Streamlining Nevada’s Economy: Removing Barriers for Growth and Innovation
NEVADA’S ECONOMIC STRENGTH
HAS LONG been built on innovation and resilience. From small businesses to major industries, the state thrives when efficiency and growth go hand in hand. Yet, governmentimposed barriers—like unnecessary middlemen and outdated regulations— are increasingly hindering progress. These obstacles drive up costs, reduce quality, and create frustrations for businesses and consumers alike.
Nevada’s Legislature has a clear opportunity to embrace reforms that streamline operations, reduce redundancy, and unleash economic potential. An area where these challenges are particularly acute is retail. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and excessive credit card interchange fees represent examples of entrenched inefficiencies that harm businesses and consumers. Addressing these issues is key to fostering a more
By Bryan Wachter
competitive and accessible marketplace.
The PBM Problem: Prioritizing Profits Over Patients
Pharmacy benefit managers were originally intended to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible by negotiating better prices with manufacturers and insurers. Over the years, however, PBMs have evolved into powerful intermediaries whose practices often inflate costs and restrict access to medications.
Consumers frequently encounter higher prescription prices and frustrating delays caused
by PBM-driven policies. These entities dictate formularies—the lists of covered medications— based on profit incentives rather than patient needs. Meanwhile, independent pharmacies struggle with unsustainable reimbursement rates and unpredictable clawbacks, which threaten their ability to stay in business. This reduces competition, particularly in rural areas where access to pharmacies is already limited. Nevada lawmakers can address these issues by enforcing greater transparency in PBM operations, ensuring fair
Bryan Wachter
State of the State 2025: Governor Lombardo Outlines His Priorities for Nevada’s Future
RAN Staff Report
IN HIS JANUARY 15, 2025, STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS,
Governor Joe Lombardo delivered his biennial legislative plan and vision for Nevada’s future, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, economic growth, education reform, and public safety. Governor Lombardo expressed hope for bipartisan collaboration but left no doubt about the changes he expects during the upcoming 120-day legislative session to ensure a thriving and sustainable economy for Nevada.
A Balanced Budget and Fiscal Responsibility
Governor Lombardo’s $12.7 billion executive budget prioritizes fiscal responsibility with a record $1.3 billion Rainy-Day Fund, protecting Nevada’s economic stability. He committed to avoiding tax increases on families while focusing on smarter spending and operational efficiency, citing successes such as streamlining IT systems and reducing vacancy rates in state employment.
Tackling Housing Affordability
The Nevada Housing Accountability Act addresses the state’s housing crisis by streamlining permits, reducing costs, and promoting public-private partnerships. A $1 billion investment will support affordable housing for families, essential workers, and those transitioning out of homelessness. Lombardo also called for federal action to release more land for housing development.
Modernizing Healthcare Access
To confront Nevada’s healthcare challenges, Lombardo proposed the Nevada Healthcare Access Act, which includes creating the Nevada Health Authority to manage Medicaid, the Health Exchange, and mental health services. Investments in telemedicine, graduate medical education, and underserved-area incentives aim to improve access and strengthen healthcare delivery statewide.
Education Reform for Better Outcomes
The Nevada Accountability in Education Act targets improved school performance, greater accountability, and expanded school choice. Lombardo highlighted initiatives like early literacy programs, open enrollment policies, and rewarding top educators through the Excellence in Education Fund. He stressed that resources are no longer the issue— results must now take center stage.
Strengthening Public Safety
The Nevada Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act proposes stricter penalties for repeat offenders and reduced thresholds for drug trafficking. Measures also address DUI laws, domestic violence, and cyberstalking. Lombardo emphasized the need to restore law and order to protect communities across the state.
Driving
Economic
Growth
The Economic
Development Policy Reform Act focuses on attracting high-quality jobs, advancing clean energy, and supporting local businesses. Targeted tax credits for childcare facilities aim to ease burdens on families and strengthen the workforce. Lombardo also called for modernized incentives to drive innovation and investment.
