Sen. Jeff Stone

Maddy summarySB 399 removes fees for spouses of veterans buried in Nevada's state veterans' cemeteries. The bill amends existing law (NRS 417.210) to explicitly prohibit the Director of Veterans Services from charging a fee for the interment of a veteran's spouse, while maintaining fee-free burial for veterans themselves and other immediate family members. This directly affects spouses of eligible veterans seeking burial in state-operated veterans' cemeteries. The key mechanism is a clear statutory change to the fee structure, ensuring spouses are exempt from costs that may have previously applied. The bill does not alter eligibility requirements or burial procedures for veterans or other family members.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new exemption to Nevada's tuition policy, prohibiting the University of Nevada Board of Regents from charging out-of-state tuition to surviving spouses or children of first responders killed while performing their duties in Nevada. It directly affects these family members of fallen police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel who qualify under Nevada law (NRS 193.1678). The key mechanism amends existing law (NRS 396.540) to explicitly include this group among those exempt from tuition charges at Nevada's public universities. This change applies to all campuses within the Nevada System of Higher Education and does not require residency verification.

Maddy summarySB 435 requires manufacturers of vapor products containing nicotine to submit certifications to Nevada's Attorney General proving compliance with federal marketing rules. The Attorney General must create and maintain a public directory of approved products, making it unlawful to sell any vapor product not listed in this directory after its publication. Retailers, distributors, and wholesalers of these products will face annual unannounced inspections, and violations carry civil penalties. The bill directly affects nicotine product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Nevada.

Maddy summarySJR 10 is a non-binding resolution urging Congress to take action supporting the therapeutic use of specific psychedelic compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine for mental health conditions. It cites FDA Breakthrough Therapy designations and clinical trial results showing promising outcomes for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. The resolution specifically references studies demonstrating significant symptom reduction in veterans and patients with mental health disorders. It does not create new laws or regulations but calls on federal lawmakers to advance research and access for these treatments.

Maddy summarySJR 1 is a Nevada constitutional amendment requiring counties to send mail ballots to all active registered voters for elections. It mandates specific deadlines for sending ballots (based on voter residency), establishes minimum return sites for mail ballots during the three days before elections (with site numbers based on county population), and allows voters to opt out of receiving mail ballots by notifying county clerks 60 days in advance. The bill also requires mail ballots to include all voting materials and specifies how ballots must be delivered and returned securely. This directly affects Nevada voters, county clerks, and election administration procedures statewide.

Maddy summarySB 210 increases fees that Nevada sheriffs and constables charge for court-related services. Key changes include raising summons fees from $17 to $26, mileage fees from $2 to $3 per mile, and eviction-related fees (like summary evictions) from $21 to $26. The bill also sets a new maximum of $30 per mile for travel costs when papers cannot be served despite reasonable effort. These changes directly affect individuals using court services, such as defendants in lawsuits, tenants facing eviction, and people requiring subpoenas, by increasing their costs for these official processes.

Maddy summarySB 208 modifies how counties can use revenue from surcharges for emergency 911 systems. It expands allowable uses to include costs for facilities housing emergency call systems, increases spending thresholds for larger counties (to $15 million for populations over 700,000, $7.5 million for 100,000-700,000), and requires advisory committees in counties over 100,000 population to oversee fund use. The bill directly affects counties imposing the 911 surcharge, particularly Clark and Washoe Counties, by changing fund management rules and spending priorities. These changes aim to align county fund usage with federal guidelines while providing clearer spending parameters.

Maddy summaryAB 377 simplifies how Nevada homeowners and qualifying rental property owners claim property tax abatements. It allows owners to submit their abatement claim directly on the "declaration of value" form (already required when transferring property) instead of filing separately with county assessors. This applies to primary residences and rental properties meeting specific rent-based criteria. The bill updates existing rules to streamline the process while maintaining eligibility requirements like the property being the owner's primary residence or a qualifying rental.

Maddy summarySB 258 updates industrial insurance rules by limiting reductions to workers' compensation only for "economic damages" (medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses) when an injured worker receives payment from a third party, such as another company's insurance. It removes the requirement for injured workers to notify insurers before suing third parties and changes court procedures by prohibiting juries from hearing evidence about prior compensation payments. These changes directly affect injured workers, their families, and industrial insurers by ensuring workers are "made whole" before insurers claim any portion of third-party recovery. The bill also restricts insurers' claims to only the economic damages portion of any settlement or judgment.

Maddy summarySB 276 requires cities, counties, water authorities, and Indian tribes in Nevada to report water quality data and incident information (like sewage spills or pollution) to the state Environmental Protection Division. It mandates that local entities notify affected neighboring governments and tribes during water incidents and prohibits contracts that block such information sharing. The bill creates a standardized reporting form and ensures all reported data becomes publicly available to relevant local entities and tribes. This directly affects local governments, water agencies, and tribal governments managing water resources across Nevada.