Update from Carson City - April 2021

Written By Howard Watts

See below for my latest email update on the happenings at the Legislature. - Howard

Hello! Last Friday we passed a major deadline, with most bills having to be voted out of committee in order to continue moving forward. And yesterday, most bills had to receive a full vote in their house of origin. Here are some updates I’d like to share with you:

Major Happenings

  • The Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 8 to place the Equal Rights Amendment in the Nevada Constitution. It will now go up for a vote of the people in 2022.

  • The Assembly passed a suite of reforms to our criminal justice system over the last week, including changes to our parole and probation system, enhancing police officer training on implicit bias and mental health crises, banning the quotas for traffic tickets, ending arrests based on jaywalking alone, and replacing the death penalty with life in prison.

  • Also in the works are several bills aimed at improving our election system. They include continuing to mail all active voters a ballot and a range of reforms to help keep the voter rolls clean, speed up the vote count, and increase confidence in election outcomes. I am working on a bill that would expand our successful automatic voter registration system.

What I’ve Been Up To

Of the 10 bills I introduced, 9 are still under consideration. Here’s where they stand:

  • Assembly Joint Resolution 10 would amend the Nevada Constitution to remove language allowing slavery or involuntary servitude as a “punishment for crimes.” It passed the Assembly unanimously.

  • Assembly Bill 88 would create processes to address and replace racially discriminatory school mascots and place names. It passed 36-6.

  • AB 97 would reduce the use of certain toxic chemicals that particularly impact our firefighters. It passed 26-16.

  • AB 141 would automatically seal the record of anybody evicted for nonpayment of rent during the COVID state of emergency. It passed 26-16.

  • AB 197 would improve access to health care for homeless youth. It passed 26-16.

  • AB 207 would expand non-discrimination protections for e-commerce customers. It passed 26-16.

  • Three other bills were referred to our Ways and Means committee to address any potential impacts on the state budget. They include AB 349 to close the loophole in our classic plate programs and reduce vehicle pollution, AB 383 to ensure people have access to appliances that save energy and money, and AB 382 creating the Student Loan Bill of Rights.

In addition, two bills that I worked on to protect lands that are sacred to Indigenous people passed with bipartisan support, as did a bill to make sure egg producers follow more humane practices.

What’s Ahead

All of the bills that passed the Assembly are now in the State Senate, where they again must again have committee hearings and a vote on the Senate floor on the path to becoming law. Bills that passed the Senate are now in the Assembly. And we’re beginning to finalize the state budget.

Also, the Legislative Building in Carson City reopened to the public. Capacity is limited and a COVID test or proof of vaccination is required to enter. More information can be found on the Legislature’s website, or you can contact my office. We are still allowing for remote participation in our meetings by phone or video.

Stay In Touch

Howard Watts
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