A Call for Unity
Governor Lombardo closed with a plea for bipartisan collaboration, urging lawmakers to focus on delivering real solutions for Nevadans. With priorities spanning housing, healthcare, education, and public safety, he challenged leaders to achieve meaningful progress and leave a lasting impact. For Nevada’s retailers, these proposals promise a stronger economy, a more robust workforce, and opportunities for growth. The Governor’s focus on fiscal discipline and cooperation sets the stage for a thriving future, making 2025 a pivotal year for the state. n
Speaker Yeager Challenges Governor Lombardo to Deliver on Key Nevada Priorities
RAN Staff Report
IN HIS RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR
JOE LOMBARDO’S STATE OF THE State address, Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager outlined legislative Democrats’ vision for Nevada and issued a clear challenge: work together to deliver meaningful results or risk stalling progress. Representing a Democratic majority that voters reaffirmed in November, Yeager emphasized their readiness to tackle pressing issues like education, housing, economic relief, and public safety.
Fulfilling Promises in Education
Yeager touted the historic $2.2 billion investment in public education spearheaded by Democrats last session, including a 20% average pay raise for teachers that significantly reduced vacancies. He vowed to build on this success by reauthorizing teacher raises, expanding pre-K, and addressing issues in the Clark County School
District with stricter accountability measures.
However, Yeager made it clear that Democrats will oppose any efforts to privatize public education or divert taxpayer money to unaccountable private organizations, calling such proposals “wrong for Nevada.” He challenged the Governor to sign legislation that ensures every classroom has a qualified teacher and every student has the resources they need to succeed.
Confronting Housing and Economic Challenges
Nevada’s housing crisis remains a top priority for Democrats. Yeager noted that while Governor Lombardo has recently proposed housing reforms, many similar Democratic bills were vetoed last session. He stressed the urgency of lowering housing costs and increasing supply, promising to work with the Governor on solutions but warning that inaction is not an option.
To address rising
costs of living, Yeager outlined plans to ease financial pressures on families by reducing healthcare and childcare costs, guaranteeing school meals for all students, and lowering prescription drug prices. He urged the Governor to support these initiatives, which put more money back into the pockets of Nevadans.
Protecting Rights and Public Safety
Yeager reaffirmed Democrats’ commitment to codifying abortion protections in the state constitution, a measure supported by voters in 2024. He also pledged to defend Nevada’s robust voting system, opposing efforts to limit mail-in ballots, early voting, or dropboxes.
On public safety, Yeager called for bipartisan support for common-sense gun safety measures, highlighting the rise in gun violence as a pressing issue. He also underscored the importance of funding law enforcement while expanding rehabilitation programs for offenders to reduce recidivism.
A Call to Action
Speaker Yeager concluded with a challenge to Governor Lombardo: work with Democrats to sign legislation that addresses Nevada’s most urgent needs. He emphasized that Democrats are prepared to lead and ready to act but warned against repeating last session’s record 75 vetoes.
“Nevadans expect their leaders to deliver results,” Yeager said. “People over politics will guide our work, and we invite the Governor to join us in building a Nevada that works for everyone.”
For Nevada’s retailers and businesses, the legislative session promises action on housing, wages, and consumer affordability— issues that will shape the state’s economic future. n
Competing Agendas Set Stage for Upcoming Legislative Session
GOVERNOR
JOE LOMBARDO AND
Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager offered contrasting visions for Nevada’s future during their respective State of the State and Democratic response speeches, exposing deep divides over education, housing, economic relief, and public safety. While both acknowledged the need for bipartisan cooperation, their differing priorities preview the legislative challenges ahead.
Education: A Battle Over Priorities
Education reform is poised to be one of the most contentious issues this session. Lombardo emphasized school choice and accountability, advocating for open enrollment and tougher standards for underperforming schools. He proposed permanent teacher pay raises, including for charter school educators, framing these efforts as essential to improving student outcomes.
Yeager countered with a staunch defense of public education, opposing any attempt to divert taxpayer dollars to private
RAN Staff Report
schools or organizations. He highlighted Democrats’ record $2.2 billion investment in public education last session, which included 20% teacher raises and transparency initiatives. While both leaders support accountability and teacher recruitment, their starkly different views on privatization and funding models could lead to significant clashes.
Housing and Economic Relief: Divergent Approaches
Both leaders agree on the urgency of addressing Nevada’s housing crisis, but their approaches differ significantly. Lombardo proposed the Nevada Housing Accountability Act to streamline permitting and incentivize attainable housing through publicprivate partnerships.
Yeager criticized the Governor for vetoing numerous Democratic housing bills last session and emphasized the need for immediate, bipartisan action. He also focused on broader economic relief, such as lowering prescription drug costs, guaranteeing universal school meals, and reducing healthcare expenses. These proposals, many of which Lombardo vetoed in the
past, signal a looming standoff over competing solutions to ease financial pressures on families.
