Nevada special session talks surface as Governor Lombardo confirms discussions

By Brittany Sheehan  

Nevada News and Views

You know how sometimes rumors start swirling around town before anything official happens? That’s exactly what’s been going on in Nevada politics lately. Whispers about a possible special legislative session have been making the rounds. Now Governor Joe Lombardo has confirmed these talks are real.

The Governor Speaks Up

In a recent interview with Channel 13’s Steve Sebelius, Lombardo put the rumors to rest. Yes, discussions about a special session are happening. “The special session conversation is happening as we speak,” the governor said.

The talks involve Lombardo and legislative leaders. They’re trying to figure out if certain failed bills deserve another shot. Or whether those issues can wait until the next regular session in 2027.

Lombardo explained: “So there’s some significant pieces of business that didn’t make it through the normal process, I think we should address. So we’re figuring that out and whether we can defer it to the next session or whether there’s a need to do this in the short term.”

What Bills Are on the Table

Two main pieces of legislation are driving these discussions. First is a crime bill that Lombardo pushed for public safety improvements, especially around the Las Vegas Strip. That bill didn’t make it through the regular session.

The second is a film tax credit proposal. This bill would help create a movie studio in Summerlin. Warner Bros., Discovery, Sony Pictures, and the Howard Hughes Corporation are all involved in the project.

The film bill actually passed the Assembly during the regular session. But time ran out before the Senate could act on it.

Why Special Sessions Matter to Conservatives

For folks who believe in limited government, special sessions raise important questions. The Nevada Constitution limits regular sessions to 120 days. Voters approved this limit in 1999 to keep government focused and efficient.

But special sessions have become much more common since then. From 1864 to 2001, Nevada called only 16 special sessions total. Since 2001, there have been 19 special sessions. That’s a big change in how government operates.

Each special session costs taxpayers money. Lawmakers get paid. Staff gets paid. Buildings need to run. The question becomes: when is it truly necessary?

The Film Credit Debate

The movie studio proposal highlights a classic conservative concern about government picking winners and losers. Lombardo frames it as a jobs issue rather than a tax credit.

The governor said: “Government is not necessarily in the jobs business. We’re in the environment business. We create environments, and regulations, lack of regulations and everything else we can for businesses to be successful.”

He argues the film industry could help Nevada diversify beyond tourism and hospitality. Those industries can struggle during economic downturns.

But Lombardo also noted the credit amount might need adjusting. Nevada has already given tax incentives to other businesses operating in the state.

What the Critics Say

People who oppose film tax credits argue they rarely deliver promised benefits. Studies often show these incentives cost more in lost tax revenue than they generate in economic activity.

Supporters counter that film production brings high-paying jobs and attracts other businesses. They point to states like Georgia that have built thriving film industries using similar incentives.

The crime bill has less controversy around its goals. Most people want safer streets. The debate centers more on specific approaches and funding.

The Timing Question

One interesting twist: many budget issues that worried lawmakers won’t need immediate attention. Lombardo said federal money that was temporarily held back has been released. And major Medicaid changes won’t kick in until after 2027.

He explained: “So a lot of things that we were in a quandary or wondering about are being deferred two years out,”

This takes pressure off the need for a special session to deal with budget problems.

Political Considerations

Special sessions create a fundraising blackout for politicians. They can’t raise campaign money for 15 days before, during, and 15 days after the session. This affects all lawmakers who might be running for reelection.

This rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest. But it also means politicians have to weigh the political costs of calling a special session.

Looking Forward

No final decision has been made about the special session. Lombardo and legislative leaders are still talking. They need to agree before any official proclamation gets signed.

If a session happens, it will likely focus on just these two main issues. Special session agendas are limited to what the governor puts on them.

The film credit bill faces an uncertain future even in a special session. It would need to pass both houses of the Legislature again. And there might be changes to address Lombardo’s concerns about the credit amount.

What Conservatives Can Do

Keep an eye on these discussions. Contact your state legislators to share your views on both the crime bill and film credits.

Ask questions about costs and benefits. How much will a special session cost taxpayers? What evidence shows film tax credits actually work?

Remember that special sessions reduce public input because they happen quickly with limited agendas. Make your voice heard while these decisions are still being made.

The whispers about a special session have become open discussions. Now it’s up to Nevada’s leaders to decide if these issues truly can’t wait until 2027.

*

Brittany Sheehan is a Las Vegas-based mother, policy advocate and grassroots leader. She is active in local politics, successful in campaign work and passionate about liberty.