Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Wednesday that a special session of the Legislature is planned for July 8 to consider revisions to the devastated state budget.

“I look forward to joining Nevada’s lawmakers to undertake this difficult budget process and finalize necessary reductions while prioritizing the resources necessary to protect the health and safety of Nevada’s residents,” Sisolak said in a release. 

The governor did not issue the formal proclamation that contains the agenda for the session, and the release said the date is not certain. The governor has sole control of the agenda, but it may be amended during the session.

Sisolak “will remain flexible and provide any updates on the timing of the session as needed, based on public health conditions,” the release said, a reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen spiking cases in Nevada in recent days.

Lawmakers also are expected to consider criminal justice reform measures in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and protests here and around the country. Sources say legislators also may consider election-related measures, too, after a mostly mail primary balloting that just concluded.

Although the fiscal year has just begun and federal money may yet help alleviate a hard hit state budget, which was approved at $4.5 billion and may require as much as a quarter to be cut, the main imperative to hold the session as soon as possible is to give school districts certainty for the fall, sources said.

Officials have said that only lawmakers and essential staff will be allowed in the building for the session, and media access may also be limited. Legislative leaders have a legal opinion that says they can do so.