Public Safety: Conflicting Strategies
Public safety remains a shared priority, but the leaders diverge on strategies. Lombardo called for stricter penalties for repeat offenders, anti-drug measures, and reforms to Nevada’s criminal code under the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act.
Yeager, while supporting law enforcement funding, emphasized the need for common-sense gun safety measures, citing gun violence as a growing concern. He challenged Lombardo and Republicans to join Democrats in passing stronger firearm regulations, a point likely to fuel partisan debate.
Abortion and Voting Rights: A Sharp Divide
On abortion, Yeager pledged to codify protections in Nevada’s constitution, following overwhelming voter support in 2024. Lombardo avoided the issue altogether, signaling a potential flashpoint as Democrats push forward on reproductive rights. Voting rights could
also ignite tensions. Yeager strongly defended Nevada’s voting system, rejecting any efforts to restrict mail-in ballots, dropboxes, or early voting. With Republicans hinting at potential reforms, this issue could further divide the legislature.
Challenges Ahead
Despite their calls for collaboration, the two speeches revealed entrenched ideological divides. Lombardo’s emphasis on fiscal restraint, limited government, and traditional economic development contrasts sharply with Yeager’s focus on progressive reforms, expanded public programs, and social safety nets.
Both leaders face the challenge of bridging these divides in a tightly split government. Yeager’s pointed criticism of Lombardo’s record-setting 75 vetoes last session underscores the risk of further legislative gridlock.
As the session unfolds, Nevada’s lawmakers will grapple with competing visions for the state, with high-stakes debates likely on education funding, housing policy, public safety, and reproductive rights. The outcomes will shape not only Nevada’s future but also the political legacies of its leaders. n
EGG SHORTAGE HITS NEVADA
Nevada retailers and families are grappling with a nationwide egg shortage driven by winter disruptions and Avian Flu, compounded by the state’s strict egg sourcing laws. Bryan Wachter of the Retail Association of Nevada warns that without legislative action to introduce a more flexible supply chain, the state will continue to face economic strain. He calls for emergency provisions and relaxed sourcing restrictions
Nevada News
to stabilize food supplies during crises. Meanwhile, residents are urged to avoid overbuying to ease the shortage. Lawmakers are being pressed to act quickly to protect Nevada households and businesses from further strain.
8 News Now
GOVERNOR LOMBARDO BUILDS $8.8 MILLION WAR CHEST FOR 2026 RE-ELECTION
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has raised $3.4
million in 2024, ending the year with $5.5 million in campaign funds and an additional $3.3 million through his Nevada Way PAC (Political Action Committee). With $8.8 million at his disposal, Lombardo is well-positioned for his 2026 re-election bid, far outpacing former Governor Steve Sisolak’s fundraising efforts at a similar point. Major contributors to his PAC include Citizens for Justice, Fuji Food Products, and Leading Builders of America,
Streamlining Nevada’s Economy
each donating $100,000. Lombardo’s substantial funding, coupled with broad support from 204 individual contributors, highlights his strong preparation for the upcoming race, where Attorney General Aaron Ford may emerge as a key challenger.
8 News Now
AG FORD EYES 2026 GOVERNOR’S RACE
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has confirmed plans to run for governor in reimbursement practices, and safeguarding patient access to affordable medications. Such reforms would protect small businesses and empower consumers while driving down costs.
Credit Card Interchange Fees: The Hidden Cost of Every Transaction
The retail sector faces its own efficiency crisis, with credit card interchange fees acting as a hidden tax on every transaction. These fees, charged to merchants for processing card payments, have grown significantly over the years. Despite advancements in technology that have reduced processing costs, the number of intermediaries involved in these transactions remains unnecessarily high.
For small businesses, these fees can be crippling, particularly when operating on razor-thin profit margins. Consumers, too, bear the brunt of this inefficiency, as businesses often pass the cost along in the form of higher prices. Reforming this system by capping fees or encouraging competition in payment processing would reduce expenses and foster a more transparent financial ecosystem.
A Legislative Opportunity for Leadership
Nevada’s Legislature has a chance to make meaningful changes that promote efficiency, reduce costs, and encourage innovation. By targeting industries where unnecessary middlemen and outdated regulations dominate, lawmakers can
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remove obstacles that hinder progress and impose unnecessary expenses on businesses and consumers alike.
