Gov. Joe Lombardo broke his own record for most vetoes issued from a single legislative session, rejecting 87 bills that advanced out of the Legislature’s 120-day session.

Lombardo also signed 518 bills into law, meaning that he vetoed about 1 out of every 7 proposals that reached his desk.

Combined with 2023’s then-record-breaking 75 vetoes, Lombardo has now achieved the veto record for a single Nevada governor’s term with a total of 162 vetoes. The second-highest veto record holder is former Gov. Brian Sandoval, who vetoed 97 bills across eight years in office.

Retaining his power to reject bills was a hard-won goal of the 2024 election cycle, when he and his GOP allies took an active role in legislative races to stave off two-thirds supermajorities that would have given Democrats power to override his vetoes. 

Some of his most notable vetoes included proposals to significantly expand paid family leave, codify the right to in vitro fertilization, ban health insurers from only using AI to deny requests for prior authorization, implement voter ID and prohibit schools from banning books.

In a Friday statement following the conclusion of the window to sign or veto a bill, Lombardo wrote that “I did not take lightly the decision to veto 87 bills.”

“I do not enjoy using the veto pen, but as Governor, it is my responsibility to protect Nevadans from legislation that goes too far, expands government unnecessarily, or creates unintended consequences that hurt families, businesses, or our economy,” the statement said. 

Below is a full list of the vetoes and information on Lombardo’s stated rationale.

JUNE 12

AB259: Negotiating the price of prescription drugs

Sponsored by Assm. Venicia Considine (D-Las Vegas), AB259 passed out of both chambers on a party-line vote with Republicans opposed. It would cap prescription drug prices at the maximum prices established by Medicare, under provisions of the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

Lombardo vetoed a similar bill in 2023, saying that it would “set arbitrary price caps in Nevada.”

In his veto message this year, Lombardo quoted his previous veto message, saying the bill “would ultimately lead to higher costs and less accessibility to certain forms of care.” 

Since 2023, Lombardo said data shows that capping the prices of those drugs covered under the federal act would increase costs for Nevadans. 

“The state’s Medicaid program could lose millions of dollars in drug rebate savings, though the full fiscal impact remains undetermined,” he said. “While I support efforts to reduce prescription drug costs, AB 259 would do the opposite: it would increase expenses for the state and its employees, introduce legal uncertainty for providers, and limit access to necessary medications.”

SB217: Right to infertility treatment

SB217, brought by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D-Las Vegas), would have codified the right to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and protected providers of the treatment from criminal or civil liability. It would have mandated most private insurers and public insurers, including Medicaid, cover the treatment, which can cost upward of $15,000. 

The measure was introduced months after a now-rejected Alabama Supreme Court ruling that would have held individuals legally liable for destroying an embryo, raising potential consequences for IVF treatments.  

The measure gained bipartisan support in the Senate, passing 15-5, although all Republicans on the Assembly side voted against it. 

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that although he supports “efforts to make in vitro fertilization (“IVF”) more accessible,” the state can not currently afford to fund the insurer mandate on Medicaid.  

AB499: Voter ID requirements, increasing ballot drop boxes

This bill appeared to be a compromise between Lombardo and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas), requiring voter ID in next year’s elections in exchange for the resurrection of Yeager’s previously vetoed effort to increase ballot drop box capacity in the days before Election Day.

The voter ID language was similar to a ballot question that voters overwhelmingly passed last year — which needs to pass again next year to take effect — by requiring mail voters to include part of a personally identifiable number and mandating that in-person voters show photo ID.

However, it still allowed signatures to be the sole source of verification for people voting by mail — a point Lombardo highlighted in his veto message.

The proposal, which was amended in the Senate to include voter ID, received opposition from five Senate Democrats before the Assembly agreed with the proposed changes in a voice vote.

In his veto message, Lombardo said he “wholeheartedly” supports voter ID, but he disagreed with the signature element of the bill, which he said allowed for looser guidelines for mail voters.

“This inconsistency undermines the principle of uniform voter verification,” he wrote.

Lombardo added that the bill does not include his recommended language to increase security of ballot drop boxes, making it “untenable” for him to sign.

Read More: Lombardo vetoes voter ID bill pitched as compromise with legislative Democrats

AB597: Nonpartisans voting in primaries

This proposal from Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) would have allowed registered nonpartisans — who make up the largest share of Nevada voters — to vote in major party primaries, excluding presidential races.

It received opposition from all legislative Republicans and Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas).

Yeager proposed the bill in the final week of the session. It came after voters rejected a ballot question last year that would have allowed voters to participate in any primary, as well as instituted ranked choice voting, but Yeager emphasized that it is not identical to that ballot initiative — instead requiring that nonpartisan voters actively opt in to participating in one party’s primary.

In his veto message, Lombardo referred to the ballot question, saying that "voters decisively rejected the idea of allowing non-affiliated individuals to participate in partisan primaries.”

“It is inappropriate to override their clear and recent decision by attempting to enact such a significant change to our election process only months later,” Lombardo wrote.

SB182: Nurse staffing ratios

Sponsored by Sen. Rochelle Nguyen (D-Las Vegas), the bill would have mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in Washoe and Clark counties (existing federal guidance simply recommends ratios). 

The Service Employees International Union Local 1107, the state’s largest union for health care and public employees, backed the legislation. Various hospitals, and the Nevada Hospital Association, opposed the measure, with representatives from one Dignity Health hospital writing that the measure “would further strain an already limited workforce.”

The bill passed out of the Legislature on party-line votes in both chambers, with Republicans opposed.

In his veto message, Lombardo said he supports efforts to promote high-quality patient care, but said that mandating ratios without addressing the health care workforce shortage crisis could put hospitals into impossible positions such as reducing services or turning away patients. Lombardo added that the bill “risks prioritizing paperwork over patients.”

“By locking specific nurse-to-patient ratios into law, this bill removes the flexibility that hospitals and care teams need to respond in real time to fluctuating patient needs, emergencies and staffing availability,” Lombardo wrote. “The real-world impact would be felt most by patients in underserved and rural areas, who could face longer wait times, fewer available services, or no access at all to critical care.”

AB585: Reducing lawmakers’ bill draft requests

The measure, brought by the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, would have functionally reduced the number of bills lawmakers can sponsor every session.

Specifically, it would have reduced the number of bill draft requests from nine to six for members of the Assembly, and 18 to 12 for senators, and divided the number of pre-session requests equally between two deadline periods. It also would have also reduced the number of requests for the Assembly speaker, Senate majority leader and constitutional officers, and established a new deadline for drafting requests from the governor.

The bill passed on a 23-16 vote in the Assembly, with Assm. Reuben D’Silva (D-North Las Vegas) joining Republicans in opposition and three Democrats excused. The bill passed on a 17-4 vote in the Senate, with Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas), Sen. John Ellison (R-Elko), Sen. Ira Hansen (R-Sparks) and Sen. Lisa Krasner (R-Reno) in opposition.

In his veto message, Lombardo said he agreed with the sentiment that reducing the number of bill draft requests to focus on higher-priority policy issues would be prudent, but the bill presented “significant concerns.”

Among those concerns was the “unrealistic and restrictive deadlines imposed on the Governor’s policy proposals,” Lombardo wrote. He said that the timelines would not allow for sufficient flexibility and risks harming “thoughtful policy development.”

“The Governor remains committed to a legislative process that is efficient and well-coordinated,” Lombardo wrote. “However, AB 585 risks hindering that process by putting unnecessary constraints on the executive branch’s ability to effectively contribute to Nevada’s legislative agenda.” 

AB188: State employee benefits

This bill from Assm. Max Carter (D-Las Vegas) would have made several changes to benefits for state employees.

It would have placed a limit on the Nevada Public Employees’ Benefits Program’s (PEBP) ability to reclaim funds from health reimbursement agreements, while also increasing state and local governments’ share of costs related to retired employees’ Medicare insurance plans.

It passed with bipartisan support in both chambers.

In his veto message, Lombardo said the bill does not provide sufficient funding to cover these changes, which he believed “significantly escalates [PEBP’s] financial risk without providing adequate funding to manage these added responsibilities.” 

AB397: Waiving college fees for qualifying homeless students

Brought by Assm. Howard Watts (D-Las Vegas), AB397 would have required the Board of Regents — which oversees the state’s public higher education system — to waive registration and lab fees for students under the age of 25 who had experienced homelessness for a designated period of time. 

The measure passed out of both chambers unanimously.

The measure would also waive those fees for members of Nevada’s National Guard, but in his veto message, Lombardo wrote that the bill would unintentionally reduce the impact of existing educational benefits through the federal GI Bill for guardsmen.

