After the Gavel Falls: What Comes Next—and Who Pays For It?
By Mary Lau
ANOTHER
NEVADA LEGISLATIVE SESSION HAS come and gone. More than 1,200 bills were introduced. Dozens passed. A handful made headlines. And now, with the 83rd Session in the rearview, the state enters a quieter phase—the inbetween season, where laws move from words to consequences.
But let’s be clear: this is not the end of the story. It’s the start of a new chapter— one written not in statutes, but in receipts, hiring delays, and thinner margins. For retailers, the real impact of policymaking is always delayed. It’s felt not when a bill is signed, but when compliance begins. When regulations are written. When mandates come with no funding. When the cost of doing business ticks upward—one rule, one form, one fine at a time. And when that happens, it’s not just businesses who feel it. It’s customers.
Every time a retailer is forced to restructure operations, absorb a compliance cost, or delay expansion, the effects cascade outward. Prices
Mary Lau
go up. Product selection shrinks. Service slows. And Nevada families—already stretched by inflation and housing pressure—feel the pinch.
This session saw numerous bills that increased complexity for retailers without a clear path for consumer benefit. Proposals targeting labor, technology, and workplace conditions often came with little analysis of operational burden. Others aimed to respond to national trends, but failed to account for Nevada’s unique economic landscape.
Some bills RAN supported. Many we opposed. A few we successfully helped stop. But the lesson of the session is bigger than any single
vote: well-meaning legislation can still have damaging, unintended effects—especially when cost is an afterthought. But the work doesn’t stop with adjournment. Now begins the painstaking, often invisible phase of making sense of what passed—interpreting statutes, anticipating regulatory rules, and preparing members for what’s next. And just as important, now is the time to elevate a message that too often goes unheard in the legislative process: When government adds cost, the public absorbs it. That’s not ideology—it’s math. And unless that reality is centered in every fiscal note,
Leadership Update: Bryan Wachter Named President of RAN
RAN Staff Report
THE RETAIL ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA IS PLEASED TO announce a key leadership transition: Bryan Wachter has been promoted to President of RAN.
With nearly 20 years of service to the association, Bryan has played a pivotal role in advancing RAN’s advocacy efforts and strengthening our position as Nevada’s leading voice for the retail industry. His promotion reflects both his commitment to the organization and our strategic focus on deepening statewide engagement.
Mary Lau, who has served as President and CEO for nearly four decades, will remain in her role as Chief Executive Officer. Her continued leadership ensures continuity, institutional knowledge, and strategic oversight as Bryan takes on expanded responsibilities.
“RAN has a long history of strong leadership and effective advocacy, and Bryan has been instrumental in continuing that tradition,” said Lau. “He’s earned the respect of Nevada’s business community, and I’m proud
of how he’s grown into this role over nearly two decades of dedicated service.”
Bryan added, “I’m honored to step into this role and continue the work that Mary and
so many others have built over decades. Nevada’s retailers are the backbone of our economy, and I’m committed to strengthening their voice, expanding our reach, and making sure RAN continues to deliver results where it matters most.”
This leadership evolution marks an exciting new chapter for the organization and reinforces RAN’s longstanding commitment to supporting and representing Nevada’s retail community.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue the work that Mary and so many others have built over decades. Nevada’s retailers are the backbone of our economy, and I’m committed to strengthening their voice, expanding our reach, and making sure RAN continues to deliver results where it matters most.”
Bryan Wachter
After the Gavel Falls
stakeholder meeting, and legislative hearing, Nevada will continue to pass policies that make life harder for the very people lawmakers aim to help. So what comes next? More than monitoring. More than reacting. What comes next is a renewed push for accountability— not just in process, but in impact. A challenge to policymakers to follow through, check assumptions, and evaluate outcomes—not just intentions.
Retailers do not fear change. But they need
Continued from page 1
change that is measured, rational, and responsive to reality. As Nevada’s most accessible economic sector, retail touches every life. And when regulation misfires, it is not lobbyists or legislators who pay—it’s consumers.
The gavel may have
fallen. But the ripple effects are just beginning. And RAN will be there—at every stage, in every forum, with one message: Do better. Think ahead. Because after the dust settles, Nevada families pay the price.
Bryan Wachter
When Innovation Isn’t Welcome: The Demise of AB500 and Nevada’s Reluctance to Lead
By Bryan Wachter
THE COST OF PROCESSING CREDIT CARDS REMAINS
one of the largest—and most persistent—hurdles Nevada retailers face. In an industry defined by tight margins and intense competition, every percentage point taken by payment processors cuts into growth, reinvestment, and wages. Retailers across the state have long searched for a smarter, more cost-effective way to manage the rising costs of digital transactions.
So when the concept of a payments bank was introduced to the Retail Association of Nevada, we saw more than a financial tool—we saw an opportunity to fundamentally reimagine how money moves in Nevada, to the benefit of both businesses and consumers.
AB500 was that opportunity.
The bill proposed licensing and regulating a new class of financial institutions dedicated solely to secure, low-cost, fast digital payments— without traditional lending. For retailers, it promised more choice
and lower fees. For consumers, it meant a path to greater inclusion and price relief. And for the state, it offered a foothold in a fast-growing financial sector with longterm economic upside.
After months of careful due diligence and broad consultation, RAN got behind AB500. It reflected the very principles Nevada claims to embrace: forwardthinking policy, businessfriendly innovation, and responsiveness to a changing economy.
