April 11^th – the 68^th day of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session – is the deadline for all non-exempt bills to move out of the committee of the First House, or they are no longer going anywhere.  On April 22^nd the next deadline will involve passage from the First House and cross-over to the other end of the Legislative building.  These are key bills that Nevada Farm Bureau is interested in (either supporting or opposing) that have had recent action taken.  Next week’s newsletter will provide a clearer picture of where things stand going into the April 22^nd deadline.

SB 31 –was passed by the Senate Natural Resources Committee on a 3-2 vote.  Nevada Farm Bureau is opposing the bill because we don’t believe that it is fair to not have a deadline for the agencies of the federal government to submit their proof of vested water rights, but private sector vested right owners must.  The original purpose for the December 31^st, 2027, deadline for filing documentation of vested water rights was for all those claiming such water rights to have their paperwork submitted to the Division of Water Resources. This would provide a clear basis for where things stood.  SB 31 exempts agencies of the federal government from meeting the deadline, claiming that the State of Nevada can’t give the federal government such a requirement.

Nevada Farm Bureau’s statements haven’t argued against the legal basis for whether the Nevada can issue a deadline on the federal government – our position has been on the equity of forcing private vested water right owners to comply or have their claims considered forfeited, if they don’t meet the December 31, 2027 deadline.

Thank you to Senator John Ellison and Senator Ira Hansen for their votes in opposition to passage of SB 31.  We will continue to make our objections to the bill made known and either have changes made to make the process fair or work to prevent the bill from becoming law.

SB 172 – was passed, as amended, by the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor.  The three Republican members of the committee voted against passage, but it is uncertain that these members will retain their opposition to the bill as it moves to the floor.  The amendment to the bill removed the language in the bill which would have taken away the exemption that agriculture has for paying overtime…meaning the current system of not requiring overtime to remain in place.

The portions of the bill which provide for the “Agricultural Workers Bill of Rights” is still part of the bill and could provide for collective bargaining.

Nevada’s opposition to SB 172 was based on the requirement for overtime and establishing a system for collective bargaining.

SB 180 – was passed, as amended, by the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee on a 3-2 vote.  The amendment that was added to the original bill phases in the climb for minimum liability insurance to $1.5 million on vehicles transporting freight within the borders of Nevada.  The first jump requires the liability on vehicles greater than 26,000 lbs. to increase to $1 million, beginning January 1^st, 2026.  On January 1, 2028 the minimum increases to $1.25 million and beginning January 1, 2030 the full level for the minimum goes to $1.5 million.

SB 260 – was passed, as amended, by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.  The amendment that is now attached to the bill is a conceptual amendment, which leaves things a little uncertain to all the specifics.  It would appear that some of the details, which were originally written into the bill, have been pulled with some movement more toward a regulatory approach than locked into law.  There are also still many things that are left in the “amended” version that have troubling points.

Nevada Farm Bureau has opposed SB 260, primarily on the basis that the direction for responding to wildfire smoke in the air and what employers are required to deal with for their workers.  The language bring into effect prescriptive actions based on air quality from wildfire smoke when air quality index levels of 150 and 200.  If the bill moves to a regulatory approach, we’re not certain how an employer without access to monitoring data of air quality will be dealt with.  If you don’t know what the air quality index isn’t know, where you are, because of the lack of monitoring data…what do levels of 150 or 200 amount to?

AB 363 as Amended – was passed, as amended, on a unanimous vote in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.  The amended version of the legislation, seeking to create a system for establishing groundwater advisory boards, is brought forward by the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources.  It has been championed by the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority and has been supported by Nevada Farm Bureau.

As a follow-up to their work session the Assembly Natural Resources Committee provided AB 419 with a hearing. Presenting the bill, Assemblyman Richard DeLong, shared the proposed amendment to the bill The primary objective to the bill is to incorporate a more regulatory framework for dealing with water right applications and other similar business of the Division of Water Resources.

Nevada Farm Bureau presented neutral testimony on AB 419.

In reaction to the announcement of President Trump’s recent actions to implement a 90-day pause on the  reciprocal tariffs that kicked in earlier this week, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall offered these comments

AFBF’s economist Betty Resnick had earlier developed this background piece  to provide an overview on the tariff provisions that were brought forward by President Trump, prior to the 90-day pause that is now in effect for most countries.

It might seem a little chilly right now for a night out at a baseball game, but we hope that you’ll make your plans now…so you don’t miss out.  We’re excited to invite you to a special evening at the ballpark! As a valued member of the Nevada Farm Bureau, you’re eligible for discounted tickets to the Reno Aces game at Greater Nevada Field on June 24th. The game will start at 6:35 p.m., and it’s sure to be a fun night out with family and friends!

Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy an exciting game at a fantastic price. Get your tickets now and come cheer on the Reno Aces with us!

For more details and to purchase tickets, please click here.