Ending Ugly: Special Session Looms?
The 2023 Nevada Legislature is expected to end in an ugly manner, writes Las Vegas Review Journal editor Steve Sebelius.
Governor Joe Lombardo has been presented with fewer bills than any other legislative session in the past 25 years. Tensions between the governor’s office and the legislative branch are high, with disagreements and frustration on both sides.
Democratic lawmakers have ignored several of Lombardo’s proposals, and most of the governor’s top priorities have been overlooked. The introduction of major issues, such as a tax credit plan for film studios and a proposal for a Major League Baseball stadium, has further complicated the situation.
Many lobbyists predict that a special session will be necessary to complete the legislature’s work on time. Negotiations and discussions between the two sides have been hindered, making it difficult to pass and amend bills.
If Lombardo decides to veto the budget, a special session would be required, shifting the dynamics significantly. Democrats might be strategically waiting until the end of the session, hoping to gain a two-thirds majority in both houses in the next session to override Lombardo’s vetoes. Read more…
“Cardinal” Amodei Wraps Up Budget Work
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) has advanced a bill through committee to fund the legislative branch.
The bill, which includes budgets for various government agencies, proposes a 4.5 percent decrease in funding compared to the previous fiscal year. It received objections from Democrats but passed on a party-line vote.
The budget includes modest increases for most line items, but major cuts to the Architect of the Capitol and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The Capitol Police budget would increase to hire 2,200 police officers. Read more…
Nevada Democrats Move to Gut Electoral College
Nevada Senate Democrats, except for State Senator Dina Neal, passed AJR6, a constitutional amendment for the National Popular Vote.
The amendment aims to bypass the electoral college system and award Nevada’s votes to the presidential candidate who wins the majority of votes nationwide. If passed again in the 2025 legislative session, it will be on the 2026 ballot.
Senate Republicans unanimously opposed the amendment, arguing that it would not accurately reflect the will of Nevadans and eliminate the state’s significance as a swing state. They accuse Democrats of trying to circumvent Governor Lombardo and uproot the entire electoral system. Read more…
Weed War: Bill Proposes Changes to Cannabis Regulatory Fees
The Nevada Cannabis Association is advocating for changes to the Cannabis Compliance Board’s fee structure.
Senate Bill 195 aims to eliminate “time and effort billing” charged to businesses for state workers’ time and require the CCB to provide cost estimates before conducting investigations. It also introduces an appellate process for licensees, caps violations at $20,000 each, and sets a 30-day limit for state regulators to approve a business’ plan of correction.
Currently, businesses can be billed up to $47,000 for investigations, and failure to pay fees results in non-renewal of licenses. If passed, cannabis operators could appeal investigation costs exceeding the CCB’s estimate by more than 25%. Read more…
Field of Dreams: A’s Pursue $1.5 Billion Ballpark
The Oakland Athletics are seeking $395 million in public funds from Nevada legislators to build a $1.5 billion stadium in Las Vegas. The team is yet to agree on a specific amount with the legislators.
The proposed stadium would be located on the Tropicana lot owned by Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc. and managed by Bally’s, with the A’s potentially receiving nine acres of land for free.
However, the legislators have only agreed to provide $150-$195 million in funding. The negotiations are ongoing as the A’s aim to relocate from the Bay Area by the end of the season. Read more…
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