Silver State Times

The Nevada State Legislature concluded its 82nd session on June 5, 2023, followed by two special sessions addressing unresolved issues, including plans for a Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas. The session witnessed various legislative proposals impacting businesses across the state.

Governor Joe Lombardo played a pivotal role during this period, vetoing 75 pieces of legislation. "Governor Lombardo’s presence was critical in ensuring that the legislators, committee chairs, and legislative leadership either worked with us to mitigate concerns or bills were vetoed if we couldn’t come to agreement," noted NFIB representatives.

Despite numerous proposals at the start of the session that could have negatively affected small businesses, many were mitigated or defeated through efforts led by NFIB and allied groups. These included AB 312, which proposed an Environmental Justice Commission; SB 427 concerning new heat protection standards; AJR 3 aimed at amending the Nevada Constitution for environmental rights; AB 421 proposing a tax on data-collecting businesses; and SB 76 targeting small retailers over chemical compounds in products.

Governor Lombardo's vetoes extended to some controversial measures while supporting several bills beneficial to business interests. Among those signed into law were AB 50 providing more tools against organized retail crime, SB 24 making permanent the Office of Small Business Advocacy under the Lt. Governor's jurisdiction, SB 261 improving notification requirements for local regulations affecting small businesses, and AB 77 establishing an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Certain negative bills saw amendments due to NFIB intervention. SB 145 initially penalized employers for misclassifying workers but was adjusted to protect honest mistakes. Similarly, AB 410 originally extended workers' compensation benefits for stress-related conditions but was limited to first responders with PTSD after revisions.

The legislature is not expected to reconvene until 2025 unless prompted by significant developments. Governor Lombardo will focus on staffing executive agencies and implementing recently passed laws during this interim period.

NFIB expressed gratitude towards its members' involvement throughout the session: "We are looking forward to expanding our grassroots activism efforts, legislative outreach, and strengthening our relationship with the Lombardo administration."