Lombardo contended that guardsmen who benefit from fee waivers before applying for GI benefits would now be required to use those GI benefits first, which could make them use up those funds more quickly. 

AB534: Election omnibus bill 

This wide-ranging bill from the secretary of state’s office would have made several changes to election procedures, including changing the deadline to verify ballot initiative petitions and confirming that mail ballots should start being counted 15 days before Election Day.

It also would have created a grant program in the secretary of state’s office to provide resources to local election officials — part of Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar’s plans to beef up election staffing to expedite ballot processing.

It passed along party lines in both chambers, with only Democrats in support.

In his veto message, Lombardo said that the bill “centralizes too much authority” in the secretary of state’s office, which he worried “risks slower responsiveness and diminished local input.”

He also said the bill “significantly limits the tools available to identify voters who may no longer be eligible” by requiring voter eligibility challenges to result from “firsthand knowledge” rather than third-party sources. 

SB303: Government liability for recreational injuries

Introduced by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, SB303 would limit state and local governments’ liability for injuries incurred during recreational use on public paths or areas that are designated for recreational use. 

The bill would also limit liability for nonprofit organizations for recreational injuries. The bill passed the Senate along party lines and the Assembly 34-8.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the bill “overcorrects” in a way that creates new problems and that the bill could unintentionally exclude certain types of landowners from immunity.

JUNE 11

AB388: Expanding paid family leave

The proposal from Assm. Selena La Rue Hatch (D-Reno) would have required employers with at least 50 workers to provide 12 weeks of annual paid family and medical leave, which they could use after having a baby or other qualifying events.

It would have marked a significant expansion of paid family leave policies in Nevada. There are no laws requiring paid family leave in private employment, while state workers earned eight weeks of paid family leave during the 2023 legislative session. The proposal also would have increased how much pay a person receives while on leave.

It passed among mostly party lines, with Assm. Tracy Brown-May (D-Las Vegas) and Sen. Roberta Lange (D-Las Vegas) joining all Republicans in opposition.

In his veto message, Lombardo said it is “not the time to introduce broad, burdensome mandates that would significantly disrupt [the state’s business-friendly environment], particularly for Nevada’s small and mid-sized businesses.”

He also criticized the penalty that comes with businesses that do not comply with the bill, saying it “adds a layer of legal risk that could deter business growth or even force some employers to scale back.”

AB416: Ban on book bans 

Brought by Assm. Brittney Miller (D-Las Vegas), this measure would have prohibited school and library boards from banning books. Instead, people wishing to challenge a book would need to  petition a court, which would review it and decide if the book is “obscene.” 

It passed along party lines in the Senate, with all Republicans against, while two GOP assemblymembers joined all Democrats to support the bill: Assms. Lisa Cole (R-Las Vegas) and Rebecca Edgeworth (R-Las Vegas).

In his veto message, Lombardo said that “AB 416 is fundamentally flawed because it removes critical decision-making authority from schools, districts, and parents and instead places it in the hands of the courts.”

AB204: Medical debt collection 

This measure from Assm. Max Carter (D-Las Vegas) would have strengthened protections for individuals facing medical debt collection by prohibiting actions such as home foreclosure and arrest threats for at least 180 days after being billed. 

The measure also would have barred wages from being withheld to pay off debt during that time frame. It passed out of the Assembly 28-14 with Danielle Gallant (R-Las Vegas) as the lone Republican in support. It made it out of the Senate along party lines. 

Lombardo said in his veto message that AB204 “overreaches in its approach” and “represents excessive government intrusion into private contracts between patients, providers, and debt collectors.” 

​​AB282: Responding to medical billing errors

Sponsored by Assm. David Orentlicher (D-Las Vegas), the bill would have required providers notified by patients that there was a billing error to respond within 30 days and let them know if more time is needed to investigate the error, cancel the payment or what steps need to happen next. If an overpayment took place, providers would have had to refund the patient within 60 days. 

Under current law, there is no time frame governing when a provider must repay an overbilling error. 

The bill passed out of the Assembly on a 26-16 vote, with Assm. Duy Nguyen (D-Las Vegas) joining Republicans in opposition. It passed the Senate along party lines, with all Democrats in support.

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that ensuring patients are repaid in a timely manner is a “worthwhile goal” but the bill approached the task in a flawed manner. He said billing is a complex matter and providers often have little control over the process, which typically stem from insurance decisions and broader billing steps. 

“Providers rely on information from insurers to calculate what patients owe, and it can take weeks or even months to identify an overpayment,” Lombardo wrote. “Placing the sole responsibility — and potential legal liability — for refunds on providers and practices is not only unfair but also ignores the root causes of these errors, which often lie outside their control.”

AB588: Changing “Assemblyman” and “Assemblywoman” to “Assemblymember”

Sponsored by the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, this bill would have enshrined in Nevada law changes made during this year’s legislative session to refer to members of the Assembly as “Assemblymember” rather than “Assemblyman” or “Assemblywoman.”

It passed along mostly party lines, with Assm. Toby Yurek (R-Henderson) the only Republican voting in support.

In his veto message, Lombardo said he is not supporting the bill because the change can already be achieved through the Legislature’s rulemaking process.

AB213: Prevailing wages for workers in Tahoe-Douglas Visitors Authority

The bill from Assm. Daniele Monroe-Moreno (D-North Las Vegas) would have required that people working on custom fabrication on public works projects and on programs in the Tahoe-Douglas Visitors Authority be paid prevailing wage, which is a type of minimum wage paid to construction workers.

It passed along party lines in both chambers, with only Democrats in support.

In his veto message, Lombardo said that the bill was too ambiguous about which fabrication work would qualify for the prevailing wage, which he worried would “trigger costly legal disputes” or force businesses to seek opportunities outside of Nevada.

AB226: Community benefits plan requirement for tax credit recipients

The proposal from Assm. Erica Mosca (D-Las Vegas) would require that businesses that receive state-provided tax abatements establish a community benefits plan — an outline of how the company would assist the community — that could involve supporting nonprofits.

It received bipartisan support in both chambers, with nine Republicans voting in opposition.

However, Lombardo said in his veto message that the definition of “community benefits” was too vague, meaning “companies could face inconsistent expectations across different jurisdictions. He added that the state already has a “robust set of requirements” for tax credit recipients.

AB320: Restricting court access because of attire

Sponsored by Assm. Jovan Jackson (D-North Las Vegas), AB320 encouraged courts not to ban access based on an individual’s clothing. It also would have established a pilot program to support employment opportunities for parolees and probationers. 

The measure passed the Assembly unanimously and 14-7 on the Senate-side with Sen. John Steinbeck (R-Las Vegas) joining as the lone Republican proponent.  

Lombardo called greater leniency around courtroom attire “understandable” in his veto message but called the measure ambiguous and said that it creates practical and legal concerns. 

“Because AB 320 lacks clear enforcement standards and improperly intrudes on the judiciary's constitutional authority, I cannot support it,” he wrote. 

AB328: Establishes Juneteenth Educational and Economic Commission

This measure, brought by Assm. Reuben D’Silva (D-North Las Vegas), would have established the Juneteenth Educational and Economic Commission within the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to study the history of Juneteenth in Nevada. 

It also would have commissioned a study on the economic impacts of historical discrimination in the state to be presented next session. 

The measure passed along party lines in the Assembly and in the Senate, with the exception of Sen. Lori Rogich (R-Las Vegas), who joined Democrats in support. 

In his veto message, Lombardo raised concerns about the monetary impacts of the bill, especially a provision that would have encouraged local governments that celebrate  Juneteenth to donate to an educational and economic fund created by the bill. 

“While honoring Juneteenth is a worthy goal, we must approach new spending and mandates with care, especially during a period of economic uncertainty and increasing budgetary pressures,” Lombardo wrote. 

AB414: Heat mitigation plans for certain employers

The bill from Assm. Cinthia Moore (D-North Las Vegas) would have mandated that employers at large hybrid environmental facilities include efforts to mitigate heat illness and exposure to poor air quality in their safety plans.

It passed along party lines in both chambers, with Democrats in support.

In his veto message, Lombardo criticized certain requirements of the bill — such as that vehicle engines must be turned off during loading and unloading — as “overly broad and burdensome regulations that go well beyond what is reasonable or effective.”

AB441: Changes to Opportunity Scholarship program

Brought by Assm. Daniele Monroe-Moreno (D-North Las Vegas), AB441 would have required organizations that receive tax credits under Nevada’s Opportunity Scholarship program — which grants private school scholarships to low-income students — to use those credits within 18 months after approval. 

The measure passed out of both chambers along party lines. 

