(Janine Hansen) – A storm of controversial bills is working its way through the Nevada Legislature—and if you’re a parent, taxpayer, or just someone who believes in personal responsibility and limited government, now’s the time to pay attention.
Many of these bills passed their first committee by the April 11 deadline and are now heading for full votes in the Assembly or Senate. Most will likely move forward.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the table—and why conservatives are sounding the alarm.
Perks for Illegal Immigrants
Let’s start with AB140, which extends Driver Authorization Cards for illegal immigrants from 4 years to 8 years—the same as legal citizens.
This move doesn’t just blur the line between citizen and non-citizen. It erases it.
And SB234? It originally would have given Medicaid to all illegal immigrants. After pushback, it was watered down to include only those under 21 with cancer or needing kidney transplants.
But even that limited version could set a precedent for expanding benefits down the road—on taxpayers’ backs.
Parental Rights Under Attack
AB205 would flip Nevada’s sex-ed policy from “opt-in” to “opt-out.”
That might sound small, but it’s a huge shift. Right now, parents get to choose if their kids attend sex-ed. If this passes, kids are automatically enrolled—unless parents jump through hoops to pull them out.
Then there’s AB268, which gives free breakfast and lunch to all students—even if their families can afford it.
The state will spend over $33 million in two years on a one-size-fits-all handout. That’s not help for the needy—it’s the government stepping into a job families should be doing.
School Board Power Grab
One of the biggest red flags is AB156, which gives school board members in all counties a huge raise—up to six figures in Clark County—putting them on par with County Commissioners.
That’s a massive jump from $9,000 a year to potentially over $100,000, all funded by taxpayers.
Worse, in Clark County, appointed board members—not elected—will get full voting rights. That’s a slap in the face to voters.
Censorship… But Not How You Think
AB416 gives unelected librarians sweeping power over what materials—yes, including sexually explicit content—are allowed in schools and public libraries.
If a parent wants something removed, they’ll have to take the case to court. And local elected boards? They’re left out of the decision entirely.
Columbus Day Under Fire
AB144 aims to move Indigenous Peoples Day to October 12, the same day as Columbus Day.
Critics say it’s just a sneaky way to cancel Columbus Day altogether. Italian-Americans, who proudly celebrate their heritage on that day, are understandably upset.
Bigger Salaries, Higher Taxes
SB116 and SB319 deal with money—and not in a good way.
SB116 raises the salaries of elected county officials to 3% more than their highest-paid employee.
Meanwhile, SB319 consolidates Washoe County’s fire departments, which sounds good—until you realize it shifts debt from cities like Reno and Sparks onto the broader county. That likely means higher taxes.
And don’t forget AB530, which lets Clark County extend a gas tax for 10 more years without asking voters. Instead, a 2/3 vote from the County Commission would do the trick—no ballot box required.
Reparations and Political Statements
AB328 started as the “Commission on Racial Equity and Social Justice,” but was renamed to focus on policy for African Americans.
Still, its main goal appears to be paving the way for reparations. It’s now part of a state education committee, suggesting more activist policies ahead.
Then there’s AJR14, a resolution that condemns President Trump and the Jan. 6 protesters.
While opinions vary on Jan. 6, many conservatives see this as a political move meant to stir division and distract from real issues.
Sanctuary State for Gender Surgeries
SB171 is perhaps the most shocking. It would make Nevada a sanctuary state for doctors performing controversial gender-transition procedures—even if they’ve been disciplined or charged in other states.
Under this bill, Nevada’s governor wouldn’t even be allowed to extradite those individuals if other states press charges.
This bill doesn’t just ignore other states’ laws—it invites conflict with them.
What Now?
All of these bills have passed their first big hurdle and are moving fast.
Many will likely pass in the full Assembly or Senate and then head to committees in the other house.
If you think these bills go too far, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Contact your state legislators. Call the governor’s office. Get the word out.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