Efforts to reform PBMs and credit card fees represent just the beginning. Broader measures aimed at cutting red tape, streamlining licensing requirements, and promoting digital solutions can further enhance Nevada’s competitive edge. These changes are not merely about reducing costs—they are about ensuring that Nevada remains a state where businesses can thrive and consumers have access to the goods and services they need.
Innovation Through Efficiency Nevada’s economy is
at its best when it adapts to changing times and embraces opportunities for improvement. Removing unnecessary barriers isn’t just a matter of costcutting; it’s about building a foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. Whether it’s ensuring that patients can afford their prescriptions or enabling businesses to compete on a level playing field, the path forward is clear. By prioritizing efficiency and removing redundancies, Nevada’s Legislature can deliver real, tangible benefits to its constituents. The time to act is now.
With the right reforms, Nevada can continue to lead as a beacon of economic opportunity and innovation. n
2025 Nevada Legislative Session Assembly Committee Assignments
Steve Yeager
Speaker Gregory Hafen II
COMMERCE & LABOR
Assemblymember Elaine Marzola, Chair
Assemblymember
Sandra Jauregui, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Natha Anderson, Max Carter, Brittney Miller, Daniele MonroeMoreno, Erica Roth, Selena Torres, Steve Yeager, Lisa Cole, Melissa Hardy, Heidi Kasama, P.K. O’Neill, Toby Yurek
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Assemblymember
Venicia Considine, Chair
Assemblymember Duy Nguyen, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Max Carter, Reuben D’Silva, Tanya Flanagan, Heather Goulding, Linda Hunt, Jovan Jackson, Venise Karris, Rich DeLong, Rebecca Edgeworth, Danielle Gallant, Bert Gurr, Heidi Kasama
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, Chair
Assemblymember Duy Nguyen, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Joe Dalia, Cecelia Gonzalez, Heather Goulding, Linda Hunt, Jovan Jackson, Hanadi Nadeem, David Orentlicher, Rebecca Edgeworth, Ken Gray, Gregory Hafen, Brian Hibbetts, Gregory Koenig
Minority Leader
Assemblymember Selena Torres, Chair
Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Joe Dalia, Tanya Flanagan, Linda Hunt, Selena La Rue Hatch, Erica Mosca, David Orentlicher, Rich DeLong, Melissa Hardy, Brian Hibbetts, Gregory Koenig
GROWTH & INFRASTRUCTURE
Assemblymember Howard Watts, Chair
Assemblymember Max Carter, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Shea Backus, Tracy Brown-May, Venise Karris, Cinthia Moore, Duy Nguyen, Jill Dickman, Danielle Gallant, Bert Gurr, Toby Yurek
JUDICIARY
Assemblymember Brittney Miller, Chair
Assemblymember Elaine Marzola, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Joe Dalia, Cecelia Gonzalez, Selena La Rue Hatch, Cinthia Moore, Hanadi Nadeem, David Orentlicher, Erica Roth, Lisa Cole, Ken Gray, Alexis Hansen, Melissa Hardy, Toby Yurek
National News
HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FLOCK TO DEALS DESPITE INFLATION CONCERNS
Assemblymember
Erica Mosca, Chair
Assemblymember
Cecelia Gonzalez, Vice Chair
Nearly 197 million Americans shopped during Thanksgiving weekend through Cyber Monday, slightly fewer than last year’s record of 200 million but exceeding expectations, according to the National Retail Federation. Consumers spent more overall, with online sales up 15% and in-store sales growing modestly by 0.7%, reflecting a 3.4% total increase. Shoppers, mindful of inflation, focused on snagging deals, with nearly equal numbers shopping online and in stores. Spending averaged $235 per person, with clothing and accessories topping gift lists. Retailers noted earlier shopping due to early discounts, and while holiday sales are expected to grow by 3.5%, the pace aligns with prepandemic trends.
Assemblymembers Sandra Jauregui, Brittney Miller, Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Cinthia Moore, Hanadi Nadeem, Lisa Cole, Jill Dickman, Rebecca Edgeworth, Alexis Hansen
forecast. Mobile shopping dominated, accounting for 57% of sales ($7.6 billion), up 13.3% from last year and significantly higher than 2019’s 33%.
The five-day Thanksgivingto-Cyber Monday stretch brought over $41 billion in online spending, with total holiday sales from November 1 to December 2 reaching $131.5 billion, a 9% rise year-over-year.
