills to pupils enrolled in public schools in Nevada.

The Chamber was in support of the bill because of the importance of offering these support service programs to students and student achievement efforts.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 15, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 244

Makes an appropriation to the Other State Education Programs

Account for the creation and maintenance of school gardens.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Julie Pazina, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 244 would have allocated $3 million to support community school gardens programs throughout the school districts in Nevada.

The Chamber supported the bill as these types of educational programs provide students with opportunities to engage in STEM education. The Chamber has been a longtime advocate of STEAM and STEM education being integrated in Nevada’s K-12 education programs.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly committee on Ways and Means. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 251

Revises provisions relating to employees of school districts.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Edgar Flores, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 251 would require local school boards to transfer school staff who are let go from one school to work at another school.

The Chamber was opposed to this bill as it removed all accountability from staff and employees in Nevada’s classrooms. The bill would have hindered the focus on student achievement and the goal of preparing students to be either college or career ready upon graduation.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 26, Nays: 14, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Final Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 282

Revises provisions governing education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: State Senator Rochelle Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 282 establishes that school organizational teams will have voting powers in certain circumstances and requires funds assigned to students as part of the revised funding equation be spent on that student within the calendar year.

The Chamber was in support of this bill as it provided parent empowerment and a voice in decisions regarding the education of their children. This bill would also assist in directing more dollars into the classroom.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 36, Nays: 6

Senate Vote: Yeas: 17, Nays: 3, Excused: 1

Action & Effective Dates: Sections 1 to 6, inclusive, and 7 of this act become effective June 10, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and on July 1, 2024, for all other purposes.

SENATE BILL 285

Makes an appropriation for civics education program.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 285 allocated funds to the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement to support civics education programs such as We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Program, Nevada’s elementary, junior high, middle and high schools and to expand civics education programs for adults.

The Chamber supported the bill because it gives students the foundation of understanding the working of government and encourage engagement in the community.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

K-12 EDUCATION

SENATE BILL 291

Makes various changes relating to education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 291 removes the four-week period required of student teachers before they can begin substitute teaching.

The Chamber supported the bill as it will allow for more students to participate in pursuing a teaching license without having to sacrifice earning a wage and would help fill the gap for teachers and substitute teachers.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 15, 2023.

SENATE BILL 329

Requires appointment of a committee to study provisions relating to budgetary and reporting requirements for school districts.

Primary Sponsors: Senate Committee on Education

Legislative Summary: Senator Bill 329 would have required the Interim Education Committee to form a subcommittee to receive reports from the school districts and create a study on the spending and use of dollars for education.

The Chamber was in support of this measure as it would increase transparency in school funding and ensure that dollars are being spent to promote student achievement.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS

K-12 EDUCATION

SENATE BILL 339

Authorizes the reimbursement of teachers for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 339 would allocate funds to teachers to assist with out-of-pocket expenses directly for the classroom.

The Chamber was in support of the bill as these reimbursement funds would help teachers in the classroom and the dollars spent would have a positive impact for students in the classroom.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 340

Revises provisions relating to education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 340 would have required school districts and charter schools to create a summer school program for students who are falling behind to have an opportunity to catch up on credits that they are required to have in order to graduate.

The Chamber was in support of this bill as it centered on student achievement and provided alternative educational opportunities for students to succeed.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Final Action: Vetoed by the Governor

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 344

Revises provisions governing education.

Primary Sponsors: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 344 would have made multiple changes to the K-12 education system. This legislation would have encouraged businesses to give parents paid leave to attend school functions but is not mandated. Other sections in this bill would have required that a district superintendent have 10 years of Nevada specific scholastic experience; it would have also required associate superintendents likewise to have 5 years of experience; and lastly this bill would have codified that local governments such as counties and cities not be able to oversee a charter school.

The Chamber opposed the bill as it supports charter school options for parents. The bill would have made it increasingly difficult for local school districts in Nevada to find the best candidates for district superintendents.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Education. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 438

Revises provisions relating to the recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 438 would have created the Teach Nevada Collaborative Account to consolidate, coordinate, and improve the efficiency of all statewide efforts to recruit and prepare persons to become teachers in public schools in this State and to retain teachers who currently work in public schools in this State by awarding grants to colleges, universities, other providers of an alternative16 licensure program and certain nonprofit organizations

The Chamber believes that establishing the Teach Nevada Collaborative is an important step towards retaining and recruiting teachers to ensure quality education for upcoming generations. This bill would have provided the necessary infrastructure to strengthen the teacher pipeline needs in Nevada, which is important that there are enough teachers in the classroom.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Floor. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 442

Enacts the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 442 enacts the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact which, among other things, establishes requirements for the issuance of a license as a teacher to an applicant for such a license who holds an equivalent license from another state that is a member of the Compact.

The Chamber was in support of SB 442 as establishing the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact would have helped encourage teachers to come to Nevada. Removing barriers of entry to wellqualified education professionals is an essential step towards improving Nevada’s educational system.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Sections 1 to 5, inclusive, of this act effective May 31, 2023, for the purpose of adopting regulations and performing any preliminary administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and January 1, 2024, for all other purposes. Section 6 effective May 31, 2023.

HIGHER EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION

The Vegas Chamber recognizes and values the crucial role that higher education plays in equipping students for successful careers. A robust higher education system is vital in preparing Nevadans for sustainable and well-paying jobs, while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development through research and fresh ideas. It opens limitless possibilities for students and paves the way for their future success.

Strengthening the connection between employers and Nevada’s public higher education institutions is paramount to Nevada’s economic recovery and growth. During this legislative session, governance reform took center stage as a priority. Reforming higher education governance is essential for fostering a productive partnership between higher education and employers, ultimately benefiting students. It is imperative to establish greater transparency and accountability for performance within Nevada’s higher education system and institutions.

A stronger governance structure will allow for the advancement of student achievement, aligning workforce programs, promoting economic development, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the higher education sector.

ASSEMBLY BILL 118

ASSEMBLY BILLS HIGHER EDUCATION

Revises provisions relating to the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Howard Watts, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 118 pertains to reducing the size of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents from 13 seats to 9 seats, while also changing the term of regents from six years to four years.

The Chamber supported the bill as a larger size board has not worked and has only exacerbated problems. A smaller board will also allow for greater focus on issues that are directly impacting students. The Chamber also believes four-year terms will create greater accountability of higher education elected officials to voters.

Restructuring the role of higher education in Nevada is essential to increasing student achievement, realigning workforce programs, enhancing economic development initiatives, and increasing transparency and accountability of higher education elected officials.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 30, Nays: 12

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 7, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by Governor.

Effective Date: Sections 2 and 3 of this act effective May 30, 2023. Section 1 of this act effective on January 1, 2028, for the purpose of filing for office and for nominating and electing members of the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada, and on January 2, 2029, for all other purposes.

ASSEMBLY BILL 212

Establishes provisions governing student transcripts.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 212 establishes that NSHE institutions cannot withhold transcripts from students and recent graduates as a measure against delinquent bills of $100 or more as was previously allowed.

The Chamber supported the bill as it provides a more even playing field for students and recent graduates and removes a barrier from these students when seeking employment or an internship. By allowing these students to be more competitive in the job market, there is a higher chance of them attaining better paying jobs and being able to afford to pay off their delinquent debts.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

HIGHER EDUCATION

ASSEMBLY BILL 372

Revises provisions relating to higher education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Education

Legislative Summary: AB 372 authorizes the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization, community entity, or governmental agency to provide tools for the purpose of facilitating family involvement in early childhood education.

The Chamber supported the bill as studies have shown that early education is a vital component to youth development and the quality of that education will have positive implications throughout their childhood and their success in the classroom. Giving parents every opportunity to learn the information they need to ensure their children are successful in the classroom is essential to student achievement.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 443

Expands the institutions which certain recipients of the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship are authorized to attend.

Primary Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor

Legislative Summary: AB 443 expands as an eligible institution for the Millennium Scholarship an accredited, tax exempt, nonsectarian college or university that operates a clinical program within this State in which students enrolled in the college or university receive training. This bill makes a student eligible for a Millennium Scholarship if the student enrolls in at least 12 semester credit hours in a course of study at such a college or university for which the completion of a clinical program located in this State is required.

The Chamber supported this bill as the Millennium Scholarship is an important tool to encourage Nevada’s students to stay and continue their education in Nevada. Expanding the scholarship to include clinical programs will also help assist Nevada in addressing its healthcare needs.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 99

SENATE BILLS HIGHER EDUCATION

Makes an appropriation to the Desert Research Institute of the Nevada System of Higher Education to support the Nevada State Cloud Seeding Program.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Pete Goicochea, (R)

Legislative Summary: This bill provides an appropriation to the Desert Research Institute of the Nevada System of Higher Education in order to support the Nevada State Cloud Seeding Program. Cloud seeding involves the deliberate introduction of substances into clouds to enhance precipitation and increase water resources. By allocating funds to this program, the bill aims to bolster cloud seeding activities in Nevada, which can have potential benefits for water supply, agriculture, and other sectors dependent on water resources. The Desert Research Institute, with its expertise and research capabilities, would be responsible for conducting and overseeing the cloud seeding efforts in the state.

The Chamber supported this bill because it recognizes the importance of water resources for Nevada’s economy and community well-being. The Chamber understands that water scarcity can have significant impacts on various industries including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. By supporting the Nevada State Cloud Seeding Program, the Chamber believes that the state can take proactive measures to enhance water availability and security. Cloud seeding has the potential to increase precipitation and snowpack, ultimately contributing to a more reliable water supply and supporting the sustainable growth and development of businesses in Nevada. The Chamber sees this investment as a strategic approach to address water-related challenges and ensure the long-term resilience of the state’s economy.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 273

Changes the name of the Nevada State College to the Nevada State University.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 273 will change the name of the Nevada State College to the Nevada State University and directs the Board of Regents to take all necessary steps to implement the name change. The bill does not change the mission of the school.

The Chamber supported the bill because the name change better reflects the achievements that the institution has accomplished since its founding in 2001. It also has been demonstrated that adding “University” provides greater value to graduates and their degrees.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

HIGHER EDUCATION

SENATE BILL 300

Makes an appropriation from the State General Fund to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for a grant program for certain interns.

Bill Sponsor: Senate Minority Leader Heidi Seevers Gansert, (R)

Legislative Summary: SB 300 would have made an appropriation totaling $2,500,000 from the State General fund for the purpose of developing and implementing a grant program for internships within the mental health field. The funds appropriated would have consisted of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

The Chamber was in support of SB 300 because Nevada currently ranks 48th in the country for mental health care availability. Creating internship programs for the students studying to enter the field would help increase the availability of mental health care in the state.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 347

Revises provisions relating to higher education.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Fabian Donate, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 347 would have defined the missions of the institutions within the Nevada System of Higher Education and created the Commission on Higher Education Funding, while also prescribing the membership and duties of the Commission.