Nevada’s Opportunity Scholarship program has become a political lightning rod in recent years, dividing Republicans, who champion the program, and Democrats, who have raised transparency concerns. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D-Las Vegas) and Lombardo, however, reached a compromise on the measure in an omnibus education proposal (SB460) from this session — something that Lombardo highlights in his veto message. 

“AB 441 would obstruct the full implementation of broader educational reforms,” Lombardo wrote.

He also said the bill could weaken the Opportunity Scholarship program and that by doing so, it would prevent low-income students from having “consistent, equitable access to education.”

AB600: Certain changes to state government operations

This bill from the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections would have made several changes to state government operations.

It would have required that all state entities be part of a branch of state government, but Lombardo said in his veto message that this contradicts a recent state Supreme Court ruling that held the Nevada Board of Regents is separate from any branch of government.

Lombardo said he vetoed the bill because it “includes a provision that is highly likely to be unconstitutional.”

The bill would have made several other changes, including requiring that all proceeds from legislative buildings go toward the Legislative Fund. It passed unanimously in both chambers.

SB85: Traffic stop data bill 

This bill, brought on behalf of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Judiciary, would have removed expiration date requirements for recording and retaining traffic stop data, requiring the data to be collected permanently. It would also have required law enforcement agencies to submit annual traffic stop reports not only to the Department of Public Safety but also to legislative committees.

The measure passed out of both chambers along party lines, with all Republicans opposed. 

In his veto message, Lombardo said that “it is premature and unwise to make these reporting requirements permanent” given that a third party has yet to review the efficacy of the initial data collection. 

“Before enshrining this mandate into permanent law, we should first ensure that the system in place is actually producing its intended results,” Lombardo wrote. 

SB128: Limiting AI use in health insurance process

Sponsored by Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas), this bill would have banned medical and dental insurers from solely relying upon an artificial intelligence system or automated decision tool to deny or modify a prior authorization request (a request to have insurance cover certain medical services).

The bill also would have required health insurers to approve a prior authorization request for medical treatment that the insurer covers unless a qualified health care professional determined that the requested care is not medically necessary. The measure also required providers to inform patients of stem cell therapy options if the patient is diagnosed with arthritis, osteoarthritis or any other condition treated using stem cell therapy.

The bill passed out of the Senate on a 15-6 vote, with Sens. Lori Rogich (R-Las Vegas) and John Steinbeck (R-Las Vegas) joining Democrats in support. It passed the Assembly on a 23-16 vote, with Assm. P.K. O’Neill (R-Carson City) the lone Republican in support and three Assembly Democrats marked as excused.

In his veto message, Lombardo said the bill “goes too far” and unnecessarily micromanages how private insurers and public employee insurance programs use AI, which he said could hinder innovation and use of the technology to lower patient costs. 

“Given that AI is still a relatively new technology, it makes more sense to fully understand its potential benefits before making any determination to impose restrictive measures that could prematurely hinder its development,” Lombardo wrote.

He added that it is "inappropriate" for the government to pressure medical professionals to promote experimental therapies such as stem cell treatments.

SB295: Sidewalk food vendor bill

Sponsored by Sen. Fabian Donate (D-Las Vegas), SB295 would have required boards of health in Clark and Washoe counties to develop additional regulations for sidewalk vendors with the aim of expanding access to the industry. 

More specifically, the bill would have exempted certain sidewalk vendors selling items from a narrow list of foods, such as chips or cookies, from certain health district regulations. The bill passed out of both chambers with bipartisan support, making it out of the Senate 17-4 and the Assembly 34-8. 

Lombardo said in his veto message that the measure “compromises public health and safety in ways that are difficult to justify” and that it creates an uneven playing field for food establishments. 

SB305: Sanctioning lacrosse as a school sport

The proposal from Sen. Fabian Doñate (D-Las Vegas) would have required the organization that governs Nevada high school sports to adopt regulations sanctioning lacrosse as a school sport beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

The bill passed unanimously in both chambers.

In his veto message, Lombardo cited an amendment to the bill that created a legislative subcommittee with the ability to ensure that school sports are in compliance with Title IX — the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools — and empowering the committee to advise the attorney general if a school sports policy “encroaches on the sovereignty” of the state.

“That is a significant, politically charged deviation from the bill’s intent — one that was made without public notice, stakeholder input, or adequate time for legislative review,” Lombardo wrote.

However, even with the veto, the Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association announced that it intends to sanction lacrosse as a high school sport starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

SB352: Prohibiting discrimination in health insurance policies

The bill brought by Sen. Melanie Scheible (D-Las Vegas) would prohibit public and private health insurers, including Medicaid, from discriminating against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It would also prohibit health care providers from discriminating against those characteristics.

The bill passed out of the Senate on a bipartisan 17-4 vote, with all opponents being Republicans. In the Assembly, the bill passed out along a party-line vote with Republicans opposed.

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that the purpose of the bill was unclear and existing laws already protect people from discrimination, pointing to the Affordable Care Act, the Nevada Constitution and other federal and state laws.

“SB 352 appears to offer symbolic rather than substantive change, raising concerns about redundancy and the potential for confusion without delivering clear benefits,” Lombardo wrote.  

SB378: Freestanding emergency rooms

Under this bill from Sen. Fabian Doñate (D-Las Vegas), patients who requested electronic medical records would receive them within seven business days, health care systems would be banned from implementing non-compete clauses for patient-facing providers and Nevada Medicaid would have the ability to prospectively investigate claims of Medicaid fraud, rather than waiting for a request for a hearing.

Though many of the proposals were popular across both sides of the aisle, the bill passed on a 12-8 vote in the Senate (one Democrat excused), with Republicans raising concerns that new limitations on freestanding emergency rooms could severely curtail them and cut access to lifesaving services in places that are already health care deserts.

Specifically, the measure would have prohibited new freestanding emergency centers being licensed within a 5-mile radius of an existing one or a hospital with an emergency department, which critics have said would effectively ban them.

Proponents, however, said the goal of the legislation was to ensure that billing for services were done correctly and they no longer caused issues for first responders and other emergency services.

The measure passed out of the Assembly on a party-line vote, with Republicans opposed.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the bill is “presumably intended to improve access and affordability,” but would likely have the opposite effect. He said the freestanding emergency department provisions amounted to government-mandated downcoding that would set a “concerning precedent.”

He contended that the bill could also compound the state’s provider shortage by signaling that Nevada does not support fair reimbursement for medical services and lead to disinvestment in health care services.

“Price-setting by legislative mandate is not an effective or sustainable strategy for expanding healthcare access,” Lombardo wrote. “SB 378 poses a serious risk to the financial viability of independent emergency centers, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.”

SB414: Increased stock disclosures for elected officials

The bill from Sen. Melanie Scheible (D-Las Vegas) would have required elected officials’ financial disclosure reports to include any business where they have a stock valued at $5,000 or more. Existing law requires officials to disclose any business where they have a stock valued at 1 percent or more of the total stock issued by the business.

The proposal also brought back a policy vetoed by Lombardo in 2023 that would have required the disclosure of finances related to the inaugural committees of constitutional officers, such as the governor or attorney general. It came after the PAC set up to fundraise for Lombardo’s inauguration events was rebranded to serve as an arm of Lombardo’s political machine. 

The bill, which also would have expanded who must submit financial disclosure reports, passed along party lines in both chambers with Republicans opposed.

In his veto message, Lombardo referred back to his 2023 veto and said that this year’s bill “imposes even more burdens.” He called it a “yet another ‘transparency’ measure driven by political motives and narrowly focused on a single office.”

SB422: Changing voter registration rules

The bill from the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections would have set the deadline to be added to the voter rolls through automatic voter registration to 18 days before an election — a time frame not set in state law.

It also would have allowed tribal identification cards and IDs from another state to be used as proof of identity when registering to vote in person during the early voting period, as well as required that DMV offices in Clark and Washoe counties extend their hours during the period around an election.

It passed along party lines in both chambers with Republicans opposed.

Lombardo said in his veto message that the bill “raises serious concerns about election integrity and voter security.” He cited language to allow people who cannot verify their residency to provide a written affirmation and cast a provisional ballot. They would then have until the Friday after Election Day to provide proof of identity and residency.

“This approach increases the risk of improper voting and could erode public trust in the electoral process,” Lombardo wrote.

SB447: Litigation around public contracts 

Sponsored by the Senate Committee on Government Affairs, the measure would authorize lawsuits against a public body for failing to properly award a contract under conditions outlined in the bill.

The measure also would have allowed district courts to award attorney fees and costs to a party that prevails in such a case. It passed out of the Senate 16-5 and out of the Assembly along party lines. 