Assemblymember
Shea Backus, Chair
Assemblymember
Venicia Considine, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Reuben D’Silva, Tanya Flanagan, Heather Goulding, Duy Nguyen, Erica Roth, Danielle Gallant, Ken Gray, Gregory Hafen, P.K. O’Neill
Buy Now, Pay Later usage also hit an all-time high, with $991.2 million spent, largely on mobile, as consumers sought flexible payment options to manage holiday budgets.
Retail Dive
EARLY PAY LATER OPTIONS BOOST
HOLIDAY SPENDING
during the holidays, with consumers prioritizing merchants offering these options. By strategically positioning Pay Later solutions, businesses can capture more sales and retain shoppers in a competitive market.
Assemblymember
Natha Anderson, Chair
TRUMP’S TARIF PLAN COULD SPIKE GROCERY PRICES
Assemblymember
Selena La Rue Hatch, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Venicia Considine, Jovan Jackson, Venise Karris, Elaine Marzola, Howard Watts, Rich DeLong, Bert Gurr, Alexis Hansen, Heidi Kasama
PYMNTS
GEN Z RETAIL WORKERS RELUCTANT TO REPORT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Assemblymember
Without Anonymity
Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Chair
Assemblymember Shea Backus, Vice Chair
Assemblymembers Natha Anderson, Tracy Brown-May, Sandra Jauregui, Erica Mosca, Selena Torres, Howard Watts, Steve Yeager, Jill Dickman, Gregory Hafen, Brian Hibbetts, Gregory Koenig, P.K. O’Neill
New York Times
CYBER MONDAY HITS
RECORD $13.3 BILLION IN ONLINE SALES
Cyber Monday raked in $13.3 billion in online sales this year, a 7.3% increase from last year, surpassing Adobe Analytics’ $13.2 billion
A new report reveals that early visibility of “Pay Later” options is key to attracting holiday shoppers, with 68% of credit card installment users deciding to use these plans before checkout and 43% of consumers saying such options influence where they shop. Promoting these financing choices earlier in the shopping journey not only increases adoption but also drives customer loyalty and conversion rates. Flexible payment plans are especially valued
Senate Assembly 2025 Party Control
President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods could drive up grocery prices, economists warn, as the U.S. increasingly relies on imported food. Imports now account for 17% of U.S. food consumption, with products like fresh fruits (60%) and vegetables (40%) heavily sourced abroad. While Trump aims to boost domestic production with tariffs of up to 60% on imports, these measures are likely to raise costs for consumers since grocers typically pass added expenses to shoppers. Economists argue this approach may backfire, further inflating prices for items like coffee and produce, which the U.S. cannot produce locally. Grocers may offset costs with smaller packaging or other adjustments, but experts remain skeptical that tariffs will lower grocery bills.
Grocery Dive
13 8 27 15
A Traliant survey highlights that nearly half of Gen Z retail workers (49%) would only report workplace violence anonymously, compared to 78% of Baby Boomers who are comfortable reporting openly. Additionally, 38% of Gen Z retail employees have witnessed workplace violence in the past five years, a significantly higher rate than older generations. The study underscores the need for retailers to address generational differences in workplace violence prevention, as only 38% of all retail workers feel their employers promote a strong “speakup” culture. Enhanced training and anonymous reporting mechanisms could improve safety and reporting transparency in the retail sector.
Retail Customer Experience
Negative customer experiences are expected to put $1.4 trillion in
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Desert Lifeguard Management LLC Kidzland LLC
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Nevada News
2026, becoming the first Democrat to announce intentions to challenge Governor Joe Lombardo, who is seeking re-election. Termed out of his current role, Ford has been holding statewide discussions to understand voter priorities and continues to fundraise, with $200,000 reported in his campaign account as of January 2024. Known for negotiating multimilliondollar opioid settlements and passing legislation on retail crime, domestic violence, and fentanyl penalties, Ford aims to build on his extensive political career, including his tenure as Senate majority leader.
Nevada Independent
NEVADA ALLOCATES
$2.7 BILLION IN ARP FUNDS TO HOUSING, HEALTH, AND STATE PROJECTS
Nevada has fully allocated its $2.7 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, focusing on housing, health care, and rebuilding state operations post-pandemic. Housing received $572 million, including $500 million for affordable housing and $25 million for relocating Windsor Park residents. State administration used $468 million, highlighted by $332 million to repay unemployment benefit loans, while health care initiatives received $350
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million, with $116 million directed toward public health infrastructure. Other priorities included broadband ($203 million), water projects ($100 million), food security ($119 million, including $75 million for universal free school meals), and child care ($50 million for subsidies). With $1.1 billion left to spend by 2026, Nevada faces a tight deadline to maximize the ARP funds’ impact.