The Chamber supported the bill because it focused on improving the higher education structure in Nevada. An independent commission of the state’s funding formula for higher education is important to determine if there is parity and equity in how the state funds each of the institutions.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Floor. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 375

SENATE BILLS HIGHER EDUCATION

Makes an appropriation to the Nevada System of Higher Education for a grant program to expand undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at institutions within the System.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Minority Leader Heidi Seevers Gansert, (R)

Legislative Summary: SB 375 would allocate funds to support nursing programs at Nevada’s public institutions of higher education in the area of nursing. These grants would be applicable to both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The appropriation for 2023-2024 Fiscal Year would be $17,537,645 and for the Fiscal Year it would be 2024-2025 $18,471,520.

The Chamber is supportive of providing grants to students that enter the field of nursing. Nevada is experiencing a nursing shortage and this program will help encourage more individuals to enter the field of nursing.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 14, 2023.

SENATE BILL 457

Makes an appropriation to the Office of Finance in the Office of the Governor for certain costs related to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and costs for interdisciplinary opportunities for health students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Finance

Legislative Summary: SB 457 makes an appropriation of $9.2 Million for the purpose of expanding the operational capabilities and increasing the class size of the Kirk Kerkorian Medical School at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

The Chamber supported the expansion of the medical school because it will help educate and train future doctors in Southern Nevada which is important as there is shortage of doctors in the State.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays 0, Excused 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 12, 2023.

SENATE BILLS HIGHER EDUCATION

SENATE BILL 486

Makes appropriations to the Nevada Promise Scholarship Account and the Millennium Scholarship Trust Fund.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Finance

Legislative Summary: SB 486 makes an appropriation of $6 million to the Nevada Promise Scholarship and a $75 million appropriation to the Millennium Scholarship fund.

The Chamber was in support of SB 486 as the Millennium Scholarship Fund and Nevada Promise Scholarship will provide assistance in pursuing educational opportunities for Nevada’s students that wish to pursue higher education opportunities in the State.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 12, 2023.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 7 *81ST SESSION

Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to remove the constitutional provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents of the State University and to authorize the Legislature to provide by statute for the governance of the State University and for the auditing of public institutions of higher education in this State.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: SJR 7 provides greater clarity between the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and the State Legislature by amending the Nevada State Constitution. The resolution would remove the Board of Regents from the Constitution and move them to Nevada Revised Statutes.

The Chamber believes that the passage of SJR 7 is an important component to reforming the state’s higher education governance structure and its alignment to meeting the needs of today’s students and employers.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 34, Nays: 7, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Enrolled and sent to the Secretary of State.

Effective Date: Delivered to the Secretary of State. This resolution will be sent to the vote of the people in November 2024 since it is a proposed change to the State’s Constitution. It has passed through both the 2021 and 2023 State Legislature as part of the ballot measure process.

HEALTHCARE ASSEMBLY BILLS HEALTHCARE

The Vegas Chamber is dedicated to ensuring that every Nevadan has access to affordable health coverage and receives high-quality care. To achieve this, the Chamber has prioritized the growth of healthcare providers in Nevada by actively supporting investment in talent pipeline development, including medical education and residency programs.

Throughout the legislative process, the Chamber advocated for legislation that would enhance the robustness of Nevada’s healthcare system, while opposing measures that would unnecessarily burden Nevada’s healthcare infrastructure. The Chamber firmly believes in marketdriven, sustainable solutions rather than relying on government mandates and directives for healthcare. Unfunded mandates only serve to weaken the system and do not attract new providers to the state.

In addition, the Chamber actively supported legislative efforts to restore funding for critical healthcare needs like residencies, recognizing the significant impact they have on where healthcare providers decide to practice. It is imperative that Nevada adequately funds these programs to attract healthcare professionals to Nevada. Legislative measures should be designed to empower the community in creating targeted solutions that effectively address the healthcare needs of all Nevadans.

ASSEMBLY BILL 6

Revises provisions relating to the cost of health care.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services

Legislative Summary: AB 6 would have required the establishment of a healthcare cost growth benchmark for each year through the Patient Protection Commission. The provisions of the bill would regulate the maximum growth that can occur in healthcare spending on an annual basis in Nevada. The Chamber opposed this bill because it would adversely impact patient access and would compound the existing challenges in Nevada’s healthcare delivery system.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 11

Prohibits certain hospitals from employing a physician.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services

Legislative Summary: AB 11 would have created a direct prohibition on most hospitals in Nevada from being able to hire doctors. The bill would only allow public hospitals to hire doctors. The bill would also prohibit the use of non-compete agreements within the hospital industry. The Chamber opposed the bill as it would have hurt retention efforts to keep doctors in Nevada, especially specialized doctors. The Chamber believed that this bill would have also hurt patients’ access to specialized medicine in the hospital setting.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 26, Nays: 16

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 7, Excused: 1

Final Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILLS HEALTHCARE

ASSEMBLY BILL 45

Creates a program to repay the student education loans of certain providers of healthcare.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: AB 45 provides student loan repayment to healthcare graduates of Nevada higher education institutions who commit to working in the state for at least five years in underserved communities as laid out by the bill.

The Chamber supported this bill because it will provide another retention tool to keep Nevada graduates practicing here and will help to reduce the severity of the current healthcare worker shortage.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Dates: Section 14 effective June 9, 2023. Sections 1 to 13, inclusive, effective on June 9, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, and on January 1, 2024, for all other purposes.

ASSEMBLY BILL 78

Exempts certain providers of jobs and day training services from licensure as nurses.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Tracy Brown May, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 78 will expand the ability of nurses to apply for a certification to provide inhome care for those with disabilities. With this bill, specialized nurses will see a streamlined process to receive the additional licensing for this practice.

The Chamber supported the bill as streamlining licensing processes in the healthcare sector will help increase the number of healthcare professionals being able to work in Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 25, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 85

ASSEMBLY BILLS HEALTHCARE

Establishes procedures to fix rates for certain health care goods and services.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman David Orentlicher, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 85 would have created the Independent Commission on Rates for Health Care Services, which also establishes procedures for fixing the rates charged by hospitals, independent centers for emergency medical care, and surgical centers for ambulatory patients. The bill also authorized the imposition of a civil penalty and initiation of disciplinary action against such a facility that fails to comply with provisions concerning rate fixing. The bill also allowed for private right of action.

The Chamber opposed the bill because of its attempt to artificially place rate caps on hospitals, while also creating civil penalties and a private right of action, which would drive up costs for both the industry and consumers.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 107

Revises provisions governing certain pharmacies located outside this State.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor

Legislative Summary: AB 107 revises provisions pertaining to a pharmacist who is employed by an offsite pharmaceutical company by adding the requirement that they be registered with the State. It provides clarity that the name of at least one registered pharmacist who practices at the pharmacy, who may be the managing pharmacist or another pharmacist, will be responsible for any prescription dispensed to a patient located in Nevada and responsible for any acts or omissions of pharmacy personnel who are not registered with the Board.

The Chamber supported the bill as it will allow pharmacies to continue to provide these types of services by providing clarification to existing law, while maintaining protections and oversight for consumers.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor. Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 120

Revises certain provisions governing voluntary health care service.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Greg Hafen, (R)

Legislative Summary: AB 120 makes changes to current law allowing medical professionals who have not practiced for three consecutive years to volunteer their services after receiving a sponsorship by a qualified organization. Volunteers often include recently graduated medical students and doctors from out of state who are licensed to practice.

The Chamber supported this bill as it will help assist in providing services to medically underrepresented communities.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 124

Revises provisions governing the renewal of a license as an osteopathic physician or physician assistant.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, (R)

Legislative Summary: AB 124 allows for the Board of Osteopathic Physicians to determine a feasible number of license renewals to audit. Currently, one-third of all applications are audited for the number of hours of continuing medical education. This bill allows the board to determine the percentage necessary for auditing to ensure the process can be managed and thoroughly vetted. The Chamber supported the bill as audits are important to government efficiencies and transparency on behalf of Nevada’s taxpayers.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by Governor.

Effective Date: Effective May 31, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS HEALTHCARE

ASSEMBLY BILL 250

Establishes provisions governing prescription drugs.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Venicia Considine, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 250 would have made it illegal to purchase or seek reimbursement for a drug that has an established maximum price for a value greater than that established maximum. This bill would further make it a deceptive trade practice and would allow for a private right of action for a violation of this provision carrying a designation of consumer fraud.

The Chamber opposed this bill as it allows for a private right of action and limits the ability to recoup the costs of development of many of these drugs.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 27, Nays: 15

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 7, Excused: 1

Final Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 318

Revises provisions governing certain providers of health care.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Duy Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 318 revises certain procedures relating to the expiration of a license to practice medicine. It also requires a physician assistant, practitioner of respiratory care or perfusionist, or the insurer of such a person, to report certain information relating to an action or claim of malpractice to the Board of Medical Examiners. This bill also simplifies the processes surrounding these topics.

The Chamber supported this bill as it cleans up previous legislation and establishes a 60-day notice period for license expiration which should allow Nevada’s healthcare workers to avoid late renewal penalties.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 30, 2023.

SENATE BILLS HEALTHCARE

SENATE BILL 134

Revises provisions relating to vision insurance.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Minority Leader Heidi Seevers Gansert, (R)

Legislative Summary: SB 134 will remove the mandate that Ophthalmologists be required by insurers to set a cap on their prices after what is contracted for reimbursement, and cannot be mandated to use specific labs to create ophthalmic devices.

The Chamber was in support of this bill to give doctors specializing in vision care more flexibility in their practice. We also believe increased competition for pricing and manufacturing will allow for better pricing of procedures and devices.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 183

Establishes provisions relating to the collection and destruction of unused drugs.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Jeff Stone, (R)

Legislative Summary: SB 183 would have required the installation and maintenance of secure drug take-back bins by a collector that is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration for the onsite collection and destruction of home-generated pharmaceutical waste.

The Chamber opposed the bill because of the mandate it would have placed on pharmacies, which included notifications to governmental agencies, signage requirements, and monitoring of the area around the disposable bins.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote was taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0, Excused: 0

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS HEALTHCARE

SENATE BILL 289

Revises provisions relating to crimes against providers of health care.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Rochelle Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 289 makes it a crime to assault any healthcare workers in a workplace setting. Currently, only doctors and nurses are protected in law and this bill will expand those protections to other employees.

The Chamber was in support of this legislation as Nevada is currently seeing an unprecedented rise in violence toward healthcare workers. This bill was also a Southern Nevada Forum priority.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 297

Provides for the establishment of the Nevada Memory Network.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Health and Human Services

Legislative Summary: SB 297 would have provided for the establishment of the Nevada Memory Network for the diagnosis of dementia and the care of patients with dementia; making an appropriation; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

The Chamber was in support of the bill as it would have provided the state’s public medical schools in the North and South with additional access in a challenging specialized field and would have provided additional talent development opportunities for medical school graduates.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 348

Revises provisions relating to health facilities.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Fabian Donate, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 348 would have established that the closure of any hospital or the conversion of a hospital to a different type of health facility must have the written approval of the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services prior to taking action and would have established civil penalties and other disciplinary actions for failure to receive such written approval. The Chamber was opposed to this bill as it seeks to limit the ability of a healthcare business to close their facilities or pivot and operate in a different capacity and sets a bad precedent for the business community as a whole.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 27, Nays: 14, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: The bill failed because the Assembly did not vote on the bill after concurring on an amendment. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 350

Revises

provisions relating to graduate medical education.