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that Nevada law already has adequate legal remedies for such cases and that the use of the legal device outlined in this bill — known as a writ of mandamus — is an “extraordinary legal tool.” 

“Because SB 447 would misapply a high-level judicial tool to disputes better suited to ordinary legal remedies, thereby undermining both the efficiency of public works contracting and the integrity of Nevada's procurement system, I cannot support it,” he wrote. 

JUNE 9

SB100: Timely performance of election duties, oversight of voting machines

The bill from Sen. Skip Daly (D-Sparks) would have required the secretary of state to adopt regulations to ensure that election officials perform their duties in a timely manner, while mandating that officials notify the secretary of state and attorney general if they cannot perform their duties on time.

It also would have required the secretary of state to approve vendors of mechanical voting machines. The bill passed along party lines in the Assembly, with Sen. Lori Rogich (R-Las Vegas) joining all Democrats in the Senate in support.

In his veto message, Lombardo focused on the proposal’s voting machine element, saying it “would needlessly undermine the authority of local election officials, who are best positioned to evaluate and select vendors that align with their specific operational, technical, and community needs.”

SB156: Special counsel for the prevention of gun violence

Sponsored by Sen. Edgar Flores (D-Las Vegas), this measure would have required the attorney general to appoint a special counsel for the prevention of gun violence and authorized state agencies to cooperate with and assist that official. 

The bill would have also allowed the special counsel to establish and administer a program to award grants to organizations implementing gun violence prevention initiatives. Under the measure, the attorney general’s office would have had to submit a report every two years about the special counsel’s activities. 

It passed out of the Senate on a party-line vote with Republicans opposed and two Democrats excused. The bill passed out of the Assembly on a 25-14 vote, with Assm. Melissa Hardy (R-Henderson) as the lone Republican in support and three Democrats excused.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that reducing gun violence is an “important goal” but embedding a special counsel within the attorney general’s office risked making the role a political tool. 

“The absence of clearly defined limits for the Special Counsel’s role raises the risk of unchecked expansion and administrative overreach in shaping gun-related policies,” he wrote. “A more neutral, public health-oriented agency would be better suited to lead such efforts without the risk of politicization.”

SB428: Stricter residency requirements for elected officials

This bill, sponsored by the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, would have required an elected official to reside in their district for the duration of their term and allowed voters to challenge the elected official’s eligibility based on their residency.

It passed unanimously in the Assembly, with Sen. John Steinbeck (R-Las Vegas) the only Republican voting in support alongside all Senate Democrats.

In his veto message, Lombardo said that he agreed with the provisions to increase residency requirements, but had “significant concerns” with aspects of the bill related to personal privacy.

He cited sections of the bill that would have made certain candidate identity and residency information a public record, while exempting Social Security and driver’s license numbers from disclosure.

However, Lombardo said it was “troubling” that candidates’ addresses are not currently exempt from public disclosure — which he said contradicts existing law.

“In today’s climate of rising threats and violence against public officials and candidates, this is a serious safety risk,” Lombardo wrote. “Residential addresses can and should still be reviewed by appropriate election officials to verify compliance with residency requirements, but it is unclear why they should be public information.”

SB71: Improving equity in government purchasing contracts

Brought on behalf of the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs, the bill would require information about government purchases to be posted online.

The measure would have also required posting of procedures for requesting notices of solicitations or obtaining contracts for those purchases. It also would have required the Commission to Study Governmental Purchasing to review practices in governmental purchasing and make recommendations to improve efficiency and equity.

The bill passed out of the Senate on a near-unanimous 20-1 vote, with Sen. Skip Daly (D-Sparks) as the lone Democrat in opposition. It then passed out of the Assembly on a 33-9 vote, with nine Republicans in opposition.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that it’s vital to increase transparency and promote equal access to public contracting opportunities, but it’s “unclear” that the bill is needed. He said agencies statewide are already taking proactive steps to engage all parts of the business community and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development already has a program in place to help small and diverse businesses navigate public procurement.

“Since SB 71’s implementation would needlessly burden local governments and create inefficiencies without providing any clearly discernible benefit, I cannot support it,” Lombardo wrote.

AB105: Banning firearms within 100 feet of an election site

Sponsored by Assm. Sandra Jauregui (D-Las Vegas), this legislation would have prohibited the possession of firearms within 100 feet of an election site. 

Proponents said it would help protect voters and election staff. The bill passed out of both legislative chambers on party-line votes, with no Republicans in support. 

In 2023, Lombardo vetoed a similar bill, citing concerns that it would infringe upon constitutional rights.

Lombardo wrote in his 2025 veto message that the intent behind the legislation “was commendable,” but similar to the measure he vetoed in 2023, it duplicates existing election protection under federal and state laws that prohibit voter intimidation near polling places. He added that the law would create gun-free zones without clear justification.

“While I appreciate the efforts by stakeholders during the session to include posting requirements so lawful gun carriers are aware when an election is taking place at a given location, AB 105 would only be reasonable if it ensured that individuals legally authorized to carry firearms on a daily basis retain that right on election day,” Lombardo wrote.

AB589: Genetic privacy for people with autism

Brought by Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas), AB589 would have prohibited a state or local government agency from disclosing autism-related information under most circumstances and limited the sale of genetic information, such as DNA.

It passed out of both chambers along near party lines, with Sen. Ira Hansen (R-Sparks) in support. 

The measure was introduced shortly after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. floated plans to create a national autism database in an attempt to determine its cause, but the idea raised privacy concerns. Although AB589 would add additional guardrails, it would allow for collection of data when “necessary for compliance” with state or federal law. 

In his veto message, Lombardo raised concerns with that provision of the bill, saying that it “undermines the privacy protections the bill aims to establish.” He also pointed toward existing federal protections, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. 

AB392: Ensuring good faith negotiations between local and tribal governments

The legislation sponsored by Assm. Max Carter (D-Las Vegas) would have required local governments entering into agreements with tribal entities to engage in good faith. 

The bill would also have required that those contracts not require tribal governments to waive sovereign immunity — a legal doctrine that holds states or governmental entities as immune from criminal or civil lawsuits — and authorizes governing bodies to terminate the agreement with 90 days’ advance notice to the tribal government. 

The measure passed unanimously out of the Assembly. In the Senate, it passed along a vote of 18-3, with Sens. John Ellison (R-Elko), Jeff Stone (R-Henderson) and Robin Titus (R-Wellington) in opposition.

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that he agreed with the bill’s underlying notion that agreements between local and tribal governments should be honest and transparent. But Lombardo said the bill would not “properly facilitate such agreements,” noting that the legislation appears to conflate “sovereign immunity” with the broader concept of “sovereignty.”

Lombardo said that would mean “legitimately aggrieved” local governments wouldn’t be able to sue tribal governments if there was an issue with a contract or agreement. 

He noted that the bill would increase hesitancy among local governments to enter into interlocal agreements with tribal governments.

“In attempting to increase fairness in interlocal agreements with tribal governments, AB 392 would, in practice, do exactly the opposite,” Lombardo wrote.

AB434: Prohibiting retaliation against employees for not attending workplace events involving religious or political views

This measure, sponsored by Assm. Natha Anderson (D-Sparks), would have prohibited employers from retaliating against employees who chose not to attend meetings or events where employers express their religious or political views. 

Under the measure, employers could face lost wages and be liable for damages if they attempt to retaliate against an employee who skipped those kinds of meetings. The bill, however, did carve out exemptions for religious organizations and situations where job performance could be affected. It passed out of both chambers along party lines, with all Republicans opposed. 

Lombardo said in his veto message that AB434 “overreaches in a way that threatens free speech, creates legal uncertainty, and imposes new burdens on employers without clear benefit.” 

JUNE 5

AB44: Price-fixing ban

AB44, sponsored by the office of Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, would make it illegal for an individual to intentionally raise the price of essential goods if the price increases don’t adequately align with supply and demand. 

The bill, which passed the Assembly 24-18 and the Senate along party lines, met heavy pushback from business groups, which said that it could further pinch supply in a variety of industries, from housing to energy. 

Lombardo raised similar concerns in his veto message, saying that “the bill fails to recognize that prices reflect complex supply chain dynamics and market forces — not merely alleged predatory intent.”

AB283: Restructuring summary eviction process

Sponsored by Assm. Max Carter (D-Las Vegas), the bill would have restructured the state’s unique summary eviction process, which requires a tenant to file first in an eviction proceeding rather than a landlord. 

The measure would have also replaced existing eviction procedures with new ones, such as requiring landlords to file an affidavit of complaint and mandating clearer notice requirements for evictions. It would have also set up a pathway for automatically sealing certain summary eviction cases.

