What’s Happening?
A bill moving through the Nevada Legislature could let county leaders extend a gas tax program without asking voters first. The program, called fuel revenue indexing, has been in place in Clark County since 2016. It automatically raises gas taxes every year to match inflation. Voters approved this program for 10 years back in 2016.
Now, Assembly Bill 530 would allow Clark County Commissioners to extend it with a two-thirds vote instead of putting it on the ballot in 2026.
How Much Are We Paying?
About $1.11 of each gallon you buy in Clark County goes to taxes. The state gets 23 cents, the federal government takes 18.4 cents, and Clark County gets around 70 cents. This means nearly a third of what you pay at the pump isn’t for gas at all – it’s for taxes.
Gas prices are already climbing in Southern Nevada. The average price in Las Vegas just hit $3.99 per gallon – that’s 20 cents more than last week, according to AAA Nevada. John Treanor from AAA Nevada explained that “several factors are driving up the cost of gasoline including refinery maintenance and the switch to summer blend gasoline.”
Why Does This Matter to Conservatives?
This bill touches on core conservative values: limited government, taxpayer rights, and personal freedom. There are three big concerns:
- Your Voice Is Being Taken Away: “Are we afraid of a vote by the people? Do we believe in democracy?” asked Jenine Hansen of Nevada Families for Freedom during testimony against the bill. “I think it’s very important we have a vote from the people.”
- More Government Spending: The gas tax automatically increases each year without lawmakers having to vote on it. This lets government grow without direct accountability.
- Strain on Family Budgets: Some drivers worry prices will continue to rise. “I think prices are just going to keep going higher,” driver Nelson Borges told local news. “No matter what.” For families on tight budgets, every extra penny at the pump hurts.
What Do Supporters Say?
Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts said during the bill’s hearing that continuing the tax program “has been a priority for leaders throughout the Southern Nevada community.”
Supporters claim the money funds important road projects. The Regional Transportation Commission says the gas tax has paid for 702 road projects, created 20,400 jobs, and helped more than 78 small businesses in Southern Nevada.
Not the Only Tax Extension on the Table
This gas tax isn’t the only revenue stream lawmakers are trying to extend without voter approval this session. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D) recently introduced Senate Bill 451, which would extend a property tax levy that funds police officers. This tax, first approved by voters in 1996, generates about $158 million annually to fund approximately 825 Metropolitan Police Department officers.
Unlike the gas tax which adjusts upward automatically with inflation, this property tax stays at a fixed rate of 20 cents per $100 of assessed property value. However, both tax extensions share a common theme – legislators seeking to bypass direct voter approval for major tax decisions that affect Nevada families.
We’ve Been Here Before
This isn’t the first attempt to bypass voters on this issue. A similar bill moved through the legislature in 2023, but Republican Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed it, saying the decision should go to voters.
What Can Conservatives Do?
If you value your right to vote on tax issues:
- Call your state representatives today. Tell them you want to keep your right to vote on tax increases.
- Prepare for the 2026 vote if the bill doesn’t pass. Good policy needs informed voters.
If Assembly Bill 530 doesn’t pass, the decision will go to Clark County voters on the 2026 ballot. The current program expires on December 31, 2026.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