Primary Sponsors: Senator Julie Pazina, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 350 requires the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology to establish the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program for the purpose of awarding grants to institutions seeking to create, expand, or retain accredited programs for residency training and postdoctoral fellowships for physicians. This bill also creates the Account for the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program in the State General Fund, requires the Director of the Office to administer the Account, and requires money in the Account to be used to award competitive grants pursuant to the Program. The Chamber supported this bill as expanding medical residencies is a necessary step to addressing the health care needs in Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor. Effective Date: June 12, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 370

Revises provisions relating to the protection of consumer information.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 370 would prevent the sharing or sale of a person’s personal health data. The Chamber believes in a person’s right to medical privacy, but worked with the bill’s sponsor to amend the provision pertaining to biometrics because of the impact that it would have for businesses that utilize biometric for security purposes. The Chamber’s concerns were also further addressed with an amendment about data collection related to businesses that use that information for their own marketing purposes so they would not be subject to frivolous lawsuits.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 33, Nays: 8, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: March 31, 2024.

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT ASSEMBLY BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Diversifying Nevada’s economy stood as a paramount legislative priority for the Vegas Chamber. The State Legislature’s legislative policies and regulatory actions carry substantial weight, sending a crucial message to employers exploring opportunities within the state.

With Nevada competing against other states to attract new businesses and industry sectors, it becomes imperative to remain cognizant of the strategies employed by other states in their pursuit of employers. Additionally, fostering a robust talent pipeline holds immense significance for economic development. When companies contemplate relocation or expansion, they evaluate the workforce development environment and the availability of a skilled and adequately trained labor pool. Furthermore, it is vital for the State Legislature to foster a statewide business climate that fosters the growth and recovery of existing businesses.

Nevada’s economic success begins with small businesses, which occupy a fundamental role in economic development endeavors. Throughout the session, the Chamber collaborated with policy stakeholders, partners, and member businesses to ensure that legislation with adverse implications for attracting new businesses or hindering the expansion of existing ones in Nevada did not advance or were appropriately modified. The Chamber maintains ongoing partnerships with various state agencies, local government entities, and private sector collaborators to encourage economic development and job creation.

ASSEMBLY BILL 38

Revises provisions relating to the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada Account.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Revenue

Legislative Summary: AB 38 would have provided the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) with additional flexibility and support in order to achieve its mission statement by allowing unused funds to carry into the next fiscal year. The provisions of the bill gives GOED the necessary financial tools to be flexible and nimble in order to be competitive and meet the needs of the evolving and changing workforce.

The Chamber supported the bill as it will provide GOED the opportunity to further foster new workforce training programs.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 41

Establishes the Nevada Innovation Account.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Revenue

Legislative Summary: AB 41 would have created the Nevada Innovation Account, which would encourage the development of small employers and entrepreneurs in emerging technologies. The fund would have also cultivated collaboration between Nevada’s public research universities and the private sector.

The Chamber supported the bill as the Nevada Innovation Fund will be essential in strengthening and growing technology-based small businesses in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ASSEMBLY BILL 77

Revises provisions governing economic development.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 77 would create the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The office would assist with small business creation and provide resources for emerging entrepreneurs.

The Chamber supported this bill because this office would help small business owners access needed resources and expand their operations.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 30, Nays: 12

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 3

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 98

ASSEMBLY BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Revises provisions governing economic development.

Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Duy Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 98 renames the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and expands representation requirements of the Board to include members of local workforce development boards and other business representatives from industry sectors.

The Chamber supported this bill as it will better reflect the collaboration between state and local workforce efforts.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 30, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 82

Designates World Esports Day as a day of observance in this State.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 82 designates the last Saturday of October to be “World Esports Day” by the State.

The Chamber supported this bill as Esports is an important emerging tourism market that has experienced some development on the Strip and in the Las Vegas Valley. The Chamber believes designating this day is an opportunity to diversify and support the tourism industry in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 24, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 128

Makes an appropriation to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account for the costs of the program.

Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 128 appropriates $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 to support the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account. The Chamber supported the bill as it will promote outdoor and economic tourism initiatives, which will help diversify the tourism industry and attract new visitors to the State.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSEMBLY BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ASSEMBLY BILL 140

Makes Juneteenth Day a legal holiday in this State.

Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Clara Thomas, (D)

Legislative Summary: Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday in 2021. Currently many local municipalities in Nevada observe the day and, this bill would codify Juneteenth as a state holiday.

The Chamber supported making Juneteenth a state holiday in recognition of its importance to Nevadans and for what the day symbolizes.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 1, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 19, Nays: 2

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 8, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 428

Revises provisions relating to economic development.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Revenue

Legislative Summary: AB 428 creates the Career Pathways Demonstration Program under the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation within the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and would require large school districts to offer the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program. This bill effectively would create a talent pipeline from the Clark County School District to Nevada’s universities to train future teachers. This will help to address the teaching shortage and allows for up to two more career fields to be demonstrated.

The Chamber supported this bill as it expands workforce development in schools, aligning education with Nevada’s job demands, and will help address the existing teacher shortage by providing an accelerated pathway for students.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 483

Makes an appropriation to the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada Account.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Ways and Means

Legislative Summary: AB 483 appropriates $20 million from the State’s General Fund to the New Nevada Account for economic development initiatives and efforts.

The Chamber supported AB 483 as it will allow funds to be utilized to support and enhance economic development and diversification efforts throughout the State.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 10, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 484

Makes an appropriation to the Office of Economic Development in the Office of the Governor for the support of designated regional development authorities.

Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Ways and Means

Legislative Summary: AB 484 appropriates $700,000 from the State General Fund to the Office of Economic Development within the Office of the Governor for the purpose of supporting the regional development authorities as designated by the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development.

The Chamber supported this allocation to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development because it gives the Office the resources it would need to expand national and international relations as we look to continue diversifying the state’s economy.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 10, 2023.

SENATE BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SENATE BILL 181

Revises provisions relating to economic development.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Julie Pazina, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 181 would allow the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to provide a streamlined partial abatement process for businesses. This bill would raise that threshold from the existing threshold from $250,000 to $500,000 to accommodate more small businesses more efficiently.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 31, Nays: 11

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 2, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 31, 2023.

SENATE BILL 240

Revises provisions relating to the Nevada New Markets Jobs Act.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: The Nevada New Markets Jobs Act was first established in 2013 to allow tax abatements for insurance companies that invest in qualifying low-income small businesses. This expansion through SB 240 additionally includes that the principal business location must be where at least 60 percent of a qualified active low-income community business’ employees work. Additionally, this bill expands qualifying businesses to include those that are more than 50% owned by minorities, women, veterans, or members of the LGBTQ community.

The New Markets Tax Credit Act has seen success in putting entities from insurance, the state, as well as the business owner together to have a common investment in a successful business. The Chamber was in support of these benefits becoming available to even more businesses.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 2, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 386

SENATE BILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Revises provisions related to barbering.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Pat Spearman, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 386 would allow applicants who fail the test to receive a barber’s license to be able to retest up to four times within a year of the end of their training.

The Chamber was in support of this bill to remove bureautic barriers to those who are working to become barbers.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 394

Revises provisions governing abatements and partial abatements of certain taxes.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 394 would have required any future tax abatements over $500,000 to be approved by the State Legislature instead of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

The Chamber believes that the current structure, oversight, and administration of abatements by GOED is transparent, providing accountability to ensure protections on behalf of Nevada’s taxpayers and the State. The Chamber believes that the proposed cap of $500,000 would have severely hindered economic development efforts throughout the whole State and add unnecessary legislative action.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 14, Nays: 7

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Revenue. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SENATE BILL 496

Revises

provisions relating to the film industry.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 496 proposed to build two film campuses, one in partnership with UNLV to provide film and sound studios that would have been used in their off time to provide education to a number of institutions and would have been located by the UNLV Blackfire Innovation Hub at Sunset and the 215. Site two would have guaranteed revenue from Sony Pictures and would have been developed in partnership with Howard Hughes in the Summerlin area. This bill would have also expanded available film tax credits from $10 million to $15 million per year, while also establishing an annual $95 million in available annual tax credits for site one and $80 million in available annual tax credits for site two for a period of twenty years.

The Chamber supported SB 496 as it would have provided an opportunity to diversify the local economy, create potential thousands of high-paying jobs, and support existing industries with film-based tourism in Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 509

Revises provisions governing stadium infrastructure projects.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Finance

Legislative Summary: SB 509 would have provided $380 million in state and local funding through a public private partnership towards the construction of a new 30,000 seat Major League Baseball Stadium in Las Vegas. The Chamber supported this bill as the new stadium and team operations are projected to create 5,400 new jobs in Southern Nevada and will generate nearly $440 million in wages and salaries paid to local workers in the community over the next 30 years.

The Chamber also supported this legislation because of the accountability measures created with the financing mechanisms, and the fact that the “Las Vegas Stadium Authority” would have had oversight of this stadium, like it does with Allegiant Stadium.

Another important factor is that the public financing structure did not require any new taxes, nor did it increase any existing taxes.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

IMPROVING & PROTECTING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE

The Vegas Chamber’s utmost priority is safeguarding and enhancing Nevada’s business climate. This is crucial to fostering economic recovery, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and fostering job growth. Any legislation that is enacted should be sensible, effective, efficient, and enforceable. It should not burden employers with punitive measures, unnecessary complexities, or unfair treatment.

Employers are the driving force behind job creation in the state and are integral to the economic prosperity as Nevadans. Therefore, any legislation that has an impact on businesses should be carefully assessed to gauge its potential negative effects on their ability to operate successfully and generate employment opportunities. The Chamber staunchly opposed unnecessary and burdensome legislation that could hinder economic recovery, growth, profitability, and job creation.

Furthermore, the Chamber was steadfast in its advocacy to ensure that small employers were not disproportionately impacted. In cases where regulation is warranted, the Chamber advocates for fair, balanced, and transparent guidelines that do not unfairly or disproportionately target the business community or specific industries. A thriving business community is not only beneficial for employers but also for employees, thus contributing to the overall economic well-being of all Nevadans

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 14

Revises provisions relating to the state business portal.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Judiciary

Legislative Summary: AB 14 would have created the Business Licensing Working Group to study operational and efficiency issues relating to business licensing during the 2023-2024 interim period. The working group would have consisted of representatives from the state, local governments, and business representatives including a representative from a chamber of commerce.

The Chamber supported the bill as this working group would have been charged with identifying greater efficiencies and processes for businesses with recommendations that should simplify the process as it relates to the filing of forms, registrations, licenses, permits, and other documents they are required to submit to the State and local governments.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Judiciary. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 50

Revises provisions relating to the prosecution of certain crimes.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Judiciary

Legislative Summary: AB 50 pertains to criminal activity associated with organized retail crime. This bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute the crime of organized retail theft and any other crime committed in the course of committing organized retail theft.