The bill passed out of both chambers along party-line votes, with Democrats in support.

At the beginning of the legislative session, Lombardo said he would be open to considering changes to the summary eviction process. Still, he said it would depend on the language within the proposal.

In his veto message, Lombardo called Carter’s bill “lopsided” and “red-tape laden,” saying that it would place additional burdens on an already strained judicial system and potentially lead to abuse.

“By shifting procedural burdens onto property owners, it risks punishing those owners and may inadvertently encourage tenants to be less accountable to the terms of their lease agreements,” he wrote. “Fundamentally, AB 283 imposes onerous obligations on property owners in the event of lease violations, hampers early detection of tenant issues, and expands government intervention in the housing market.”

SB350: Extending pre-execution timeline

SB350, sponsored by Sen. James Ohrenschall (D-Las Vegas), would have lengthened the time frame to carry out an execution to 120 to 180 days after a judge orders it. 

Current law stipulates that an execution must be carried out 60 to 90 days after a death warrant is issued — a time frame that bill proponents said is way too short, not giving law enforcement sufficient time to prepare for the execution and for the family to prepare.  

The bill passed along near party lines, with Republican Lisa Cole (R-Las Vegas) supporting the measure on the Assembly side. 

In his veto message, Lombardo raised concerns that the extended time frame could be used to file additional appeals or petitions “even in cases where those issues have already been fully litigated and resolved, often over the course of decades.” 

AB112: Expanding the use of accrued sick leave

Under the measure brought by Assm. Duy Nguyen (D-Las Vegas), employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement could have used accrued sick leave for an immediate family member’s illness, injury, medical appointment or other medical need. The measure would apply to an extension or renewal of such an agreement after Oct. 1, 2025.

The measure passed out of the Legislature with bipartisan support, 29-13 in the Assembly and 15-6 in the Senate. Two Republicans from each chamber supported the bill: Assembly Minority Leader Greg Hafen (R-Pahrump), Assm. Rebecca Edgeworth (R-Las Vegas), Sen. Lori Rogich (R-Las Vegas) and Sen. John Steinbeck (R-Las Vegas).

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that he supported allowing employees to use earned sick leave to care for family members in need, as it is consistent with existing law. He said, however, that the bill attempted to mandate benefits for unionized employees outside of a collective bargaining agreement, which removes a step in the bargaining process and, therefore, he couldn’t support it. He noted that he had vetoed SB401, which makes changes to redevelopment plans in the City of Reno, for similar reasons, although the veto message has not yet been released.

“Because mandating this additional benefit would undermine the collective bargaining process and disrupt the balance of labor-management relations across the state, I cannot support it,” Lombardo wrote.

AB185: Allowing child care facilities in HOAs 

Sponsored by Assm. Natha Anderson (D-Sparks), the measure would have banned homeowners associations from prohibiting child care facilities serving between five and 12 children.

The bill passed out of both chambers with bipartisan support. In the Assembly, five Republicans joined Democrats to support the bill, which passed on a 32-10 vote. In the Senate, four Republicans joined Democrats to support the bill, which passed on a 16-4 vote.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that expanding access to child care facilities is an “important goal for supporting a productive workforce,” but the bill would strip homeowners associations of key regulatory authority.

“It is important to note that people choose to live in HOA communities with the clear understanding that certain activities are governed by agreed-upon rules designed to protect the consistency of the neighborhood,” Lombardo wrote. “AB 185 undermines that mutual understanding by allowing some owners to bypass long-standing community standards through legislative action.”

AB217: Restricting ICE on school grounds

Under the bill brought by Assm. Cecelia González (D-Las Vegas), school officials could not grant permission to federal agents to enforce immigration laws on campus. School officials would also not be allowed to provide information about students or families to federal immigration officials.

The measure passed out of the Assembly on a 31-11 vote, with four Republicans in support. It passed out of the Senate with two Republicans in support. 

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that the bill is “well-intentioned but fundamentally overbroad.” He said the language is overly rigid, does not account for constitutional exceptions and lacks any limitations tied to school hours or the presence of students. He said that would effectively make schools sanctuary zones at all times, which goes against the bill sponsor’s intent to help children feel safe while attending school.

“Compounding these concerns is the ambiguity and burden placed on educators and staff. In the rare event that federal immigration officials do appear, school personnel will be forced to make rapid, high-stakes decisions without clear legal guidance,” he wrote. “The bill provides no practical framework for staff to resolve the tension between federal obligations and state-imposed restrictions. Worse still, the bill imposes disciplinary consequences for any misstep — even in moments of understandable confusion or good-faith judgment.”

AB411: Privacy for abortion pill prescribers

Brought by Assm. Sandra Jauregui (D-Las Vegas), the bill would have allowed prescribers of medications to end a pregnancy to swap their name for the health care clinic to help protect themselves.

In his veto message, Lombardo said he respects the privacy concerns that motivated the bill, but Nevada already has strong privacy protection laws. Though providers are often contacted through their practice, he said if complications arise from an abortion, it may help medical professionals to know the name of the prescribing clinician.

“The medications governed under this bill are generally safe and effective, but some patients may experience side effects that require medical attention,” he said. “In such cases, it's important that treating clinicians can easily identify and contact the prescribing provider.”

AB488: Expanding record sealing for sex trafficking victims

Sponsored by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, AB488 would have expanded the ability for victims of human trafficking to vacate convictions they acquired as a result of being trafficked and seal related documents.

It passed out of the Assembly along party lines and in the Senate 14-7, with Sen. Ira Hansen (R-Sparks) in support. 

Bill proponents said that the measure would have more closely aligned the law with the reality of needs for victims, who could have been pressured into criminalized behaviors such as theft and drug possession. 

Lombardo, however, raised concerns about the measure. While he said there is “no question” that victims of sex trafficking deserve “unique protection,” he called the measure “inartful” in his veto message.

“AB 488 limits a court's inquiry into whether a defendant has truly been rehabilitated,” Lombardo wrote. “This is an unsupportable proposition because the court could find that a defendant needs additional treatment or supportive services to heal from trauma and would have no means to ensure the provision of such treatment or support.”

AB79: Shifts campaign finance investigation duties to secretary of state

The bill proposed by the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office would have made various changes to campaign finance law, including clarifying that campaign contribution limits apply no matter how many candidates are in a race, setting a contribution limit of $5,000 for special elections not related to recalls and allowing candidates and officials to use campaign contributions for expenses related to their duties.

It would have also authorized the secretary of state’s office to impose and reduce campaign fines and penalties and enter into payment agreements for those fines and penalties. 

The bill passed out of the Assembly on a 28-14 vote, with Republican Lisa Cole (R-Las Vegas) joining Democrats in support. The Senate passed the measure on a party-line 13-8 vote, with Democrats in support.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the provisions would make political involvement less feasible by introducing complex reporting requirements. He added that the measure “significantly expands” the enforcement powers of the secretary of state by allowing it to conduct investigations and impose fines without a judicial proceeding, which he said raises due process concerns.

“By centralizing investigative, prosecutorial, and adjudicative functions in a single office, the bill increases the risk of unequal or arbitrary enforcement, particularly in cases where legal standards — such as what constitutes a 'spent' or 'unspent' contribution — remain ambiguous,” he wrote. “With no clear avenue for independent review, individuals and campaigns may be left vulnerable to inconsistent or overly punitive interpretations of the law.”

AB88: Supervision for delinquent juveniles

Brought by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, AB88 would have limited the ability of a juvenile justice court to place a delinquent child under informal supervision. 

Current law stipulates that a juvenile court can place a delinquent child under supervision if the district attorney approves it or if complaints against the juvenile would have been a gross misdemeanor of felony if they were tried as an adult. AB88 would have removed these requirements with limited exceptions. It passed both chambers along party lines. 

In his veto message, Lombardo said, “Because AB 88 would eliminate district attorney input in a wide range of criminal justice matters related to juveniles, I cannot support it.”

AB209: Immunity for victims and witnesses of serious crimes

Sponsored by Assm. David Orentlicher (D-Las Vegas), AB209 would have provided immunity from civil liability for individuals who worked in prostitution and were victims of certain violent crimes. 

The measure passed out of the Assembly along party lines and in the Senate 14-7, with support from Sen. Minority Leader Robin Titus (R-Wellington). 

In his veto message, Lombardo said that that bill had a “commendable goal” but needed more refinement. 

“AB 209 risks weakening essential tools for combating exploitation and serious sex work-related crimes by creating uncertainty around the timing and scope of immunity, thereby undermining enforcement efforts,” Lombardo wrote. 

