Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs — But Uncertainty Remains

In the most significant trade ruling in decades, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 on February 20 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president to impose tariffs. That includes the "Liberation Day" tariffs that had been driving up costs on imported food and supplies for over a year. The ruling was a win — but it did not last long. Within hours, Trump signed a new order imposing a 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, the maximum allowed under that law. That tariff expires in 150 days on July 24, 2026 unless Congress acts to extend it. The good news for Nevada operators is that goods from Canada and Mexico that qualify under USMCA are exempt from the new tariff. On refunds — do not count on a quick check. The administration has signaled it will fight refund claims in court, a process that could take years. Bottom line: costs are not going back to normal anytime soon, and the trade fight is far from over.

National Restaurant Association Releases 2026 Federal Policy Agenda - Immigration, Swipe Fees, and Trade at the Center

The National Restaurant Association released its federal priorities for 2026 on February 19, and three issues are front and center: immigration reform, credit card swipe fee relief, and USMCA trade renewal. A survey of more than 900 operators found that 55% say immigration enforcement changes have hurt their business, with 37% reporting drops in sales and customer traffic. On swipe fees, 66% of operators say their processing costs have gone up over the past two years by an average of 9.4% — and credit card fees are already the third-largest operating expense behind food and labor. The NRA's immigration framework calls for protecting the existing workforce, fixing the work visa system, and building a legal path forward. Nearly 1 in 4 restaurant workers nationally is an immigrant. NvRA supports all three priorities and is engaging Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen on workforce and swipe fee provisions that directly affect Nevada operators.

Washoe County Launches Announced Inspection Pilot for Higher-Risk Food Establishments

Northern Nevada Public Health launched a new inspection model on February 15 that gives certain restaurants advance notice before a routine inspection. The pilot applies to Risk Category 3 establishments — restaurants that do more complex cooking, handle raw ingredients, or prepare food in advance. Under the new system, operators get an automated email letting them know an inspection is coming. The actual visit happens within a 7-day window from that email, but the exact day and time are still a surprise. Follow-up inspections for violations, complaints, and foodborne illness investigations stay unannounced. This is a pilot program — whether it expands depends on results. If you operate in Washoe County, do two things now: confirm your risk category with NNPH and make sure the email on file for your permit is current — that is how you will get notified. NvRA will watch the results as a potential model for conversations with Southern Nevada health districts.

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