The Chamber supported the bill because of the growing negative impact that organized retail crime has on both public safety and economic factors in Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Effective July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 55

Revises provisions related to unclaimed property.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Judiciary

Legislative Summary: AB 55 revises provisions to the Unclaimed Property program that is administered by the State Treasurer. The bill provides updates to time lines, definitions, and funds that can be managed by the program including gift cards.

The Chamber originally opposed the bill as introduced because of the definition and inclusion of loyalty card programs that are offered by businesses such as but not limited to retailers, restaurants, and gaming. The Chamber was concerned because of the challenges and burdens of determining a monetary value of such loyalty programs. However, an amendment was adopted that addressed the Chamber’s concerns by removing the section pertaining to loyalty programs and not being included in the unclaimed property program.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 62

Revises provisions governing property tax exemptions for low-income housing.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Revenue

Legislative Summary: Assembly Bill 62 expands tax exemptions and credits for builders to build and renovate affordable housing projects. This bill will remove certain financial barriers that exist in building affordable units currently.

The Chamber supported the bill as it would remove a layer of bureaucratic process and expedite the time line for developers to construct affordable housing in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Effective July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 105

Revises provisions related to broadband Internet.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Howard Watts, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 105 would have authorized a broadband service provider to access and use a nonexclusive easement, public right-of-way, or other property right granted to a public utility or a video service provider to install, maintain, and operate equipment and facilities related to providing access to broadband Internet service.

The Chamber opposed the bill because of the impact that it would have had regarding easements and right-of-ways, especially companies that have already made investments in equipment and facilities.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 126

Revises provisions governing business entities.

Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Duy Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 126 updates and modernizes provisions of existing state law as it relates to business and corporation filings with the State. The bill provides efficiencies for Nevada companies, especially for public companies, to allow business to be conducted without having to resort to extreme measures.

The Chamber supported AB 126 as it allows Nevada to be competitive at a national level and makes sure the State remains one of the most attractive places to do business. The bill also helps Nevada keep in pace with states like Delaware in these areas.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Effective May 30, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 144

Revises provisions governing the sale of certain lighting products.

Primary Sponsor: Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 144 would have banned the sale of most household style fluorescent light bulbs by 2024 and industrial style fluorescent light bulbs by 2025.

Although the market is trending toward LED light bulbs already, the Chamber originally opposed this bill as it did not give enough time for retail stores to sell inventory. The bill was amended to give retailers an additional year, which mitigated the Chamber’s concerns with the bill.

Position: Concerns mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 12, Nays: 9

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILL 184

Establishes an incentive program for the purchase of certain zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Howard Watts, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 184 creates the Account for Clean Busses and Trucks. By creating tax incentives, this bill allows companies and government divisions to use tax exemptions and credits to mitigate costs of switching gas powered vehicle fleets over to electric driven vehicles. The Chamber supported this bill as it provides greater access to choices as companies look at upgrading their vehicles with greater fuel efficiencies and environmental standards.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 2, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Effective June 9, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 209

Revises provisions relating to certain providers of health care.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Cecilia Gonzalez, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 209 would have repealed existing state law as it relates to medical malpractice litigation. The bill would have removed the existing cap of $350,000 for non-economic damages. It also created new penalties for healthcare providers in civil litigation scenarios.

The Chamber opposed the bill as a full repeal of Nevada’s medical malpractice protection will cause a major crisis in the State’s healthcare system. This legislation would have compounded the existing doctor shortages in the community. It would have also resulted in doctors leaving Nevada and it would have made it nearly impossible to recruit doctors to the state.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 210

Revises provisions governing public works.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Bea Duran, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 210 requires each contractor engaged on a public work to provide his or her workers assigned to the public work with a written or electronic notice with the Internet website of the State Labor Commissioner where the prevailing wage rates for the public work project are posted; the name of the contractor; and the physical address of the principal place of business of the contractor.

The Chamber originally opposed the bill as introduced because there was a requirement for employers to provide notices in numerous languages and the burden that it would create for small businesses. The Chamber was also opposed to several of the reporting requirements and the length of the record keeping by employers in the bill. However, the bill was amended to address the Chamber’s concerns by removing those provisions.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 29, Nays: 12, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 19, Nays: 1, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 30, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 235

Revises provisions governing public works projects.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 235 would have created prevailing wage standards of custom fabrication on nonstandard goods or materials for public work projects. Per the bill, nonstandard goods or materials included plumbing or pipe fitting; ventilation system, air-conditioning system; heating system; sheet metal or any other sheet metal product, and signage, which includes non-illuminated signs. The Chamber opposed the bill because of the extensive list of items that would be required to be paid through prevailing wage requirements and the impact it would have on taxpayers. The Chamber also had concerns about the inefficiencies and inability of local governments to be able to comply and enforce this proposed standard outside of Nevada on these items.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 27, Nays: 14, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 12, Nays: 8, Excused: 1

Action: Vetoed by Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILL 244

Revises provisions relating to certain mental or physical examinations.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Selena Torres, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 244 would change the process relating to mental and physical exams as they pertain to civil litigation cases. The bill would allow for an observer to attend the mental or physical examination with the plaintiff and allow notes to be taken as part of the civil litigation process. It would also create a private right of action and allow the examining physician to be sued as well.

The Chamber opposed the bill because of the adverse impacts it would have on businesses that are defending themselves in civil lawsuits. The legislation would also create a private right of action against anyone who allegedly violates the provisions of the statute.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 34, Nays: 8

Senate Vote: Yeas: 16, Nays: 4, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 7, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 272

Establishes provisions relating to mail theft.

Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 272 would add penalties and imprisonment for individuals convicted of the theft of mail or deliveries. Currently there is an omission in the state legal system in prosecuting mail theft and this bill would help address that gap.

The Chamber supported this bill to protect the small businesses operating out of homes and relying on deliveries to support their business.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 303

Revises provisions relating to the towing of a motor vehicle under certain circumstances.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman C.H. Miller, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 303 would have revised existing state law regarding the towing of a motor vehicle as it relates to an individual’s ability to pay the fee based on the household income of 200 percent of the federally designated level signifying poverty. The bill would have also prohibited an operator from charging any fee or cost for the towing of the motor vehicle, including, without limitation, any fee or cost for the removal, impoundment, or storage of the motor vehicle, until at least 48 hours after the motor vehicle arrives and is registered at the place of storage.

The Chamber opposed the bill as there were concerns how it may impact a business’s ability to have a vehicle towed that is illegally parked on private property.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because the Senate did not take a vote on the bill. No further action is allowed.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 312

Establishes provisions relating to environmental justice.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sarah Peters, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 312 would add provisions guaranteeing certain rights pertaining to the environment. The legislation requires that state and local governments must take into consideration environmental protections in their decision-making process and that they must protect the environment.

The Chamber opposed the bill because of the adverse impact it would have on Nevada’s economy, along with the negative impact on economic development and diversification efforts by the state and local governments.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 313

Revises provisions relating to mining reclamation.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sarah Peters, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 313 would leverage excessive regulatory burdens on Nevada’s Mining industry. The bill would require mining operators to submit a revised plan for reclamation. The bill also requires that if an open pit will be excavated below the pre-mining water table, a plan for reclamation that would provide for the backfilling of the open pit to a level where no pit lake will form and no seasonal or permanent wetland will exist. This would be retroactive to existing mining sites as well.

The Chamber opposed the bill as it would effectively render Mining unable to operate in Nevada. The economic impact loss to the State’s revenue and to rural communities would be significant. The Chamber believes that job losses would negatively impact employees and their families that rely on the Mining industry.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on ways and means. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 314

Revises provisions governing the regulation of home-based businesses by counties, cities, and towns.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant, (R)

Legislative Summary: AB 314 would have codified that home-based businesses cannot have additional regulations imposed upon them that a brick-and-mortar equivalent would not receive.

The Chamber supported this bill because of its focus on small and micro home-based businesses and reducing regulations from local governments.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Government Affairs. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 340

Revises provisions governing certain actions and proceedings relating to real property.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 340 would revise the summary evictions process. With this bill, landlords would be required to file an eviction notice with the court and extend the notice period from seven to ten days.

The Chamber opposed this bill as involving the courts in this process will create a longer and more expensive process for tenants and landlords.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 7, Excused: 1

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILL 392

Makes various changes relating to property.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, (R)

Legislative Summary: AB 392 would have prohibited, with certain exceptions, a service provider from entering or recording a service agreement with an owner of residential property that provides for the performance of the agreement more than one year from the date of the execution of the agreement.

The Chamber supported the bill as there has been a concern about the use of this deceptive trade practice by homeowners unknowingly entering into a multiple years’ service agreement that results in a lien being placed on their home. The Chamber supported this consumer protection bill, while also strengthening industry standards for the betterment of Nevada’s homeowners.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 404

Revises provisions governing civil actions against a provider of healthcare for professional negligence.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Judiciary

Legislative Summary: AB 404 as amended revised existing state law as it relates to medical malpractice litigation. The bill changes the existing cap of $350,000 to $750,000 for non-economic damages that adjusts over a period of time. Also, the bill calls for beginning on January 1, 2029, the maximum amount of noneconomic damages set forth must be increased on January 1 of each year by 2.1 percent, rounded to the nearest dollar.

The Chamber originally opposed the bill because of the excessive cap limits of $2.5 million that had been proposed in the bill. The Chamber supported the compromise that had been reached between stakeholders. The Chamber believed that if a compromise had not been reached, it would have caused a major crisis in the State’s healthcare system over medical malpractice.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 24, Nays: 17, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 16, Nays: 5

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 410

Revises provisions relating to industrial insurance.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 410 as revised would remove provisions prohibiting an ailment or disorder caused by any post-traumatic stress disorder or any death or disability and being able to file a claim through workers’ comp for police officers and firefighters. The bill also expands the stress related injuries that may be compensable under workers’ comp to include a mental injury caused by extreme stress for which the primary cause was a series of events, rather than a single event that arose out of and during the course of employment.

The Chamber was concerned that the original bill would create unintended consequences in seeking to help those in the workers comp system.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 7, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 421

Establishes provisions governing the collection of consumer data of Nevada consumers.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Revenue

Legislative Summary: AB 421 would have imposed a new excise tax on the collection of the consumer data of individual Nevada consumers by a commercial data collector. The bill would have also created a new tax and collection structure. The bill would have also required these businesses to register with the Department of Taxation.

The Chamber opposed the bill because it creates a new tax on businesses. There were also concerns about the broadness of the definitions of businesses that would be required to pay the tax along with the fact businesses already pay taxes on revenue through the Commerce Tax.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Revenue. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

ASSEMBLY BILL 433

Revises certain fees collected by the Secretary of State.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Judiciary

Legislative Summary: AB 433 would have waived for the first-year state business registration fee with the Secretary of State. It would have also reduced future renewal costs by lowering the annual fee from $500 to $200 per year. There will be scenarios that businesses would see a small increase in other related fees ranging from $25 to $50 for specific transactions such as amending or changing addresses to a businesses’ articles of corporation.