AB496: Publishing list of registered voters

The measure, brought by Assm. Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas), would have required county clerks to publish a monthly list of registered voters, including voter identification numbers. It would have also required counties and cities to post mail and provisional ballot information online after the early voting period begins. 

The measure passed out of both chambers along party lines. 

Bill proponents contended that it could have increased transparency, making it easier for voters to track their ballots and potentially improve the ballot counting process. Lombardo, however, raised concerns in his veto message that the measure could raise “serious implementation challenges for local election officials.” 

He also said that the inclusion of voter ID numbers posed a “real risk” to voter privacy and lacked sufficient safeguards to protect that information. 

SB121: Protections for owners within HOAs

Sponsored by Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas), this measure would have established a number of protections for people purchasing a home in a community with a homeowners association (HOA) such as prohibiting an association from requiring landscaping in the backyard sooner than 24 months after a housing purchase, charging late fees sooner than 30 days after an obligation becomes past due and reporting any past due obligations to a credit reporting agency.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that he was not supporting the bill because it undermines established, collectively agreed upon HOA contracts. 

“When individuals choose to purchase homes within HOA communities, they do so with full awareness of their responsibilities to maintain community standards,” Lombardo wrote. “It is unfair for some homeowners to bypass these agreed-upon rules, as doing so can negatively impact the community and impose practical burdens on others.”

SB160: Moves Nevada Equal Rights Commission to the office of attorney general

This measure from Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas) would have moved the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) from the Department of Training, Rehabilitation, and Employment (DETR) to the attorney general’s office. 

The measure, bill proponents contended, would have depoliticized NERC by further removing it from the governor’s office. It was introduced shortly before a lawsuit from the former head of NERC, who alleged retaliation after being “unlawfully terminated.”

The bill passed out of both chambers along party lines. 

In his veto message, Lombardo said that DETR is “structurally and operationally best suited” to support the functions of NERC. He also raised concerns that shifting the commission to the attorney general’s office would politicize its role.

“I cannot support SB 160 because relocating NERC to the Office of the Attorney General risks shifting its role from a neutral administrative body to an elected, thereby potentially politically oriented, enforcement agency, fundamentally altering its mission and potentially undermining its effectiveness,” Lombardo wrote. 

SB334: Mandates annual report from Nevada Department of Corrections 

Sponsored by Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas), SB334 would have required the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) to submit an annual report detailing offender employment statistics, including pay and post-release employment outcomes. 

The measure received support from Sen. Ira Hansen (R-Sparks), otherwise passing out along party lines. 

Although Lombardo said that expanding workforce training for the incarcerated is “critical,” he raised concerns about the study’s feasibility in his veto message, saying it could be difficult for NDOC to track post-release data.

“I encourage those in favor of the type of study proposed by this bill to collaborate with the NDOC during the interim to consider a study that will be possible for the NDOC to conduct,” Lombardo said. 

JUNE 4 

AB205: Opt-out sex education

A bill by Assm. Heather Goulding (D-Reno) would have made sex education instruction available to Nevada students unless their parents opt them out. 

Existing law makes sex ed classes opt-in. Critics say too many students miss out on the courses because their parents do not turn in paperwork, rather than because they have a proactive objection to it. 

In the Clark County School District, on average, only 1 percent of high school students opt out and 8 percent are unresponsive, according to a fact sheet attached to the bill. 

It’s at least the sixth sex education bill that has failed in the past 12 years, including a 2017 bill vetoed by former Gov. Brian Sandoval.

The bill passed out of both chambers along party lines, with Republicans opposed.

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that an opt-in approach allows parents to prepare for discussions about “deeply personal topics” and be fully aware of what their children will encounter. He added that it also gives parents time to consult with family, friends and their faith community about the best course of action.

“Parents should remain the primary decision makers in their children's education,” he wrote. “Since AB 205 would undermine parents' ability to make informed choices about their children's education, I cannot support it.”

AB280: More rental transparency, cap on seniors’ rent

Assm. Sandra Jauregui’s (D-Las Vegas) AB280 would have required landlords to break down the rationale for fees while also capping annual rent increases for senior citizens at no more than 5 percent for an approximately yearlong pilot program.

The bill passed along party lines in both chambers. Lombardo vetoed a similar proposal in 2023.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the bill's “broad requirements and restrictions” would impose a burden on property owners and complicate the rental process. He added that the information in rental agreements mandated by the bill could also overwhelm tenants and landlords, leading to confusion about the terms of a rental agreement.

He added that the rent caps within the bill could undermine housing affordability over time and discourage property owners from investing in rental units, especially as costs continue to rise.

“Although AB 280 targets a specific population group, its implementation could trigger ripple effects that disrupt the rental market as a whole,” Lombardo wrote. “By prohibiting landlords from increasing rent by more than 5% for certain tenants, the bill may inadvertently encourage preemptive rent hikes before the cap takes effect — making housing less attainable in the short term.”

AB223: Allowing tenants to withhold rent if landlord doesn’t repair home

Sponsored by Assm. Venicia Considine (D-Las Vegas), the measure would give renters more recourse when a home is in disrepair.

Under the proposal, tenants would have been able to reduce or withhold rent if their home did not comply with habitability laws. The bill also empowered tenants to file a complaint in court regarding unhealthy living conditions that the landlord had not fixed, and the tenant could use that complaint as a defense against eviction.

The bill passed on party lines in both legislative chambers.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the bill would have created fundamental unfairness in the relationship between a tenant and landlord. He added that it “needlessly” disrupts Nevada law that already adequately protects tenants and ensures that renters have safe, quality housing.

Additionally, Lombardo said that the legislation lacked “sufficient specificity regarding the cause of the habitability concern.” Specifically, he wrote that if a tenant’s negligence caused the defective condition, the landlord would be required to remedy the situation unless there was convincing evidence that the tenant had caused the issue.

“Nevadans need safe, affordable housing and a change to existing law as far-reaching and insensitive to scheduling realities as this bill would only serve to destabilize Nevada's rental market,” he wrote.

AB244: Styrofoam container ban

The proposal from Assm. Venicia Considine (D-Las Vegas) would phase in a ban on restaurants’ use of Styrofoam containers.

Starting in October, establishments with at least 10 locations in Nevada would have been prohibited from using Styrofoam containers. It would have applied to all restaurants beginning Jan.1, 2029.

It received some bipartisan support in both chambers, passing 36-6 in the Assembly and 16-4 in the Senate.

In his veto message, Lombardo said that the bill contains inconsistencies regarding the businesses it would apply to and could lead to price increases tied to more expensive biodegradable containers, ultimately resulting in higher overall costs for consumers. He added that there are also enforcement requirements that could lead to higher costs for local governments, and it could limit consumer choice.

“Is it truly wise to redirect law enforcement officers or public health officials away from their essential duties to enforce a polystyrene ban?” Lombardo wrote. “Alternatively, the fiscal notes could reflect a belief that the bill would apply to only a limited number of establishments, and thus the enforcement burden may be inherently low — but this would suggest that the bill itself is an unnecessary regulation that restricts consumer choice without meaningful impact.”

AB245: Ban on people under 21 from owning semiautomatic guns or rifles

For the second straight session, Lombardo vetoed a bill that would ban people under 21 from owning semiautomatic guns or rifles.

Under the bill proposed by Assm. Sandra Jauregui (D-Las Vegas), violations of the provisions would be a gross misdemeanor.

The bill passed along a party-line vote in the Assembly with Republicans opposed. Republicans also voted against the measure in the Senate, and Sen. Skip Daly (R-Sparks) was absent and excused.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the bill is “strikingly similar” to another measure he vetoed in 2023. He said that in some ways, the 2025 measure goes further because it also makes selling or bartering a firearm to a person under the age of 21 a category B felony. 

He added that the bill's language is overly broad and would also prohibit young people from using semiautomatic shotguns, which are commonly used in waterfowl hunting and offer a safer and easier shooting experience.

“Finally, the United States Supreme Court precedent on which my previous veto messag was based has not been disturbed,” Lombardo said. “As stated two years ago, ‘were this bill to become law, it is unlikely it would pass constitutional muster.’”

AB445: Immunity for librarians providing access to materials in “good faith”

Sponsored by Assm. Daniele Monroe-Moreno (D-North Las Vegas), this measure would have made it so all school and public library staff members are immune from civil liability for helping patrons or providing access to library materials. 

It’s part of a reaction to culture wars that flared at libraries. The bill passed in both chambers with support from some Republican lawmakers; 32-9 in the Assembly and 14-7 in the Senate. 

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that the bill was “untenable” because it used vague and overly broad language. For example, he said it fails to define the term “good faith,” which would create an “unworkable legal standard.”

