With 30+ total vetoes this session, Lombardo is building toward his 2023 record of 75 vetoes. But he’s not there yet. What matters is that each veto stops government overreach and protects Nevada families.
Driver Cards for Illegal Immigrants (AB140)
AB140 would have extended renewal periods for driver authorization cards, making them nearly equal to regular driver licenses. This would help people here illegally get around easier and blend in with legal residents.
Governor Lombardo’s veto message explains exactly why this was a bad idea. He pointed out that when Driver Authorization Cards were first created, lawmakers specifically said they weren’t driver’s licenses. The bill sponsor “clearly explained that DACs are not driver’s licenses” and noted there were “public safety concerns related to establishing the identity of foreign citizens who apply for a DAC.”
“Those public safety concerns remain today,” Lombardo wrote. He also noted that since most car insurance policies last one year, extending the renewal period doesn’t even help with the original purpose of DACs.
Most importantly, the governor wrote:
“Driver’s licenses are different than DACs, and they should continue to be treated as such. Because this bill would further obfuscate the distinction between driver’s licenses and DACs, I cannot support it.”
Parental Rights Under Attack (AB205)
AB205 would have changed sex education from opt-in to opt-out. Instead of parents choosing to sign their kids up, every child would automatically get sex education unless parents actively removed them.
Governor Lombardo’s veto message shows he completely understands what’s at stake for parents.
He wrote:
“Parents should be empowered to make important decisions related to their children’s education—particularly when the subject matter involves sensitive and deeply personal topics like sex education,”
The governor explained that an opt-in approach “ensures that parents are fully informed about the content their children will encounter and gives them the opportunity to prepare for those discussions at home.” He noted this is often the first time many parents have serious sex-related conversations with their children.
Most importantly, Lombardo wrote:
“Requiring opt-in participation also encourages meaningful planning and dialogue between parents, allowing them to consult with family, friends, or their faith community as they determine how best to support their children.”
He emphasized that “schools and parents are partners in education—not substitutes for one another” and that “Parents should remain the primary decision makers in their children’s education.”
His conclusion was crystal clear:
“Since AB 205 would undermine parents’ ability to make informed choices about their children’s education, I cannot support it.”
Gun Ban for Young Adults (AB245)
AB245 would have made it a gross misdemeanor for anyone under 21 to possess a semiautomatic shotgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle. This directly attacks the Second Amendment rights of legal adults.
Governor Lombardo’s veto message shows he already dealt with this exact issue before.
He wrote:
“Last session, I vetoed Assembly Bill 355 which was strikingly similar to this bill. In some ways, this bill goes even further than last session’s bill by also making it a Category B felony to sell or barter a firearm to a person under the age of 21.”
The governor pointed out a practical problem. The bill:
“would prohibit the most commonly used firearm for waterfowl hunting—semi-automatic shotguns—from use by young people who enjoy a much safer and easier shooting experience when they use a semi-automatic weapon.”
Most importantly, Lombardo referenced Supreme Court precedent:
“As stated two years ago, ‘were this bill to become law, it is unlikely it would pass constitutional muster.'”
Indigenous Peoples Day (AB144)
AB144 would have moved Indigenous Peoples Day to the second Monday in October. Governor Lombardo’s veto message shows he supports recognizing Nevada’s indigenous community but thinks there’s a better way to do it.
Lombardo wrote:
“It is important that the State of Nevada observes one day each year to remember the remarkable accomplishments of Nevada’s indigenous community and that community’s cultural and historical significance in Nevada,”
But he pointed out that:
“Under current law, we annually celebrate the rich history of Native Americans on August 9th.”
He explained that his office might include the additional content from the bill in future proclamations.
His key concern:
“It is better for Indigenous Peoples Day to fall on a day where there are no other holidays so it can continue to receive Nevadans’ undivided recognition.”
Appointed Election Officials (AB237)
B237 would have let rural counties create appointed registrar of voters positions, essentially replacing elected county clerks as election officers. Governor Lombardo’s veto message shows he strongly believes in voter accountability.
Lombardo wrote:
“Under current law, in counties with populations of less than 100,000, every four years the people come together to elect a Clerk they trust to run their elections,”
The governor explained that county clerks told him “they need better access to supportive resources for elections.” But creating a separate office “would necessarily divide resources” and “would only serve to exacerbate those clerks’ resource concerns at the taxpayer’s expense.”
His conclusion was clear:
“Since AB 237 would intensify existing resource concerns and deprive the people of the opportunity to choose their elections official, I cannot support it.”
Government-Sponsored Religion (AB278)
AB278 would have designated July as Muslim American Heritage Month. While we should respect all faiths, government picking which religions get special recognition raises constitutional questions.
The governor already explained his thinking on similar bills like SB297 (Menopause Awareness Month):
“There is already an administrative process to request that a day, week, or month be proclaimed by the Governor.”
The Bottom Line
These vetoes show Governor Lombardo understands what conservatives voted for: limited government, constitutional rights, and parental control. He’s not afraid to say no to bad bills, even when Democrats control the legislature.
The fight continues in 2026. Democrats want to override these vetoes and pass their entire liberal agenda. But if conservatives stick together and vote, we can keep Nevada’s veto pen in the right hands.
Every veto is a victory for freedom. That’s worth defending.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