The Chamber supported the bill because the lowering of the annual registration fee would save businesses money. The waiving of the initial fee would have also helped attract new businesses to incorporate in Nevada. The Chamber believed that the proposed measures would have helped Nevada be more competitive on the national level for business recruitment.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 5

Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to revise provisions relating to lotteries and the sale of lottery tickets.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Cameron “C.H.” Miller

Legislative Summary: AJR 5 would remove the state constitution’s prohibition on state operated lotteries and lottery tickets.

The Chamber opposed the resolution because of the organization’s long-standing concerns with amending the State Constitution. The Chamber also opposed the resolution because of the concern that private sector jobs will be lost and State revenue from the gaming industry will decline if the State decides to operate a lottery after the prohibition is removed.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 26, Nays: 15, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 12, Nays: 8, Excused: 1

Action: Enrolled and delivered to the Secretary of State. This resolution must be passed a second time by the Legislature in 2025 before it can go to the vote of the people in November 2026 since it is a proposed change to Nevada’s State Constitution.

Effective Date: November 3, 2026

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 24

Revises provisions relating to the Office of Small Business Advocacy within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: SB 24 would make the Office of Small Business Advocacy permanent within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The office was created in 2021 as a pilot program by the State Legislature.

The Chamber supported the bill as the purpose of the office is to assist Nevada’s small employers with inquiries about the state business licensing portal, state agency regulations, funding opportunities, and resource offerings by the state.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 15, 2023.

SENATE BILL 68

Establishes programs to provide certain assistance relating to housing.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development

Legislative Summary: SB 68 would have raised the real estate property transfer tax to provide funds that would go toward supportive housing projects or renovations.

The Chamber was in opposition to this bill for raising the real estate property transfer tax as well as the lack of oversight and accountability of the use of the funds.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate committee on Revenue and Economic Development. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 82

Revises provisions related to public works.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Skip Daly, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 82 modifies the percentage of labor hours that are required to be worked for public work projects depending on how many hours the apprentices will be working. The bill also originally attempted to limit the requirement to enter into an apprenticeship agreement to those contractors or subcontractors who are not signatories to a collective bargaining agreement with a sponsoring union.

The Chamber was originally opposed to the bill because of the changes relating to the use of apprenticeships and journeymen and the negative impact that it would have on workforce development initiatives in the construction industry. However, those concerns were addressed in an amendment that was adopted.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

SENATE BILL 92

Revises provisions relating to sidewalk vendors.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Fabian Donate, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 92 pertains to developing regulations that would allow for sidewalk vendors to legally operate in Clark County along with the cities such as Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas. The bill as introduced would legalize this emerging industry by defining the term of a sidewalk vendor. It would also prohibit the county or cities from enforcing or enacting a complete prohibition on sidewalk vending and imposing criminal penalties for the act of sidewalk vending. The bill includes the creation of the Task Force on Safe Sidewalk Vending, which would be administered by the Office of the Secretary of State.

The Chamber opposed the bill as introduced because of concerns associated with public health safety since many of these vendors sell food items, along with concerns with easements and right of way issues with public access roads and private property, the use of regulations and enforcement by local government, and the composition of the taskforce. The Chamber’s concerns were addressed in an adopted amendment.

Position: Concerns mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 1, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 1

Action & Effective Dates: Sections 1 to 7, inclusive, 8, 10, 11, 15 to 22, inclusive, 24, 24.5 and 25 of this act effective on January 1, 2024. Sections 7.5, 21.5 and 26 of this act become effective June 7, 2023, for the purpose of performing any preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and October 15, 2023, for all other purposes. Sections 9 and 23 of this act effective June 7, 2023, for the purpose of performing any preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and on July 1, 2024, for all other purposes. Sections 12, 13 and 14 effective June 7, 2023, for the purpose of appointing members of the Task Force on Safe Sidewalk Vending and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 12, 13 and 14 of this act and January 1, 2024, for all other purposes. Sections 26.5 to 28, inclusive, and section 29 effective June 7, 2023

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 125

Revises Provisions Relating to Transportation.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 125 would have removed the liability of certain accidents or traffic incidents from rideshare drivers or autonomous vehicles, and placed that liability upon the transportation rideshare company.

The Chamber opposed this bill as drivers of rideshare vehicles are in control of their vehicle and should take responsibility for any traffic incidents for which they are at fault.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 126

Revises provisions relating to the NV Grow Program.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 126 provides funding to the Nevada Grow program. Nevada Grow provides small business resources via the Division of Workforce and Economic Development of the College of Southern Nevada. Through marketing plans, placement, online store builds, improved websites and materials, Nevada Grow has shown a significant return on investment for each dollar spent in Nevada. The bill adds the Vegas Chamber as another resource for businesses that participate in the Nevada Grow program.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Final Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 142

Enacts the Homeless Persons’ Bill of Rights.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dallas Harris, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 142 bill as introduced included several components that relates to employers’ hiring practices of individuals and allowing for the private right of action to be utilized in cases that are filed against employers in regards to the individual’s address provided for employment purposes.

A proposed amendment, if adopted, would have addressed the Chamber’s concerns with the bill by removing the private right of action and definitions relating to employers being held liable in vague employment situations.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Infrastructure. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 145

Revises Provisions Related to Employee Misclassification.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 145 was designed to adopt the recommendations made by the State’s Taskforce on Employee Misclassification. The bill directs any funds generated by fines to be used by the State Labor Commissioner to hire additional staff instead of being deposited into the State’s General Fund. The bill as amended would restore the first offense to a warning by the State Labor Commissioner by an employer.The bill also repeals and dissolves the Taskforce on Employee Misclassification.

The Chamber was originally opposed to the bill because of changes to the first fine being $5,000 instead of the first offense being a warning by the State Labor Commissioner as currently existing law. The restoration of wordage to distinguish between unintentionally and willful was important to the Chamber’s concerns being mitigated.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0.

Senate Vote: 18, Nays: 0, Excused: 3

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 165

Revises provisions relating to businesses engaged in the development of emerging technologies.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Pat Spearman, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 165 would have created an emerging technology business task force as well as a center for emerging technology businesses that would have brought emerging technology companies to Nevada. This legislation would have fostered growth in new industries, diversified the economy, and provided new in-demand skilled jobs within the growing talent pool.

The Chamber was in support of SB 165 as it created a taskforce to attract emerging technology businesses to Nevada and also provided a center that would help foster growth of emerging technology businesses both coming to the state as well as emerging start-ups from local innovation centers such as UNLV’s BlackFire Innovation center or the Tech Alleys in Las Vegas and Reno.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 174

Revises provisions governing common-interest communities.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Judiciary

Legislative Summary: SB 174 would have required homeowners’ association managers and other community managers to register as a collection agency as well as other existing licenses that they are required to obtain. With this bill, if a homeowners’ association manager or other community manager puts a lien against a home for failing to pay their dues, that manager must be registered with the Commissioner of Financial Institutions and would have been held to the same standards as collection agencies.

The Chamber supported this bill as it would have created greater parity within the industry and provided greater transparency for consumers and homeowners.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 179

Revises provisions relating to civil litigation.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Scott Hammond, (R)

Legislative Summary: SB 179 pertained to provisions relating to civil litigation cases. SB 179 would have brought greater transparency to Third Party Litigation Funding by requiring the disclosure of the funding mechanism and the list of funders, while also enhancing advertising standards for legal services in the areas of prescription drugs and medical devices in Nevada. It would have also required that third-party litigation funding companies be held reasonable for joint and several liability. The Chamber supported the bill as it is important that Nevada’s legal environment is fair, transparent, and predictable. This consumer protection bill would have provided greater transparency to the use of Third Party Litigation Funding, while providing reasonable regulatory oversight within the industry.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote was taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Judiciary. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 185

Establishes provisions relating to businesses.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 185 would have created the Business Opportunity Outreach Unit within the Department of Administration. This unit would have worked with small businesses, micro businesses, and minority-owned small businesses to create more opportunities to submit proposals to bid on state contracts. Namely this bill would have allowed multiple small businesses to work together to bid on projects that otherwise they may not be eligible for. The bill defines a microbusiness as a business that does not have a gross revenue of more than $75,000 per year and no more than nine employees.  The Chamber was in support of this bill as it strengthened opportunities for small businesses and microbusinesses to grow and expand their operations in Nevada with additional resources.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote was taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Judiciary. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 195

SENATE BILLS

IMPROVING & PROTECTING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE

Revises provisions related to cannabis.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Rochelle Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 195 pertains to provisions to the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) as it relates to disciplinary action and the fees imposed and collected by the Board. The bill eliminates the CCB’s practice of billing for routine staff work, called “time and effort” billing. It also limits maximum fines per violation to $20,000 for the licensee.

The Chamber supported the bill because of the removal of the practice by the Cannabis Control Board billing businesses in the industry for routine inquiries and the limiting the fee amounts that could be levied on a business. The Chamber does not believe that agencies and boards should charge licensees these types of fees.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 0, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 19, Nays: 1, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 13, 2023.

SENATE BILL 243

Revises provisions relating to catalytic converters.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Rochelle Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 243 criminalizes the possession of two or more used catalytic converters (not attached to a vehicle) allowing law enforcement to prosecute those who are stealing or purchasing used catalytic converters. This bill further requires those purchasing catalytic converters to create a paper trail by taking down the identification information of the seller and providing a three day gap before remitting payment. This bill also establishes restrictions on reasonably knowingly purchasing stolen used catalytic converters.

The Chamber was in support of this bill as it helps close the distribution channels in Nevada for stolen catalytic converters. This is a rising problem for citizens and businesses alike, with the damage to the vehicle often costing thousands to replace and fix.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 250

SENATE BILLS

IMPROVING & PROTECTING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE

Revises provisions relating to catalytic converters.

Primary Bill Sponsor: James Ohrenschall, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 250 would have prohibited a person from purchasing a used catalytic converter under certain circumstances; established requirements relating to transactions involving used catalytic converters, and established penalties.

The Chamber supported the bill as it limited the purchase of used catalytic converters and required the collection of additional information of the seller and provided a seasoning period for payment by issuing payment by mail.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 1, Excused: 0

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly committee on Commerce and Labor. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 252

Revises provisions governing civil actions.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Edgar Flores, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 252 would have allowed law firms to recover costs associated with focus groups and mock trials as part of the litigation process. It would have been made available to both plaintiff and defendant attorneys.

The Chamber opposed the bill as judges have the discretionary authority to award these costs already as part of the settlement award. There was also the underlying concern that these expenses, if automatically allowed, would have increased the overall costs of litigation in Nevada.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 274

Revises provisions relating to industrial insurance.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Skip Daly, (D)

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 274 will change worker’s compensation to reduce the time in which an insurer must respond to a claim, and imposes additional penalties on an insurer that does not respond or pay a claimant damages within the allotted time. The fine structure was also increased from not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, to not less than $17,000 and not more than $120,000.

The Chamber had significant concerns regarding the original language. After negotiations with the bill’s sponsor and the Nevada Self Insurers Association, we were able to create more workable legislation with lowered limits and an increased time frame.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 14, Nays: 6, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

Senate Bill 275

Revises provisions relating to manufactured home parks.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Skip Daily, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 275 would tie maximum annual rent increases in manufactured home parks to the Housing and Industry division of the Department of Business and Industry increases.

