Government Affairs

SB 15 modifies several Nevada administrative laws without creating new programs. It allows Clark County (and cities in counties with endangered species funds) to use conservation fees for habitat conservation plans and adjust fees for inflation starting in 2026. The bill also updates office hours for county treasurers (requiring them to stay open until at least 5 p.m.) and revises tax delinquency notice deadlines to align with business hours. Additionally, it removes a requirement for school district officials to report to county governing bodies and updates procedures for franchise applications. These changes primarily affect county officials, conservation programs, and tax administration processes.

AB 442 requires Nevada state agencies that make grants to private nonprofits to notify grantees in writing if payment is delayed beyond 30 days after receiving a valid invoice, and to submit annual reports of such delays to finance officials. It directly affects state grant-making entities (like government departments) and private nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Key provisions include standardized notice requirements for payment delays, annual reporting to the Office of Finance, and updates to the State Plan for Federal Assistance to include methods for managing advanced grant payments. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and excludes grants executed before that date.

SB 447 changes Nevada law to require courts to award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the winning party in lawsuits by contractors against government bodies over unpaid public works contracts. It directly affects contractors who sue for delayed payments or withheld information, and public bodies that must now cover these fees regardless of whether their contracts previously addressed fee-sharing. The key provision amends NRS 338.630 to allow courts to grant these fees automatically when a contractor wins an "alternate writ of mandamus" case. This removes the need for contracts to include specific fee clauses, potentially increasing costs for local governments handling such disputes.

AB 462 revises economic development laws to expand the Inland Port Authority Act to include industrial parks, allowing counties and cities to create tax increment areas within these zones. This enables municipalities to use future tax revenue from designated areas to fund infrastructure projects through bond issuance, without being subject to certain tax revenue limits. The bill also requires large school districts (like Clark County) to offer career pathways programs at all high schools with 250+ students, including dual credit courses in education subjects and career exploration in middle/junior high schools. Additionally, it creates a Career Pathways Oversight Committee and mandates full-time coordinators for these programs at high schools offering them. The bill directly affects local governments managing industrial parks and school districts implementing career education programs.

SB 358 requires most Nevada state and local government offices to accept debit cards, credit cards, checks, or electronic payments for business-related fees, taxes, or debts. It directly affects businesses that pay government charges, ensuring they can use modern payment methods instead of cash alone. Exceptions include payments to specific agencies like the Department of Taxation, Cannabis Compliance Board, and courts. Government entities may still offer cash or money orders at their discretion but must accept the mandated electronic options. The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law on June 9, 2025.