A new bill in the Nevada Legislature is shaking things up in a big way.
Senate Bill 78 (SB78), introduced by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development, aims to overhaul how professional boards, commissions, and state councils operate.
Supporters say it will cut government waste and create consistency across agencies.
Dodging Committees and Boards pic.twitter.com/qz2QWEl1M6
— Danielle Gallant (@GallantD23) February 21, 2025
But critics argue it could weaken important oversight.
What’s in the Bill?
The bill proposes consolidating and even eliminating dozens of state boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
It would move more control under the Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions, and Councils Standards, part of the Department of Business and Industry.
Here’s what that means in simple terms:
- State licensing boards lose autonomy – Many professional and occupational licensing boards would no longer have independent control over legal, financial, and administrative matters. Instead, the new office would oversee them.
- Boards can’t hire their own attorneys – Any legal services needed by these boards would now be handled by the state office, rather than hiring their own experts.
- Some boards and commissions disappear – The bill would eliminate or merge a long list of state bodies, including the Nevada Commission on Aging, the Board of Medical Examiners, and the State Board of Podiatry, among others.
- New term limits for board members – Most board members would be limited to two terms, making turnover more frequent.
- Higher fees for boards – The bill gives the state power to charge boards for services, but it’s unclear how much these fees could cost.
Why Supporters Say This is Needed
Backers of SB78 argue that Nevada has too many government boards with too little oversight. They say the system is inefficient and creates extra costs for taxpayers.
“This bill is about streamlining government and making it more accountable,” supporters argue. “Right now, some of these licensing boards operate like their own little kingdoms. That’s not fair to the public.”
By consolidating boards and requiring a single state office to handle administration, they believe Nevada can cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy.
What Critics Say
On the other side, some professionals and business leaders are pushing back. They say this bill is a government power grab that would make things worse, not better.
“Taking away the independence of professional boards could lead to more corruption, not less,” critics warn. “Right now, experts oversee licensing boards. Under this plan, political appointees would be in charge instead.”
Another concern? Costs.
While the bill aims to save money, many boards may have to pay new state-imposed fees for services they previously handled themselves.
Some fear those costs will get passed down to businesses and professionals.
What This Means for Nevadans
For everyday people, this bill could impact how professions like doctors, nurses, contractors, and accountants are regulated.
If it passes, expect big changes in how licensing is managed and how much influence professionals have over their own industries.
The debate over SB78 is heating up, with hearings expected in the coming weeks.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