The Chamber was opposed to this bill as rent should not be regulated and instead be determined by market fluctuations. The Chamber also believes this would not be an appropriate precedent and would lead to further expansions of rent control.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Vetoed by the Governor

SENATE BILL 290

Provides for the regulation of employer-integrated earned wage access providers.

Primary Sponsors: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 290 establishes provisions relating to a business that is employer-integrated and delivers to a person money that represents income that the person has earned for services rendered to an employer but that has not yet been paid to the person.

The Chamber was in support of the bill because it would create regulatory oversight for a new and emerging financial services tool for the benefit of Nevada’s workers. This bill would provide regulations and accountability such as being licensed and bonded. The Chamber believed these provisions are important to the public and the industry. Earned Wage Access companies would help Nevadan’s access their salaries and wages early without having to take out a loan.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 35, Nays: 7

Senate Vote: Yeas: 19, Nays: 1, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: January 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 299

Revises provisions related to monorails.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Edgar Flores, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 299 would have removed the prevailing exemption that monorails currently have in state law if the project or existing system receives public funds from either the state or local government. It was originally proposed that monorails would also be placed under the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) but that was ultimately removed from the bill.

The Chamber originally opposed the bill as a monorail system should not be placed under the authority of the PUCN.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 37, Nays: 5

Senate Vote: Yeas: 15, Nays: 6

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

SENATE BILL 301

Revises provisions governing public works.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 301 would require the prevailing wage to be expanded to employees delivering or removing construction materials or structures to or from the site of a public works project.

The Chamber was opposed to the bill because of the unprecedented policy change that would create the inability to be able to pay between prevailing wage and non-prevailing wage sites for delivery drivers.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 25, Nays: 17

Senate Vote: Yeas: 12, Nays: 8, Excused: 1

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

SENATE BILL 303

Revises provisions relating to motor vehicles.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 303 would have required auto manufacturers to pay a fair rate for parts and labor to a dealership who is performing warranty work or servicing a recall. The bill further would have established the process by which a fair rate is determined, provided an opportunity for the manufacturer to object to the price, and provided a method of arbitration to settle such disputes. The Chamber was in support of this bill as it removed the financial risks from the auto dealer and ensured adequate compensation for servicing manufacturer defects.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Floor.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 305

Provides for the establishment of a retirement savings program for private sector employees.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dallas Harris, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 305 establishes a Board of Trustees of the Nevada Employee Savings Trust, a State operated retirement savings plan that would mandate deposits from private sector employees. While provisions of the legislation allow for any employee to opt out of the program within a prescribed amount of time from their start date, the default would be for employees to participate.

The Chamber has historically been opposed to this type of legislation. However, a proposed amendment would allow employers that have been in business for at least three years to comply with the program requirements and allow private sector programs offered by trade associations and chambers of commerce to also qualify as retirement savings plan options.

Position: Neutral

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 35, Nays: 7

Senate Vote: Yeas: 15, Nays: 5, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 335

Revises provisions regarding real property.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator James Ohrenschall, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 335 would have revised the summary evictions process. As proposed, landlords would be required to file an eviction notice with the court and extend the notice period from seven to ten days.

The Chamber was opposed to this bill as involving the courts in this process would have created a longer and more expensive process for tenants and landlords.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 27, Nays: 14, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 12, Nays: 9

Action: The bill failed because the Assembly did not vote on the bill after concurring on an amendment. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 355

Revises provisions relating to financial services.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Roberta Lange, (D)

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 355 would make changes to current banking processes allowing for managers to freeze certain transactions that have an apparent threat of fraud against elders. The Chamber was in support of this measure as seniors are regularly targeted and are victims of fraud. This bill would allow banks to prevent potential harm before it occurs.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas:20, Nays: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

SENATE BILL 371

Revises provisions governing local governments.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: SB 371 will allow local governments to enact rental control measures. The Chamber was opposed to the bill as rental control measures are not an effective way to address affordable housing challenges. The Chamber was also opposed to giving local governments any form of fiscal home rule as Nevada is a Dillon’s Rule state.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 26, Nays: 14, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: Yeas: 12, Nays: 9

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

SENATE BILL 426

Revises provisions governing rent increases.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Pat Spearman, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 426 would have implemented a rent control based on cost of living adjustments from the Nevada Division of Business and Industry, with certain exemptions related to new buildings and upgrades.

The Chamber was in opposition to this legislation as it includes burdensome government intervention into a free and open market. Nevada currently needs to build 80,000 units to address the housing shortage. While expedited licensing and abatements for affordable housing projects will address the housing shortage, this legislation will not.

Position: Opposed

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 427

Revises provisions relating to occupational safety and health.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: SB 427 would have required employers to provide a written safety program to mitigate heat illness on any day that the temperature is expected to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. The program would have been required to have a training program for employees who may be affected by issues related to heat illness; a program to mitigate exposure to poor air quality on any day that employees are exposed to air with an Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index value of 201 or greater.

The plan would have also required employers to offer a training program for employees who may be exposed to poor air quality and that these programs and the training to be conducted are made available in a language and format that is understandable to each employee.

The Chamber opposed the bill because of the negative impact that it would have on all of Nevada’s business industry sectors as it relates to heat mitigation. There were also concerns with the broadness of the definitions, scenarios where new requirements would need to be followed, and the conflicts that it may have caused with existing collective bargaining agreements and the Federal OSHA Mitigation Standards that are currently developed for the entire country.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 441

Revises provisions relating to public health.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 441 removes daily room cleaning requirements within the hospitality industry that were adopted during the August 2020 Special Session because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Chamber believes that keeping these measures in state law contradicts the progress that has been made with Nevada’s public health response to COVID-19. Also, many of the COVID-19 reporting elements are no longer available and it is only hindering Nevada’s largest industry. These provisions are also labor intensive, costly, inefficient, requiring more water resources and supplies, and burdensome to the hospitality industry.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 33, Nays: 9

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 3

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 17, 2023.

SENATE BILL 485

Makes appropriations to the Office of the Secretary of State for costs related to the Office’s business registration and filing system, Internet website and information security.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Finance

Legislative Summary: SB 485 makes an appropriation of $1,294,861 for the project management and operations of the Office of the Secretary of State and also makes an appropriation of $15 million for the enhancement and modification of the Office’s business registration and filing system. The Chamber supported this legislation because it would update the State’s Business registration system, SilverFlume. The existing system is inefficient and time consuming for businesses. The system also lacks the ability to integrate with local government business licensing systems as well. The development of a new system will streamline the process between the state and local governments and allow for a more user-friendly interface for businesses.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 12, 2023.

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

Greater transparency and government reform bring oversight, efficiency, and accountability. This initiative has been a long-standing pillar of the Vegas Chamber in the State Legislature.

As a strong advocate of efficient and accountable government, the Vegas Chamber supports efforts to increase fiscal responsibility at every level of government, which is important to all Nevadans and to the state’s economic health.

The Vegas Chamber worked to ensure that legislation was amended or modified that would not undue transparency and accountability reforms that had been adopted in previous legislative sessions. The Chamber engaged on a variety of collective bargaining agreement legislation and prevailing wage issues as stewards of public money, while also advocating for changes to the way Nevada secures federal grant dollars to benefit the State.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 8

Revises the composition of a Metropolitan Police Committee on Fiscal Affairs.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: AB 8 would have revised the composition of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Committee on Fiscal Affairs, which would have changed the existing composition of the five voting members of the committee. The bill would have increased the number of voting seats for Clark County from two seats to three seats, the City of Las Vegas would have remained at two seats, and the number of general member seats would have increased to two.

The Chamber opposed the bill as introduced because the general member seat would have become a non-voting member. The general member seat has typically been held by a member of the community with either business or tourism experience. The amended version of the bill removed the Chamber’s concerns as it would have preserved the general member voting seat by increasing the committee to seven voting members.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 26, Nays: 16

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 66

Revises provisions relating to ethics in government.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections

Legislative Summary: AB 66 would have made a large number of changes to statute to streamline and unify the application of the Nevada Ethics in Government Law. The bill also outlined several changes to the capabilities of the Nevada Commission on Ethics to take action and investigate Public Officer conduct violations.

The Chamber supported the bill as it is important that the Ethics Commission has the necessary tools to enforce the state’s ethics laws and to ensure that the public has trust with the process and system.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 37, Nays: 5

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 171

Revises provisions governing public works.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Bea Duran, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 171 would have created new qualifications as it relates to public work bids for contractors by requiring the use of best bid value. The bill as amended and adopted narrowed those qualifications to a contractor providing healthcare, following state laws, and the offering of any educational training.

The Chamber originally opposed the bill as introduced because of the concerns with the proposed list to qualify those items for contractors. The original qualification list to qualify for a best bid value would have included bids being submitted to include the estimated cost to complete the project; the qualifications, experience and technical expertise of the contractor; the quality of the services, materials, the reputation of the contractor and subcontractors for safety, and quality and timeliness of completion of projects.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 26, Nays: 14, Excused: 2

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 172

Revises provisions governing collective bargaining for local government employees.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Natha Anderson, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 172 would require all public non-union employees that work in a collective bargaining unit, or employees that get union benefits without being in the union, to provide their personal information to that bargaining organization including their home address, personal phone, and email.

The Chamber opposed this bill as it would require public employees to provide their sensitive private information to a union or labor organization.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 7, Excused: 1

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 213

Revises provisions governing residential zoning.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 213 streamlines affordable housing applications at the local government level for the homebuilding industry as it pertains to the permitting process. The bill requires local governments provide an annual report to the Housing Division of the Department of Business and Industry and the Advisory Committee on Housing. The bill also requires local governments to review and respond to a corrected application within five working days and prohibits a local government from using any preliminary application to circumvent the timeline or process.

The Chamber supported the bill as it will help streamline the housing application process which will provide cost savings in the application process and support affordable housing in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 39, Nays: 3

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 2, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

ASSEMBLY BILL 214

Revises provisions governing certain regional transportation commissions.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Nafta Anderson, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 214 authorizes a regional transportation commission to use an electronic surveillance system to provide and maintain such security in operations. The bill would also change the composition of the regional transportation commission advisory board by requiring additional employee representatives from the local labor group to be appointed to the board. As amended and adopted, these provisions only apply to counties whose population is 100,000 or more but less than 700,000. As a result this does not apply to Clark County.

The Chamber originally opposed the bill because of proposed changes to the composition of local regional transportation commission advisory boards including those located in Clark County, however, the bill was amended to remove several of the above-mentioned requirements for Clark County.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 18, Nays: 2, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 30, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 219

Makes Various Changes to the Open Meeting Law.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Venicia Considine, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 219 as proposed would strengthen public comment periods as it relates to Nevada’s Open Meeting Law and public meetings. The bill would require public comment periods each day for meetings that are held on multiple days. The bill would also require meetings that are held remotely to clarify and provide call-in information for the public so they can interact and provide public comment.

