Carson City, Nevada – Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo called lawmakers back for special session to consider a long list of legislation, including a sweeping criminal reform proposal and a plan to bring movie studios to Southern Nevada.
The Republican governor announced the special session Wednesday evening, saying it would begin Thursday morning in Carson City. As governor, Lombardo has complete control over what is heard on the special session agenda, though the Democratic-majority Legislature ultimately influences what succeeds and what fails.
“Nevadaans deserve action now – not years from now – on legislation that implements important public safety measures, expands access to health care, and supports good-paying jobs,” Lombardo said in a statement announcing the hearing. “By calling this special session, we reaffirm our responsibility to act decisively and achieve meaningful results for the people of Nevada,” he added.
This announcement comes about five months after the Legislature concluded its regular session, which is held every two years. Lawmakers rushed to act on bills in the final hours of the session that ended June 3, but key bills did not make it to the finish line, including the governor’s sweeping crime legislation and a proposal to expand tax incentives for… Lure of movie studios To Las Vegas.
Lombardo last called a special session in June 2023 to approve general financing for the fund Athletics Stadium in Las Vegaswhich is under active construction and is expected to be completed by the 2028 Major League Baseball season.
Lawmakers will debate the governor’s far-reaching crime bill, known as the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, which would impose tougher penalties for drunk driving and other crimes, including assault and battery, against hospitality workers. It will also renovate the now-defunct Corridor Resort Court to handle some of the crimes that originate from the strip.
The Legislature will also consider cybersecurity legislation to create a post-state security operations center You faced a massive cyber attack Which affected state services for weeks.
Also on the special session’s agenda is a proposal to provide $95 million in tax breaks to Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. Discovery to build a new film production facility in suburban Vegas, as well as $25 million in credits that will be available for productions elsewhere in the state.
Lombardo’s addition to the proposal comes after more than a dozen labor unions Launched a campaign In support of renewed efforts.
If lawmakers succeed in passing the bill this time, Las Vegas will compete with cities like Atlanta, where the movie industry has thrived for more than a decade thanks to more generous tax breaks. Meanwhile, California recently revamped its tax incentive programs to combat a multi-year downward trend in Hollywood film production.
Some labor unions were supportive of the proposal — arguing that establishing movie studios would create more jobs and bring a much-needed boost to Las Vegas’ tourism and economy — while the state employees union was vocal in its opposition.
The state chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees called the proposal “fiscally irresponsible and politically indefensible” and said it would generate only $0.52 in tax revenue for every $1 in credit.