Governor Joe Lombardo announced Monday that he plans to call the Nevada Legislature back to Carson City for a special session in the next few months. He wants to finish work that didn’t get done during the regular session that ended back in June.
“At some point over the next few months, I intend to call the Legislature back for a special session,” the governor said in a statement.
“The goal will be to finish what the Legislature left unfinished – plain and simple.”
The governor didn’t say exactly what issues he wants to tackle. But there are some big ones left hanging from the regular session.
What’s Likely On the Table
Two main items might be on the agenda. First is the failed attempt to bring two Hollywood studios to Southern Nevada. Second is the governor’s crime legislation that would create new penalties for “smash and grabs” and other retail thefts.
Both of these bills died when the regular legislative session ended just after midnight on June 3rd. The crime bill was especially important to Lombardo. He wanted tougher rules to make the Las Vegas Strip and other areas safer. But the bill ran out of time before lawmakers could vote on it.
The Hollywood studio proposal was a huge deal. It would have given tax breaks to film companies to build facilities in Nevada. Supporters said it would create jobs. Critics said it would give away too much taxpayer money.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For folks who believe in limited government, this special session is worth watching closely. Here’s why.
First, special sessions cost money. Taxpayers foot the bill when legislators come back to Carson City. Every day they’re in session costs real dollars. Conservatives need to ask if whatever gets discussed is worth that expense.
Second, the crime bill is actually something many conservatives support. Making Nevada safer is a legitimate role of government. Protecting people and property is a core government function. If Lombardo can get that passed, it would be a win for public safety without growing government in other ways.
But the Hollywood tax credits are a different story. Many conservatives have questions about if tax incentives for specific industries align with free market principles. It’s the kind of proposal that splits conservatives. Some see it as economic development. Others see it as government picking winners and losers in the marketplace.
Third, there’s the timing issue. Nevada law says campaign fundraising is banned 15 days before, during, and 15 days after a special session end. Sources say the session might be called around a holiday when donations naturally slow down anyway. That’s smart politics, but it’s also something voters should know about.
The Toby Yurek Connection
This special session might also matter for another reason. Republican Assemblyman Toby Yurek just resigned from his seat last Friday. He’s leaving the legislature to join Governor Lombardo’s team as a policy advisor.
Find NN&V’s prior coverage here: Nevada Lawmaker Toby Yurek Steps Down to Join Governor’s Team.
Yurek represented Assembly District 19 in Clark County. It’s a solidly Republican area. In fact, Democrats haven’t even run candidates there in the last two elections.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Right now, that seat sits empty. But if Lombardo calls a special session, the Clark County Commission has to appoint a Republican to fill Yurek’s spot for that session. State law requires the replacement to be from the same party.
For the long term, voters in District 19 will choose a new representative in the November 2026 election. That person will start serving when the legislature meets again in 2027. Local Republicans need to find a strong conservative candidate for that race.
What Critics Are Saying
Democratic leaders haven’t said much publicly yet about the special session idea. Back in August, they were talking with Lombardo about possibly reconvening. But now that he’s made it official, they’re being quiet.
Progressive groups have criticized the Hollywood tax credit plan for months. They say it takes money away from schools and health care. They say there’s no proof these kinds of deals actually help regular working people.
The Bigger Picture
Nevada only meets for 120 days every two years. That’s it. The state constitution limits how long lawmakers can work. This makes Nevada different from most states.
Special sessions have become more common since voters approved that 120-day limit back in 1999. Sometimes they’re necessary. Sometimes they’re about politics.
The question conservatives should ask is simple. Does this special session address real problems that can’t wait until 2027? Or is it about checking boxes before an election?
Looking Ahead
Lombardo still hasn’t said when exactly he’ll call the session. He also hasn’t released the full agenda. Those details matter a lot.
If the session focuses on real public safety needs, many conservatives will support it. Keeping people safe is what government should do. That’s not big government. That’s smart government.
But if the session turns into a giveaway program for Hollywood corporations, expect conservative opposition. Tax breaks for big companies aren’t limited government. They’re corporate welfare dressed up in fancy language.
What Conservatives Can Do
Stay informed. When Lombardo releases his full agenda, read it carefully. Look at what each proposal actually does. Don’t just listen to the talking points.
Contact your legislators. Let them know what you think. If you support the crime bill, tell them. If you oppose corporate tax breaks, tell them that too. They work for you.
Watch how your representatives vote. If they support corporate welfare over limited government principles, remember that in the next election.
This special session will show us a lot. It will show us what Governor Lombardo really wants to accomplish. It will show us whether Republicans in the legislature stand firm on conservative principles. And it will show us whether Democrats are willing to work across the aisle or just play politics.
The next few months will be telling. Nevada conservatives need to pay attention.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