The Chamber supported this bill because of the greater transparency that it provides to members of the public at state and local governmental meetings.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 222

Makes changes to the computation of credit for service for certain members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Max Carter, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 222 would have changed the calculations of the number of hours worked in relation to the credit of years that a public employee who works for a local school district can earn. The bill would provide if an employee works a minimum of 900 hours in a year, that employee would receive a full credit year of retirement benefits.

The Chamber has a long history of opposing additions to PERS because of the growing unfunded liability within the system from the taxpayer perspective. The Chamber also opposed this taxpayer funded retirement system adding additional costs by paying for months that are not worked by public employees.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILLS STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 224

Revises provisions governing collective bargaining.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sarah Peters, (D)

Legislative Summary: Assembly Bill 224 expands the role and authority of state collective bargaining through numerous changes and provisions. The bill would expand the powers and duties of the Government Employee-Management Relations Board to include hearing and deciding disputes between state professional employers and professional employees. The bill would also provide collective bargaining for non-tenured staff with certain exclusions. The collective bargaining agreements would be extended to adjunct professors, graduate teaching assistants, and other staff.

The Chamber opposed these changes to the state’s provisions relating to collective bargaining agreements, as these public employee positions are funded by taxpayers. The additional collective bargaining requirements would have created instability in funding which will require larger budgets and more revenue to cover these costs. The Nevada System of Higher Education currently has the power to negotiate collective bargaining if they choose to do so.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 31, Nays: 11

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILL 268

Makes appropriations for the payment of retention incentives to certain employees of the State Government.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Ways and Means

Legislative Summary: AB 268 provides incentive payments of $500 to most of the state employees as part of the state’s workforce retention efforts.

The Chamber supported the bill as the state’s workforce retention rate is being challenged with the current market conditions. The high vacancy rate across many of the state’s agencies and departments is a concern because of the impact it has on their ability to serve and address the needs of Nevada’s residents.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: April 4, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 299

Creates the Nevada Medal of Distinction.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 299 would create the Medal of Distinction award which would be annually awarded to one living and one deceased Nevadan. The selection committee to nominate Nevadans would include three members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the Speaker, two members appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, and two members selected by the Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court.

The Chamber supported this bill as it is important to highlight Nevadans who go above and beyond in service. Not only does it create a sense of pride for the individuals nominated, but it is important to tell their stories.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 7, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 361

Revises provisions relating to state financial administration.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 361 is designed to improve Nevada’s federal grants process by matching the state application standards with the federal grant application standards. The Chamber supported this bill as it will increase Nevada’s ability to bring in more federal dollars that will benefit Nevada’s greatest needs.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 366

Revises provisions governing the Keep Nevada Working Task Force.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: AB 366 would have moved the Keep Nevada Working Task Force from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill also provided for the membership of the Task Force sets forth the duties of the Task Force.

The Chamber supported the transfer of the Taskforce from the Lieutenant Governor’s office to the Secretary of State’s office because of the number of small businesses that directly deal with the services provided by the Office including state business licensing and its business licensing online portal, SilverFlume.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Vetoed by Governor.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 378

Revises provisions governing collective bargaining.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: AB 378 would move the process of collective bargaining for state employees forward by a month. The bill also requires the representative of the Executive Department and the exclusive representative of a bargaining unit, before engaging in collective bargaining, to select a mediator and an arbitrator for the purposes of potential mediation and arbitration.

The Chamber opposed this legislation as it would complicate the state’s collective bargaining process that is regulated by existing state law.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 14, Nays: 7

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

ASSEMBLY BILL 426

Revises provisions governing special event advertising.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure

Legislative Summary: AB 426 changes regulations around advertising special events to now include an exemption for advertising around public rights of way (i.e., overpasses over county/state roads).

The Chamber supported this bill as it allows for further economic development along the tourism corridor and will help foster more massive scale event projects and their promotion.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 25, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 528

Establishes a program to provide matching funds to certain qualified projects related to the prevention of homelessness and provision of assistance to persons who are experiencing homelessness.

Primary Sponsor: Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 528 provides for a public-private partnership to address homelessness in Southern Nevada with the creation of a fund to construct a regional homeless center to help individuals that are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Funds would be provided by the State, local governments, and the private sector.

The Chamber supported the bill because the initiative helps support Nevadans who are homeless or at-risk being homeless. This bill is an important step in enhancing these important social services in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 40, Nays: 1, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 19, Nays: 2

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 3

Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to establish certain rights relating to the environment.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Sarah Peters, (D)

Legislative Summary: AJR3 would have amended the state constitution and added provisions guaranteeing certain rights pertaining to the environment. The legislation would have required that state and local governments must take into consideration environmental protections in their decisionmaking process and that they must protect the environment as part of their decisions.

The Chamber was opposed to the proposed constitutional amendment because of the adverse impact it would have had on Nevada’s economy. Along with the impact on economic development and diversification efforts by the State and local governments, the Chamber also had concerns with the vagueness of the statements that are made in the resolution, as many of these terms were not defined or clearly defined in NRS. This would have also led to costly and lengthy lawsuits.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The resolution failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. As a result, the resolution received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

SENATE BILL 19

Revises provisions relating to local governments.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 19 authorizes the Clark County Commission to proceed with the development of the supplemental airport located near Jean, Nevada. The bill also directs that public hearings will need to occur on the new supplemental airport along with a notification process for local property owners that could potentially be impacted. It also prohibits local governments from annexing the land.

The Chamber supports the development and construction of a new supplemental airport in Southern Nevada. The construction of the airport is vital to Southern Nevada’s economy.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: May 29, 2023.

SENATE BILL 155

Revises provisions relating to certain crimes committed by homeless persons.

Primary Sponsor: Senator James Ohrenschall, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 155 as revised authorizes homeless persons who commit certain misdemeanor offenses to be assigned to a diversionary and specialty court program.

The Chamber had concerns about potential amendments that would decriminalize certain acts of theft as it relates to retailers. However, those amendments were not adopted and as a result the Chamber’s concerns have been mitigated.

Position: Concerns Mitigated

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 41, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

SENATE BILL 184

Revises the Charter of the City of North Las Vegas.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Pat Spearman, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 184 would have amended the city charter of the City of North Las Vegas to increase the number of council seats from five to seven. It would have also required certain city employees to live within the city limits, required an annual report on diversity to the State, and restricted the City Attorney’s ability to provide legal advice to the Mayor and Council.

The Chamber opposed the bill as the recommendations did not come from the city council or the city’s charter committee. The Chamber was also concerned about the increased size of government along with the associated costs. Residency requirements and roles of the city employees are typically done by local ordinance and not placed in a city’s charter.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by Assembly

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Government Affairs. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable..

SENATE BILL 261

Revises provisions relating to local governments.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Dina Neal, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 261 standardizes how business trade associations and chambers of commerce are notified about proposed local government changes that impact the business community. It also clarifies that all local government entities must comply with the Business Impact Statement process and maintain a list of trade associations and chambers of commerce for notification purposes.

The Chamber supported the bill as it continues efforts to strengthen the business impact notification process with chambers of commerce and trade associations at the local government level.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: October 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

SENATE BILL 341

Makes appropriations to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square for the purpose of purchasing food for persons who are served by such organizations.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 341 makes appropriations to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square for $1 million each for 2023-2034 and 2024-25 for the purpose of purchasing food for persons who are served by such organizations.

The Chamber was in support of this allocation as Three Square is an important community partner and provides an important safety net in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 19, 2023

SENATE BILL 422

Revises provisions relating to public safety.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure

Legislative Summary: SB422 creates guidelines for the operation of personal delivery device businesses and the devices themselves in order to allow this new technology to operate in broader applications.

The Chamber was in support of this bill as it helped define an innovative and emerging tech sector by removing personal delivery devices from the current definition of a vehicle and ascribing the rights and duties of a pedestrian which will allow the technology to service more of UNLV’s campus.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: Sections 1 to 10, inclusive, of this act become effective June 1, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and on January 1, 2024, for all other purposes. Section 11 effective June 1, 2023.

SENATE BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

SENATE BILL 431

Revises provisions relating to governmental administration.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Government Affairs

Legislative Summary: SB 431 is designed to modernize and increase efficiencies in state government. One of the most beneficial improvements for both employers and employees is reforming DETR and modernizing it with the proposed Department of Workforce. The bill will take a centralized approach to workforce development throughout the State and the new Department of Workforce. The bill will also create the Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions and Councils which will streamline and create a clear and concise system for board appointments in this State. The bill will increase the cap of the State Rainy Day Fund from 20 percent to 30 percent. Also, it will eliminate the requirement that state employees cannot be paid more than 95% of the Governor’s salary.

The Chamber supported SB 431 because it would reform state agencies and operations that are in significant need of modernization. The Chamber believes that reducing inefficiency and increasing government accountability is essential to effectively serving constituents and taxpayers; this bill does both.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

SENATE BILL 433

Revises provisions relating to prevailing wages.

Bill Sponsor: Senator Skip Daly, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 433 would have made changes in determining what projects are to use prevailing wage. Under this bill, the Labor Commissioner would have been the determining entity rather than the current parameters that are set forth by the Legislature and determined by the judicial system.

The Chamber was in opposition to this bill as we believe this is an overreach and will provide overly discretionary power to the position of the Labor Commissioner.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Vetoed by the Governor.

SENATE BILLS

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM & TRANSPARENCY

SENATE BILL 483

Makes appropriations to the Office of the Secretary of State for the purchase and replacement of computer hardware and associated software and certain equipment.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Finance

Legislative Summary: SB 483 provides funds to replace computer equipment and software in the Secretary of State’s office.

The Chamber supported the bill as it is important to invest in the computer and systems in the Secretary of State’s office as their office is responsible for the state’s business licensing system.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays 0, Excused 1

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: June 12, 2023.

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

The Vegas Chamber has a rich history of advocating for the funding and development of multi-modal and inter-modal transportation systems. These comprehensive networks bolster regional connectivity, enhance productivity, and alleviate congestion, all of which hold great significance for both employers and employees.

A robust and dependable transportation system translates into economic stability, job opportunities, and business expansion throughout Southern Nevada. The allocation of funds towards transportation projects plays a pivotal role in advancing the region’s economic development initiatives.

Ultimately, it is undeniable that a thriving transportation system brings substantial benefits to both employers and employees, fostering a prosperous and dynamic business environment.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

ASSEMBLY BILL 220

Revises provisions relating to water conservation.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Natural Resources

Legislative Summary: AB 220 increases water conservation efforts and as amended provides the option for septic tanks to convert to the water grid at no cost to the homeowner, adopts WaterSmart practices, addresses issues with groundwater management, administration of wells and irrigation of non-functional turf; and provides emergency powers that can be used by the SNWA Board and General Manager.

The Chamber supported this bill because it balances water conservation with the needs of Southern Nevada. This bill would allow for the continued growth and economic development within the community while continuing conservation efforts of which the Chamber has long been a proponent.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 30, Nays: 12

Senate Vote: Yeas: 17, Nays: 3, Excused: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor

Effective Date: June 6, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILL 310

Revises provisions governing affordable housing.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 310 would create and implement a supportive housing grant fund, the Nevada Supportive Housing Development Fund. This grant would help fund efforts with onsite supportive services designed to assist people who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness.