He added that it undermines existing oversight mechanisms and could weaken the authority of school boards and parents. 

“Given that AB 445 establishes an unclear legal standard that would lead to unpredictable outcomes and undermines critical safeguards that help families trust the materials made available in libraries, I cannot support this bill,” he wrote.

AB140: Changes expiration date for driver authorization cards

The proposal from Assm. Cecelia González (D-Las Vegas) would have changed the expiration date for driver authorization cards to the same schedule as driver’s licenses, which need to be renewed every eight years.

Existing law states that the authorization cards — which are for people who don’t meet proof of identity requirements to receive a driver’s license — expire every four years. The bill passed along party lines in the Senate, and with one GOP assemblymember in support alongside all Democrats.

Lombardo said in his veto message that driver authorization cards raise potential public safety concerns and said that “the evolving landscape of federal authority in this space makes it imprudent to sign AB 140.”

AB144: Changing date of Indigenous Peoples Day

The bill from Assm. Shea Backus (D-Las Vegas) would have moved the date of Indigenous Peoples Day in Nevada from Aug. 9 to the second Monday in October, which is also Columbus Day.

It passed along party lines in the Assembly, and one Republican senator joined Democrats in support.

“It is better for Indigenous Peoples Day to fall on a day where there are no other holidays so it can continue to receive Nevadans' undivided recognition,” Lombardo said in his veto message.

AB155: Expanding collective bargaining in schools

Brought by Assm. Selena La Rue Hatch (D-Reno), the bill would have expanded the scope of mandatory subjects that teachers unions can bargain over to include student-teacher ratios and the number of students per number of specialized support staff. 

Nevada ranks first in the nation for the highest ratio of enrolled students per teacher, 25:1, according to a 2024 report by the National Education Association. The bill was supported by the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA), a statewide union representing teachers and support staff. 

The bill passed in the Assembly in April in a 26-16 vote with D’Silva, a Clark County high school teacher and member of the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), a frequent rival of NSEA, joining Republicans in voting against the bill. It passed in the Senate in late May in a 16-4 vote, with four Republicans voting against it. 

Lombardo raised concerns in his veto message about the feasibility of smaller student-teacher ratios in his message, saying it also raised legal implications.

“Would school districts be required, under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, to build new schools, create new transportation routes, and hire more teachers?” he wrote. 

AB201: Automatic sealing for eviction court cases

Sponsored by Assm. Erica Roth (D-Reno), this bill would have expanded the circumstances under which an eviction case that took place via Nevada’s unique and rapid summary eviction process would be automatically sealed.

The bill passed out of the Assembly and Senate along party-line votes with all Republicans in opposition.

In his veto message, Lombardo said that the bill would “eviscerate judicial discretion” and would likely lead to less affordable housing “because it deprives the lessor of information necessary to make informed business decisions.”

AB237: Allows a county to create an office for the registrar of voters

This bill would have allowed any county to create a registrar of voters office, a right that existing law only affords to Clark and Washoe counties.

It was brought on behalf of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections.

It passed along party lines in both chambers.

Lombardo said in his veto message that the bill was “unnecessary” and wouldn’t make financial sense in rural counties.

“Creating a separate office in counties to duplicate tasks currently managed by county clerks would necessarily divide resources,” he said.

AB278: Muslim American Heritage Month

The bill from Assm. Brittney Miller (D-Las Vegas) would have designated July as Muslim American Heritage Month.

It passed mostly along party lines, with Assm. Gregory Koenig (R-Fallon) joining all Democrats in support.

Lombardo said in his veto message that “there is no need to codify additional months into law,” but he encouraged the bill sponsor to request that the governor make a proclamation for Muslim American Heritage Month in advance of next July.

AB342: Women Veterans History Month

This committee bill would have designated March as “Women Veterans History Month.”

It was brought on behalf of the Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults with Special Needs. It had some bipartisan support — 14 Republican lawmakers across both chambers voted in support alongside all Democrats.

Lombardo said in his veto message that “there is no need to codify additional months into law,” but he encouraged the bill sponsor to request that the governor make a proclamation for Women Veterans History Month ahead of next March through existing processes.

AB82: "Diwali Day," "Eid al-Fitr Day," "Vaisakhi Day," and "Vesak Day"

Assm. Reuben D’Silva’s (D-Las Vegas) bill would have required the governor to proclaim days honoring certain Hindu, Islamic, Sikh and Buddhist holidays.

It passed with six Republican assemblymembers and two GOP senators joining all Democratic lawmakers in support.

Lombardo said in his veto message that “there is no need to codify additional days into law,” but he encouraged the bill sponsor to request that the governor make a proclamation ahead of these holidays through existing processes.

AB83: Larry Itliong Day

The proposal from Assm. Erica Mosca (D-Las Vegas) would have designated Oct. 25 as Larry Itliong Day. Itliong founded the Filipino Farm Labor Union and the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.

It passed both chambers with three Republicans (one in the Assembly and two in the Senate) joining all Democrats in support.

Lombardo said in his veto message that “there is no need to codify additional days into law,” but he encouraged the bill sponsor to request that the governor make a proclamation before Oct. 25 through existing processes.

AB98: Dolores Huerta Day

Assm. Cinitha Moore’s (D-Las Vegas) bill would have required the governor to proclaim April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day. Huerta is a labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers union.

The bill passed along party lines in the Assembly, and four Republican senators supported the bill alongside all Democrats.

Lombardo said in his veto message there was no need to codify additional days into law and encouraged the bill sponsor to request a proclamation from his office. 

AB480: Changes to housing discrimination laws

The bill from Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) would have changed housing discrimination laws to align with certain federal standards.

The standards allow housing discrimination to be established if there is a discriminatory effect, even if discrimination is not intended.

It passed along party lines in the Senate, and three Republican assemblymembers supported the bill alongside all Democrats.

Lombardo called the bill “shortsighted” in his veto message and said that it could raise conflicts with federal authorities if the law were to change.

AB490: New jurisdiction over election lawsuits

This committee bill would have expanded legal jurisdiction given to the Carson City District Court to any other district court with at least three judges and electronic access to filings.

The proposal would have affected jurisdiction over cases involving elections or state laws, which typically start in Carson City, whose court has only two judges and infamously does not have electronic access to filings.

In his veto message, Lombardo said Carson City judges have demonstrated knowledge when hearing these cases and that the bill “inherently diminishes the value of learned expertise.”

“Moreover, the proposition that a court's ability to continue reviewing certain matters should be conditioned upon its implementation of an electronic filing and storage system raises separation of powers concerns,” he said.

JUNE 3

SB89: Ban on firearm ownership after hate crime conviction

Brought by Sen. Julie Pazina (D-Las Vegas), SB89 would have prohibited someone convicted of a hate crime in the past 10 years from purchasing a firearm. It passed both houses along party lines. A similar proposal was vetoed last session.  

“This bill, like last session's bill, is critically flawed in that it would potentially deprive individuals of their Second Amendment right to bear arms for a crime with no nexus to firearms whatsoever,” Lombardo said in his veto letter. Lombardo further contended that the penalty for a hate crime wasn’t enough and they should “be tried as felonies.”

SB93: Awarding broadband development grants

The proposal from Sen. Skip Daly (D-Sparks) would have required state agencies to prioritize certain applicants when awarding federal grants for broadband development, including ones that will use a well-trained workforce and offer high-quality jobs, especially to underrepresented groups.

It passed both chambers along party lines.

In his veto message, Lombardo said the bill could create “unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, stifling competition, and delaying progress.” 

“Because SB 93 would significantly delay broadband deployment in Nevada's rural communities and unnecessarily inflate the time and costs required to initiate projects statewide, I cannot support it,” Lombardo wrote.

SB99: New fees on certain developments

The bill would have allowed certain local governments within areas governed by a regional planning agency — such as Lake Tahoe — to impose new linkage fees on large residential developments. The fees would be used to support deed-restricted affordable housing.

It was brought on behalf of a legislative committee overseeing the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Marlette Lake Water System.

It passed along near-party lines with one Republican — Sen. Lori Rogich (R-Las Vegas) — joining all Democrats in support.

Lombardo wrote in his veto message that the linkage fees would increase costs for attainable housing and reduce growth.

“SB 99 may be relegated to one area, but even that is one area too many,” Lombardo wrote. “Because SB 99 would hinder new construction at a time when Nevada families urgently need more housing, I cannot support it.”

SB102: Criminalizing fake elector schemes

Daly brought back his proposal to criminalize fake elector schemes after Lombardo vetoed the proposal in 2023 on the grounds that the penalty was too strict.

