The Nevada Legislature is set to begin its 36th special session on Thursday following Gov. Joe Lombardo’s October announcement that he will be calling for one to complete business left “unfinished” in the hectic ending to the regular legislative session earlier this year.

The special session will focus on what Lombardo deemed “priority bills,” including his high-profile crime bill and the contentious push to expand film tax credits, among other items outlined in his proclamation calling the special session.

This will be the third special session convened by Lombardo during his term as governor. 

The Nevada Independent has compiled a list of questions surrounding the upcoming special session to provide Nevadans with what you need to know. 

Do you have more special session questions you’d like answered here? Send them to [email protected] and we’ll try our best to get to the bottom of things!

How does a special session differ from a regular legislative session?

A special session can only be called outside of a regular session. A regular legislative session is scheduled to start every odd-numbered year on the first Monday in February, according to the Nevada Constitution and may not exceed 120 calendar days.

How common are special sessions?

While special sessions in Nevada used to be pretty rare, they are becoming increasingly common since the Constitution was amended in 1999 to cap regular sessions at 120 days. Out of the 35 special sessions called since 1867, more than half have been called after 2001. The most recent special session was held in 2023 over financing for the Major League Baseball stadium set to be built in Las Vegas, and it lasted eight days.

Who can call a special session?

The governor can call one for a specific purpose, or the Legislature can do so without action by the governor if two-thirds of the members of each house sign a petition. To date, all special sessions have been called by the governor.

Who can adjourn a special session?

The Legislature.

How long can a special session go?

Most special sessions can only last for 20 consecutive days, but there are exceptions for impeachment or removal from office of state and judicial officers, or expulsion of a legislative member.

Officials do not set end dates or times for special sessions, so their exact duration is anybody’s guess.

The shortest special session was held on June 7, 2023, and lasted one hour and 54 minutes. The longest session was held from June 25 to July 21, 2003, lasting 27 days.

How is the agenda for a special session made?

The governor, who calls the special session by proclamation, must state the specific purpose for which the Legislature is being convened. The reasons outlined in the proclamation make up the agenda for the session.

What legislation can be voted on in a special session?

The scope of legislation is limited to the petition or proclamation that convenes the special session. The state’s Constitution strictly outlines that the Legislature cannot “introduce, consider or pass any bills except those related to the business specified in the petition and those necessary to provide for the expenses of the session.”

What topics have recent special sessions addressed? 

A short 2023 special session addressed capital funding issues for the 2024-2025 biennium after a key bill failed toward the end of the regular session. After that, there was a special session dealing with the relocation of the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas.

Other sessions in the last decade have dealt with financing for Allegiant Stadium and addressing a budget shortfall and other consequences stemming from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

Can lawmakers and state officials do campaign fundraising during a special session?

No. According to the state Constitution, members of the Legislature and statewide office holders — including those who have been elected but not yet sworn in — cannot solicit or accept any monetary contributions or promises of such contributions for 15 days before and after a special session.

The presession blackout period can be shorter than 15 days if the governor calls for the session shortly before it gavels in.

How much does a special legislative session cost?

A special session, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal, costs an estimated $100,000 per day. Reported costs were $316,871 for the 35th special session in 2023 and $470,611 for the 33rd special session in 2021.

Will there be any new faces in the Legislature for the special session?

Yes. Since the Legislature adjourned in June, Republican Assm. Toby Yurek resigned to take a fundraising role with Lombardo’s campaign, and Assm. Ken Gray (R-Dayton) resigned to take an adviser role with the National Cemetery Administration.

Lawmakers are expected to swear in Jason Patchett, who has been appointed by the Clark County Commission to fill Yurek’s seat, and Blayne Osborn, who was chosen by the Lyon County Commission to fill Gray’s seat. Both are Republicans — lawmakers appointed to finish a term must be of the same party as their predecessor.

How can I follow the special session?

Agendas and live videos of meetings are posted on the Legislature’s website. The Nevada Independent has reporters on the ground in Carson City to cover the proceedings and will be posting updates at thenevadaindependent.com.