A former Nevada Republican Assemblyman filed a recall petition with the Nevada Secretary of State this month seeking to recall Democratic Senator Joyce Woodhouse and replace her with her Republican opponent from the 2016 election.

Under Nevada law, petitioners are not required to give a reason for submitting a recall petition. Although no reason was cited in the filed petition, a registered voter said a signature-gatherer seeking support for the petition stated it stemmed from Sen. Joyce’s support of a sanctuary city bill during the 2016 legislative session.

The petition needs signatures from 25 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the Senate District 5 election in 2016 to have a special election.

The 79^th session of the Nevada Legislature adjourned just after midnight local time on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

A package of budget bills was passed, resolving a stalemate many thought would not be resolved by the end of the regular session.

Legislators also pushed through a clean energy bill and one requiring additional oversight of drivers for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft.

A new lobbying law took effect on January 1, 2017, requiring lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear lobbyist badges when in City Hall.

The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties for registration violations. The Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists ordinance adopted by the Reno City Council on October 12, 2016, is the first law requiring lobbyist registration in the City of Reno.

The Nevada Legislature adjourned a four-day special session sine die on October 14, 2016.

Lawmakers approved a bill allocating funding for an NFL stadium and the expansion of a convention center in Las Vegas as well as a bill to fund the hiring of more than 300 police officers.

Gov. Brian Sandoval is expected to sign the bills Monday, October 17.

On October 12, the City Council adopted a new lobbying law for the city of Reno, Nevada.

The Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists ordinance requires lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear lobbyist badges when in City Hall. The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties.

The new law will take effect on January 1, 2017.

Gov. Brian Sandoval has called a special legislative session beginning October 10 to discuss the proposed Las Vegas football stadium for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.

The session is expected to also address education funding for the upcoming biennium, expansion of the Clark County convention center, and a sales tax increase for additional police in southern Nevada.

Photo of the Nevada Legislative Building by Dave Parker on Wikimedia Commons.

On September 28, the Reno, Nevada, City Council moved one step closer to creating a lobbying law for the city. The council unanimously agreed to put the proposed ordinance over to October 12 for a second reading and adoption.

The “Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists” ordinance would require lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear lobbyist badges when in city hall. The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties.

If passed, the code change will take effect on January 1, 2017.

Gov. Brian Sandoval plans to call a special legislative session in early October to approve an estimated $1.9 billion stadium funding plan. The Southern Nevada Tourism Committee is working with the Oakland Raiders and a group of private developers to bring the first professional football team and major events arena to Las Vegas. In addition, vacancies needing to be filled in the Legislature make a special session likely.

Legislators have expressed concern about holding a special session so close to the November 8 general election in part because lawmakers are prohibited from receiving campaign contributions during a legislative session and for 15 days after adjournment.

Gov. Sandoval will decide whether to call the session once he reviews the committee’s recommendations and all questions have been answered. If called, the special legislative session would be the 30th in Nevada’s 152-year history.

Photo of the Nevada State Legislature by Ryans Jerz on Wikimedia Commons. 

On August 10, the Reno, Nevada City Council and the City Charter Committee met to discuss a possible new lobbying law.

The City Charter Committee recommended adding a new lobbying law to the city charter unless the City Council passes a lobbying law through an ordinance before this fall’s November general election. While the City Council considered adopting an ordinance earlier this year, the Charter Committee “feels that the remaining three months until the general election is ample time for Council to formally approve a lobbyist registration system,” according to the Charter Committee’s Final Report and Recommendations presented at the meeting.

Also addressed at the meeting were the filing frequency of campaign finance reports by candidates for public office; ward-only voting for primary, general, and special elections; and other city issues.

On May 25, the Reno City Council unanimously voted to defer the question of whether to pass a lobbying law for the city. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve objected to the ordinance because it only applied to city council members and not to city staff employees, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The “Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists” ordinance would require lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear a lobbyist badge when in city hall. The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties.

On May 25, the Reno City Council will consider requiring lobbyist to register with the city. At tomorrow’s council meeting, an ordinance is being introduced entitled “Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists.”

The ordinance would require lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear a lobbyist badge when in city hall. The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties.

On December 19, the Nevada Legislature adjourned its four day special session sine die. Four bills passed facilitating a move to bring the electric car manufacturer Faraday Future to Nevada. The legislation has already been signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Photo of the Nevada Legislative Building by Dave Parker on Wikimedia Commons.

On Tuesday, December 15, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a proclamation calling a special session of the Legislature to meet on Wednesday, December 16 at 5:00 pm. The session is being called to consider tax abatements and other incentives to lure the electric car company known as Faraday Future to North Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Sun.

Photo of the Nevada Legislative Building by Ryan Jerz on Wikimedia Commons.

The 2015 78th Regular Session of the Nevada Legislature adjourned sine die on June 1, 2015. Once the governor receives any remaining bills passed by the Legislature, he has 10 days to veto or sign the legislation.

Photo of the Nevada Legislative Building by Ryan Jerz on Wikimedia Commons.