Daly’s latest effort brought down the potential prison sentence to one to four years. His 2023 bill carried a prison sentence of four to 10 years. It passed both chambers along party lines.

Lombardo’s veto message said that the bill raised serious constitutional and policy concerns, presenting “serious first amendment risks.”

“The language prohibiting the creation of a ‘false slate of presidential electors’ is overly broad and could criminalize legitimate political expression or protest,” he wrote.  

SB141: Treatment of transgender prisoners

Sen. Melanie Scheible (D-Las Vegas) proposed the measure, which would have adopted regulations for the supervision, custody, care, security, housing and medical and mental health treatment of transgender, gender non-conforming and gender non-binary offenders.

The bill passed out of the Senate on a party-line 13-8 vote with Republicans opposed. It passed the Assembly with unanimous support.

In his veto message, Lombardo wrote that regulations are more appropriate than statutory codification because regulations can be revised more easily to account for changes in standards, especially if shifts occur at the federal level.

“Federal authority in this space is potentially evolving and, if altered, could conflict with the provisions of this bill leading to decreased state and local access to vital federal funding,” Lombardo wrote. “If a conflict does arise between federal authority and SB 141, then local governments would be required to return in two years to change this law so that Nevada law conforms with federal law.”

SB142: Increasing the amount of wages protected from garnishment 

SB142, brought by Sen. Fabian Doñate (D-Las Vegas), would have increased the amount of wages protected from a type of debt collection known as garnishment. 

Garnishment happens when a court orders employers to send part of a person’s wages to creditors to help pay off child support, alimony or unpaid bills. Doñate’s proposal would have increased the amount of wages protected from creditors from $400 to $850 per week.

All Republicans opposed the measure, which passed out of both chambers along party lines. 

Lombardo called the measure “unsupportable” in his veto message, saying that it could unintentionally encourage debt evasion. He also had several legal concerns, including that it could lead to increased litigation. 

“Businesses and individuals alike rely on the civil justice system to resolve disputes and recover debts,” he said. “Undermining that system may lead to an increase in self-help remedies, bypassing the courts altogether-a troubling outcome for anyone committed to the rule of law.” 

SB155: Allowing non-U.S. citizens to work as peace officers

Currently, only U.S. citizens are allowed to act as law enforcement officers in Nevada but SB155, brought by Sen. Edgar Flores (D-Las Vegas), would allow non-U.S citizens to become peace officers if they had been employed as one in another state and meet some other requirements. 

The measure, which passed along party lines, met pushback from Lombardo, who said in his veto message that although expanding eligibility can help foster trust, the role of a police officer should be kept to U.S citizens. 

“There are pathways to citizenship available to those legally in the United States,” he said. “If someone wishes to serve as a peace officer, he or she should become a naturalized citizen before doing so.”

SB167: Household cleaning products tested on animals 

SB167, brought by Scheible, would ban the import and sale of household cleaning products that have been tested on animals. The ban would not apply to products that underwent animal testing before Jan. 1, 2030. 

The bill passed on a 34-8 vote in the Assembly with 11 Republicans and all Democrats in support, and on a 17-4 vote in the Senate with four Republicans and all Democrats in support.

“SB 167 has the commendable goal of promoting more humane treatment of animals,” Lombardo wrote in his veto message.” However, as written, SB 167 would be impractical for courts to consider and could result in both short- and long-term economic burdens for Nevada families.”

SB171: Shield law for providing gender-affirming care

For the second time, Lombardo has vetoed a bill proposed by Sen. James Ohrenschall (D-Las Vegas) that sought to protect health care providers licensed in Nevada who offer gender-affirming care to patients, including via telemedicine. 

Specifically, Ohrenschall’s bill would have prevented another state from sanctioning or prosecuting a provider in Nevada who offers legal, ethical and medically necessary gender-affirming care to patients. 

The measure passed out of the Senate and Assembly along party-line votes with Republicans opposed.

Opposition to Ohrenschall’s bill focused on gender-affirming care and fears that minors would be making irreversible changes to their bodies — though the bill dealt with providers and would not change existing law around those receiving gender-affirming care.

Ohrenschall said he carefully studied Lombardo’s 2023 veto and removed overly broad language, making it more closely mirror the reproductive rights shield law Lombardo signed in 2023 that Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D-Las Vegas) proposed.

But it wasn’t enough.

Lombardo called the bill “well-intentioned” in his veto message but said it had “critical ambiguity” that could cause legal problems and raised questions about what he called “subjective interpretation.”

“SB 171 would lead to complicated legal battles and uncertainty about what laws providers must follow,” Lombardo wrote. “If enacted, a doctor could perform services in this state but still face prosecution elsewhere. It is unwise to create potentially illusory legal protections.”

SB198: Penalties for unpaid wages

Daly’s bill would have increased penalties for employers who don’t pay the entitled wages of workers who resign, quit or are placed on nonworking status. Employers would have to pay 1.5 times the amount of a worker’s hourly wage for each day they go unpaid for as many as 30 days. 

The measure, backed by all legislative Democrats, did not receive support from a single Republican member. 

Lombardo said that SB198 could impose significant burdens for businesses, especially smaller ones. He raised particular concerns about the revised definition of "compensation"­ which would  include bonuses and 401(k) contributions.

“Waiting-time penalties like those imposed under SB 198 have proven disastrous in California,” Lombardo said in his veto. “Even minor, unintentional delays in payment have exposed employers to substantial legal liability.”

SB297: Designating October as “Menopause Awareness Month”

Brought by Sen. Rochelle Nguyen (D-Las Vegas), the measure would have designated October as “Menopause Awareness Month” in Nevada and required the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing it. It passed 19-2 in the Senate and on a 29-13 vote in the Assembly, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in support.

“Currently, there is no need to codify additional months into law,” Lombardo said in his veto message. He suggested the bill sponsor request a proclamation from his office before October. 

SB301: Expanding collective bargaining for certain peace officers

SB301, sponsored by Sens. Marilyn Dondero Loop (D-Las Vegas) and Cannizzaro, would have allowed category I, II or III state peace officers who are unclassified to unionize.

Currently, these peace officers are only allowed to unionize if they are classified state employees, who are typically in non-leadership positions.

It passed among mostly party lines, with two Senate Republicans joining all legislative Democrats in support in the Senate and on a party-line 27-15 vote in the Assembly.

Lombardo’s veto message noted that he vetoed a similar measure in 2023, saying at the time that allowing unclassified police to unionize “could lead to other distinctions between classified and unclassified staff being challenged.” He said his position has not changed.

SB327: Changing requirements for contractors to obtain bonds

The bill from Sen. Michelee Cruz-Crawford (D-Las Vegas) would have removed the requirement that bonds to contractors be provided by someone with a long-term debt obligation rating of “A” or better.

Instead, the bonds must be given by a holding company that is included in the U.S. Department of Treasury’s publication of certified bond companies.

It passed unanimously in the Senate and along party lines in the Assembly.

Lombardo panned the bill in his veto message as offering “little to no improvement over current law while reducing competition and increasing costs.” He wrote that the bill would force contractors to use a more limited set of bonding companies that meet the requirement.

SB410: Insurance coverage under local government union agreements

SB410, a committee bill, would have clarified that insurance coverage for unionized local government employees explicitly includes coverage for workers’ dependents.

It passed the Assembly on a 35-7 vote with 10 Republicans joining all Democratic lawmakers in support, and the Senate by a 15-6 vote with two Republicans and all Democrats in support.

Lombardo called the bill “well-intentioned” but said in his veto message that it was overly favorable to labor to mandate, rather than just allow, inclusion of dependent coverage as a part of collective bargaining negotiations.

“Legislating additional mandatory subjects of bargaining inappropriately places a proverbial thumb on the scale in favor of labor because, if enacted, this bill would effectively remove a step in the current bargaining process in a manner that would directly favor one side of the labor-management dynamic,” the message read.

MAY 22

AB306: Bill to boost ballot drop box availability during pre-election dead zone

Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) announced Thursday afternoon that Lombardo had vetoed his proposal to expand the availability of mail ballot drop boxes during the period after early voting and before Election Day — historically a weekend dead zone when most buildings that house drop boxes are closed. 

The measure passed the Senate 12-8 and Assembly 28-14, with Assm. Lisa Cole (R-Las Vegas) as the sole Republican in support. 

“AB306 was a bipartisan measure aimed at ensuring voters, especially working families, seniors, and those with disabilities, have secure and accessible ways to return their ballots,” Yeager said in a statement. 

Lombardo said in his veto message that AB306 is “well-intentioned” but that it “falls short of its stated goals while failing to guarantee appropriate oversight of the proposed ballot boxes or the ballots cast.”