Update - SB 78, SB 425, AB 607, SB 507

We’re pleased to share that the grassroots efforts of NALS, along with the active involvement of NCEES and many other boards and commissions, made a real difference this legislative session. Several bills aimed at restructuring Nevada’s occupational licensing system did not advance. These proposals included efforts to consolidate boards, shift authority to the Department of Business and Industry, and increase government oversight. Thanks to strong opposition from across the professional licensing community, none of these bills passed. This is a clear example of what we can accomplish when we stay engaged and work together to protect our profession. 

Special thanks to Robert Carrington and Todd Enke who worked hard throughout this legislative session including attending weekly meetings, testifying, and drafting letters. And thank you to the NALS members that took the time to send in letters and register your opposition.

We know this is not the last effort we will see to change the makeup of boards and commissions. NALS will continue to monitor and be ready to take action when needed.

Nevada Independent Full Article (except below): https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/what-died-on-the-last-day-of-the-nevada-legislative-session

Boards and commissions:

  • No reforms: Several bills that would have restructured the system governing Nevada’s more than 300 boards and commissions — civilian-composed bodies that either provide recommendations or oversee occupational licensing requirements — failed to reach Lombardo, who has prioritized reforming the system since he entered office in an effort to streamline occupational licensing requirements to more easily attract employees.
    • For much of the session, the primary bill was SB78, which the Department of Business and Industry (B&I) proposed to greatly increase its oversight of the boards and merge and consolidate many of the boards.
      • However, it received significant backlash from board officials, and it ultimately stalled without passing out of either chamber.
    • Then, Sen. Fabian Doñate (D-Las Vegas) proposed an amended version of SB425 that would have stripped B&I authority of the boards, but that also stalled after receiving a hearing.
    • In what initially appeared to be a compromise between all parties, Assembly Minority Leader Greg Hafen’s (R-Pahrump) AB601 would have increased B&I oversight of the boards, while not merging or consolidating them. It never received a hearing after being introduced in the last week of session.
    • And finally, SB507, a budget implementation bill, would have provided B&I with 11 more employees to oversee the boards and allowed the department to prescribe a fee for services it provides. But after receiving a hearing on Saturday, it did not advance further.