Nevada Governor Calls Special Session to Address Crime, Film Incentives
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has called a special session of the state legislature, beginning today, to consider legislation focused on criminal justice reform, cybersecurity, and attracting film production to Southern Nevada.
The session, announced yesterday evening, will convene in Carson City and is driven by Lombardo’s desire for swift action on key issues. “Nevadans deserve action now -– not years from now -– on legislation that implements critical public safety measures, expands healthcare access, and supports good-paying jobs,” Lombardo stated. The governor’s office confirmed this is the second special session Lombardo has called in just over a year, following a previous session to secure funding for the Oakland Athletics’ planned Las Vegas ballpark.
Central to the agenda is the “Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act,” a comprehensive crime bill proposing stricter penalties for offenses like DUIs and assault, particularly against hospitality workers. The bill also seeks to re-establish the Resort Corridor Court to address crimes originating from the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, lawmakers will address cybersecurity vulnerabilities following a recent significant cyberattack that disrupted state services; learn more about cybersecurity best practices from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. A key economic development component involves offering $95 million in tax credits to Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery to establish a film production facility near Las Vegas, alongside $25 million for other productions statewide – a move intended to compete with established film hubs like Atlanta.
The proposal for film tax incentives has drawn mixed reactions, with labor unions largely supporting the potential for job creation and economic growth, while the state employee union, AFSCME, has voiced concerns about the financial implications, calling it “fiscally irresponsible.” Lawmakers are expected to debate the merits of these proposals and determine their fate in the coming days.
Legislative discussions are expected to continue throughout the week, with officials anticipating a swift and decisive outcome on these critical issues facing the state.