Nevada Independent
L.A. WILDFIRES COULD IMPACT LAS VEGAS HOUSING MARKET
The recent Los Angeles wildfires, which have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced over 92,000 residents, may increase pressure on Las Vegas’ tight housing and rental markets. According to Shawn McCoy, director and associate professor for the Lied Center for Real Estate at UNLV, similar to trends observed after Colorado wildfires, displaced L.A. residents may migrate to more affordable areas like Las Vegas. California has already contributed 43% of Nevada’s new residents between 2019 and 2024. While Las Vegas offers affordability, it poses an even higher long-term wildfire risk (34%) than Los Angeles (30%), according to First Street data. The
fires are also expected to modestly raise local rents as evacuees and fire-conscious renters seek alternatives. With wildfires increasing nationwide, Nevada housing markets could see continued shifts driven by affordability and climate risk concerns.
Las Vegas Review-Journa
NEVADA’S SAM BROWN APPOINTED UNDER SECRETARY FOR MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
Sam Brown, a Purple Heart recipient and Nevada businessman, has been named Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs by the Trump team. A former Army captain who served in Afghanistan, Brown has dedicated his post-military career to supporting veterans, including efforts to improve access to emergency medications. Despite two unsuccessful Senate bids in Nevada, he now takes on this federal role to prioritize veteran care and remembrance.
My News 4
NEVADA DMV TO INTRODUCE OPTIONAL SYMBOL IN 2025
Starting in 2025, the Nevada DMV will offer an optional ear-shaped symbol on driver’s licenses, ID cards, and Driver Authorization Cards for individuals
with communication challenges. This symbol can assist those who are deaf, neurodivergent, have speech or auditory processing disorders, or face difficulties comprehending language. No medical documentation or disclosure of specific conditions is required, and adding the symbol will cost $8.25. This initiative stems from Assembly Bill 161, passed during the 82nd Legislative Session, aiming to improve communication and understanding for individuals with unique needs.
KOLO TV Reno
NEVADA TARGETS COPPER WIRE THEFT WITH PROPOSED CRACKDOWN
Nevada lawmakers are considering a bill to combat copper wire theft, a growing issue causing streetlight outages and endangering drivers and pedestrians across Las Vegas. Spearheaded by former lawmaker and lobbyist Warren Hardy, the bill would make possession of stolen or municipal-grade copper wire a felony unless proper ownership documentation, like a letter of transfer, is provided. Inspired by Nevada’s 2023 catalytic converter law, this measure aims to curb theft by imposing stricter penalties and closing loopholes for reselling stolen materials. With bipartisan support, the bill is set to be introduced in February’s legislative session. Fox 5 Las Vegas
Carson City, Nevada 89703-4272
Mary F. Lau President/CEO
Bryan Wachter Senior Vice President
Elizabeth MacMenamin Vice President of Government Affairs
Piper Brown Vice President, Finance and Administration
Megan Bedera Editor
Sue Arzillo, Alphabet Soup Inc. Newsletter Design & Layout
Nevada Cracks Down on Retail Theft
RAN Staff Report
RECENT LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS across Nevada have led to significant actions against organized retail theft, highlighting the state’s commitment to combating this growing issue.
In Sparks, a targeted operation resulted in 10 arrests and 11 citations for retail theft. This initiative is part of the “Back Our Businesses”
campaign, which aims to support local retailers and deter criminal activities. The campaign has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between businesses and law enforcement to address theft concerns. Similarly, in Storey County, authorities arrested a Reno man connected to a retail theft ring, underscoring the regional efforts to dismantle organized crime networks affecting
local businesses.
In Las Vegas, a local hobby store has taken proactive measures by offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of suspected thieves. This action reflects the broader impact of retail theft on businesses of all sizes and the community’s role in prevention.
Nevada’s legal framework defines “organized retail theft” as committing a series of thefts of retail merchandise, either alone or with others, with the intent to return the merchandise for value or resell it. Penalties are severe, with individuals facing category B felonies, including imprisonment and substantial fines, depending on the aggregated value of the stolen property. n