The Chamber supported the bill as it would provide another mechanism to help address affordable housing throughout the state.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, No: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, No: 1

Action: Signed into law by the Governor

Effective Date: June 19, 2023.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

ASSEMBLY BILL 321

Makes various changes relating to public safety.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Max Carter, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 321 phases out current foil-based balloons in favor of non-conductive metallic balloons as they are a legitimate concern near power lines, causing outages and endangering linesmen.

The Chamber supported this bill as it protects Nevada’s energy infrastructure and will help reduce potential power outages. The run-up and toll periods also allow businesses impacted to continue operation during this transition.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Signed into law by the Governor

Effective Date: June 20, 2027.

ASSEMBLY BILL 359

Revises provisions relating to the imposition by certain counties of additional taxes on fuels for motor vehicles.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, (D)

Legislative Summary: AB 359 would have continued to allow Clark County Board of Commissioners to adjust the Fuel Revenue Indexing tax as part of enabling language. These funds have historically been used by the Regional Transportation Commission in Southern Nevada for the construction of transportation systems and roads.

The Chamber supported this legislation as it functions as a use tax, and provides for a modern and efficient transportation system which has a direct correlation with a thriving business economy.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 32, Nays: 10

Senate Vote: Yeas: 15, Nays: 5, Excused: 1

Action: Vetoed by Governor.

ASSEMBLY BILLS

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

ASSEMBLY BILL 429

Revises provisions relating to aviation.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblyman Bert Gurr, (R)

Legislative Summary: AB 429 would have moved the Nevada Air Service Commission to the Office of Economic Development and makes an appropriation from the State General Fund to the Nevada Air Service Development Fund for the purpose of conducting a study of the development of intrastate air service in this State and for the purpose of making grants of money to an air carrier that will service or provide enhanced air service routes. The bill also revises the board composition of Nevada Air Service Development Commission.

The Chamber supported this bill because it promotes rural tourism and provides better access to and from Nevada’s rural communities.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

ASSEMBLY BILL 456

Revises provisions relating to railroads.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure

Legislative Summary: AB 456 would restrict the length of cargo trains to 7,500 feet that use railroad tracks in Nevada.

The Chamber opposed the bill as restrictions of the length of trains will increase costs of consumer goods and delay the transportation of goods. The Chamber believes that this bill will add additional stress to the supply chain challenges. There are also concerns that this bill would violate the Interstate Commerce Clause.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 28, Nays: 14

Senate Vote: Yeas: 13, Nays: 8

Action: Vetoed by Governor.

SENATE BILLS

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

SENATE BILL 281

Revises provisions governing natural gas utilities.

Primary Bill Sponsor: State Senator Rochelle Nguyen, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 281 creates similar processes and procedures for natural gas utilities as are present for electrical utilities under the Public Utilities Commission, and establishes triennial meetings for the discussion of rate increases, increases in infrastructure, etc.

The Chamber was in support of the bill as it provides additional transparency and parity with other utilities as well as ensures continued dependable and affordable energy in the future as Natural Gas accounts for approximately 70% of the electricity in Southern Nevada.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action & Effective Dates: Sections 1 to 18, inclusive, of this act effective June 9, 2023, for the purpose of adopting any regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and January 1, 2024, for all other purposes. Section 19 effective June 9, 2023.

SENATE BILL 293

Revises provisions relating to distributed generation systems.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senator Fabian Donate, (D)

Legislative Summary: SB 293 establishes guard rails for solar panel and distributed generation system installers, requiring notice of a three day window to terminate the contract without cause, the right to rescind the contract for cause as outlined in the deceptive trade practices NRS chapter, requires documents to be prepared in the language used to negotiate terms, as well as requires a recorded phone call verbally discussing the terms of the contract.

The Chamber testified in support of this bill as it establishes standards that will help ensure honest and accessible sales and marketing practices and rebuild some trust in a quickly growing industry that had a couple of bad actors damage the industry’s reputation.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 24, Nays: 17, Excused: 1

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Bill signed into law by the Governor.

Effective Date: January 1, 2024.

SENATE BILLS

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 3

Urges the United States Bureau of Reclamation to consider certain actions, alternatives, and measures for the protection and management of the Colorado River.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Legislative Summary: SJR 3 urges the federal government to encourage the seven Colorado River Basin states and Mexico to work together and develop a plan to address the ongoing water shortage that is occurring along the Colorado River because of the continuing drought conditions. The Chamber supported the resolution, as it has been a longtime advocate for the federal government to work with Nevada’s Congressional Delegation and the other states and Mexico to effectively address these water concerns along the Colorado River.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 42, Nays: 0

Senate Vote: Yeas: 21, Nays: 0

Action: Enrolled and delivered to Secretary of State

Effective Date: May 31, 2023.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 4

Urges the Federal Government to use Yucca Mountain for the development and storage of renewable energy.

Sponsor: Senator James Ohrenschall, (D)

Legislative Summary: SJR 4 would have requested the Federal Department of Energy to encourage renewable energy projects to be conducted at Yucca Mountain.

The Chamber is opposed to reopening Yucca Mountain for any redevelopment or repurpose of the facility because of longstanding concerns of the possibility to storing nuclear waste at the site.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The resolution failed because there was no vote taken by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. As a result, the resolution received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

TAXES ASSEMBLY BILL TAXES

The Vegas Chamber prioritizes tax policies that are founded on the principles of fairness and equity. We firmly believe that a neutral, stable, transparent, and simple tax system is essential for Nevada’s business community. These attributes serve as vital benchmarks for evaluating any proposed tax measures. In order to attract new businesses to the state, it is crucial that Nevada’s tax structure remains stable, equitable, and fair.

This becomes increasingly important as other states intensify their efforts to compete for businesses. Moreover, as part of the economic recovery endeavors, it is imperative that we nurture and expand the existing businesses and industries. Consequently, the Chamber actively opposed tax proposals that could impede job creation and hinder the path to economic recovery.

The Chamber steadfastly objected to regressive tax legislation that would deter economic growth and hamper recovery efforts.

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 7

Directs the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Revenue to conduct a study regarding wealth taxes during the 2023-2024 interim.

Primary Bill Sponsor: Assemblywoman Natha Anderson, (D)

Legislative Summary: AJR 7 would have created a statewide study on a wealth tax in Nevada. The Chamber opposed this measure as it could be a first step toward implementing a state income tax.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken by the Assembly.

Senate Vote: No vote taken by the Senate.

Action: The resolution failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly. As a result, the resolution received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILLS TAXES

SENATE BILL 233

Revises provisions governing taxes imposed on certain heavy equipment.

Bill Sponsor: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, (D)

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 233 would have changed the way Nevada taxes heavy equipment rentals, changing it from a property tax for any heavy equipment used in the state to a 2% rental revenue tax that would only apply to heavy equipment rental companies. This was calculated to be approximately the same as the current tax revenue and a true up period was amended into the bill to ensure this legislation remained tax neutral.

The Chamber was in support of this legislation as it modernized the way the state captured this tax revenue, making for a better tax system for the industry without negatively impacting tax revenue.

Position: Support

Assembly Vote: Yeas: 27, Nays: 15

Senate Vote: Yeas: 19, Nays: 2

Action: The bill failed because the bill did not receive a two-thirds support vote in the Assembly. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

SENATE BILL 465

Makes an appropriation to the Department of Taxation for the costs of a feasibility study and request for proposals for a real-time sales tax point-of-sale system.

Primary Sponsor: Senate Committee on Finance

Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 465 would have created a study towards creating a point of sale option for sales tax remittance at point of sale.

The Chamber was in opposition to this bill as an average of 8 percent of all purchases are returned and 30 percent of online sales are returned by consumers. If an item is taxed and returned afterwards, the tax would also have to be immediately repaid to the retailer by the State. This process would have unnecessarily created extra processing for the State and increased costs. This point of sales taxation system has failed in several other states, and was stated as “Not the solution” after research by the National Convention of State Legislatures.

Position: Oppose

Assembly Vote: No vote taken in the Assembly.

Senate Vote: Yeas: 20, Nays: 0, Excused: 1

Action: The bill failed because there was no vote taken by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. As a result, the bill received no further consideration during the legislative session.

Effective Date: Not applicable.

LEGISLATIVE DAY & RECEPTION 2023

LEGISLATIVE DAY & RECEPTION 2023

VEGAS CHAMBER GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS IN CARSON CITY

VEGAS CHAMBER GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS IN CARSON CITY

THANK YOU OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

LEGISLATIVE DAY & RECEPTION 2023

EVENT SPONSORS:

AIRLINE SPONSOR:

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEMBERS & STAFF

MARY BETH SEWALD

President & CEO

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

HUGH ANDERSON Chair, Government Affairs Committee Hightower Las Vegas

PAUL ANDERSON

Chair, Board of Trustees Boyd Gaming Corporation

BETSY FRETWELL

Chair-Elect

C4ward Strategies

MICHAEL FEDER

Immediate Past Chair, Board of Trustees Dickinson Wright

GINA BONGIOVI Bongiovi Law Firm

MICHAEL BRITT Red Rock Resorts, Inc

MARK BROWN Miracle Flights

MARYKAYE CASHMAN

TIM CASHMAN

MC Squared Management

LISA DE MARIGNY Omni Limousine, Inc.

J.T. FOLEY Las Vegas Sands

CRAIG S. GALATI LGA, Inc.

JASON GRAY MGM Resorts International

KEITH HANSEN

Allegiant Travel Company

DAVE HOWELL Wells Fargo

KARLOS LASANE Caesars Entertainment Corp.

CHAD LEAVITT Findlay Automotive Group

SCOTT LEEDOM Southwest Gas

TODD MASON Wynn Resorts

MEGHAN MCLEAN Fair, Anderson, & Langerman

ERIN MCMULLEN MIDBY Vice Chair Government Affairs Committee Boyd Gaming Corporation

GEORGE F. OGILVIE III Esq. McDonald Carano LLP

JOHN O’REILLY O’Reilly Law Group

DAMON SCHILLING, AMR/Medic West

GRETA SEIDMAN Opportunity 180

JENNIFER SIMICH Republic Services

CRAIG STEVENS Cox Communications

JUDY STOKEY NV Energy

TODD SKLAMBERG Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center

TED WIENS, JR. Ted Wiens Tire & Auto

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS STAFF VEGAS CHAMBER

PAUL MORADKHAN Senior Vice President of Government Affairs

DYLAN KEITH Director of Government Affairs

ERICA VALDRIZ Manager of Political Affairs and Fundraising

TREVOR PARRIS Manager of Government Affairs

NICK SCHNEIDER Manager of Public Policy

BLACK & WADHAMS ATTORNEYS AT LAW STATE LOBBYING TEAM

JAMES WADHAMS Partner

JESSE WADHAMS Partner

AMY SHOGREN Director of Government Affairs

CATHERINE GUILD Office Administrator