But what we learned during the legislative process was something else entirely: Nevada isn’t ready to lead.
Despite thoughtful drafting, stakeholder engagement, and early bipartisan interest, AB500 failed—not because it was extreme or flawed, but because it was ambitious. It dared to suggest that Nevada could be a national player in shaping financial infrastructure. It proposed what other states—larger and bolder in their approach to fintech—are already doing.
When the bill came up for a vote, the initial
floor effort fell short by a slim margin. Rather than regroup or engage, Republicans locked in their opposition, turning what had begun as a bipartisan policy effort into a political retreat. From there, it became clear that a majority in the Assembly was out of reach.
No one could offer a compelling argument against the bill. Opposition boiled down to one thing: a belief—quiet but deeply ingrained—that Nevada should be a follower, not a leader.
That quiet resistance carries weight. While Nevada clings to a legacy economy built on gaming, tourism, and short-term policymaking, other states are racing forward. They are embracing fintech, digital commerce, and real-time payments. They are designing systems that match how business is done today—not yesterday.
Retailers feel that difference every day. Our members compete across borders. They must offer seamless transactions, manage fees, and meet customer expectations in real time. When their
home state chooses to sit out of innovation, they don’t just lose margin— they lose momentum.
AB500 wasn’t radical. It was smart regulation. It would have created clarity, stability, and oversight in a space that is already transforming the economy. By refusing to act, Nevada didn’t stop that transformation—it simply chose to let it happen elsewhere. That’s not leadership. That’s abdication.
RAN will continue fighting for policies that reflect where retail is going—not where it’s been. We’ll push for modernization, cost relief, and regulatory structures that reward forward thinking. But we do so with clearer eyes. AB500 wasn’t just blocked by politics. It was sunk by a deeper discomfort with growth itself.
Nevada now stands at a crossroads. It can play small and preserve the past—or step into the future, with intention and courage.
AB500 was a missed opportunity. Let’s make sure it isn’t a permanent one.
PBM Reform Delayed by Process, Not Politics
By Liz MacMenamin
THE 2025 NEVADA
LEGISLATURE
MAY HAVE adjourned without passing a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform package, but that should not be misread as a failure of the policy itself. On the contrary, the debate surrounding PBM oversight and accountability has never been more relevant—or more necessary. What occurred this session was not a rejection of PBM reform by lawmakers, but rather an eleventh-hour roadblock that prevented several critical bills, including ours, from completing the legislative process before the sine die deadline on the 120th day.
It’s important to understand what really happened and why the conversation around PBM reform is far from over. If anything, the 2025 session solidified that PBM accountability has become a central concern for lawmakers, regulators, and business owners alike. The need for increased transparency in how these entities operate—particularly in how they set drug prices, reimburse pharmacies, and affect patient access—
has galvanized support from across the political spectrum.
THE MOMENTUM IS REAL—AND GROWING
This legislative session, we saw strong bipartisan interest in reforming the PBM landscape. Legislators from both urban and rural districts acknowledged the uneven power dynamic between PBMs and independent pharmacies, as well as the opaque pricing structures that often leave patients—and employers—paying more for essential medications. Several lawmakers expressed on-the-record support and a commitment to revisiting the issue in the interim and during the next legislative cycle.
Moreover, Nevada is not alone in this fight. Across the country, states are taking action to rein in PBM practices through regulatory frameworks, transparency mandates, and reimbursement standards. The Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into the dominant PBMs and their market behaviors. This national scrutiny only bolsters our argument and builds the case for Nevada to act decisively in the sessions ahead.
A RETAIL AND CONSUMER ISSUE
For Nevada’s retail industry, this is not just a healthcare debate— it’s a business issue, an economic fairness issue, and a workforce issue. When local pharmacies close because they can’t keep up with below-cost reimbursements dictated by PBMs, communities lose access to care. Retailers who offer employee health plans see rising costs with little explanation. And consumers—the very people PBMs claim to serve—are often left in the dark about why their copays are increasing or why certain medications are suddenly unavailable.
The Retail Association of Nevada remains committed to protecting the economic and health interests of our members. PBM reform is central to
that mission. We know our independent and chain pharmacy partners are vital to Nevada’s retail landscape, and we are steadfast in our support for legislative solutions that promote transparency, equity, and sustainability.
LOOKING AHEAD
While we may have to wait two years for the next legislative session, we intend to pick up right where we left off. The groundwork has been laid, and the case for PBM reform is only growing stronger. The time between now and 2027 provides an invaluable opportunity to continue building momentum— not just by refining policy language, but by educating lawmakers and stakeholders about the real-world impacts of PBM practices and the critical role Nevada’s community pharmacies play in keeping our residents safe and healthy. Community pharmacies are more than dispensaries—they are essential healthcare access points. They serve rural and underserved areas, provide personalized care, and are often the first resource for patients managing chronic
Liz MacMenamin
NRF PRAISES FINAL PASSAGE OF ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT
The National Retail Federation (NRF) applauded the passage of the Senate-amended reconciliation package, commending Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, and President Trump for advancing pro-growth legislation ahead of the July 4th holiday. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay emphasized that the bill fulfills President Trump’s commitment to revitalizing the U.S. economy by curbing government spending and promoting policies that benefit American businesses and families. NRF reaffirmed its role as a leading advocate for economic growth within the retail sector.
RETAILERS PUSH FOR SWIPE FEE REFORM IN CRYPTO BILL
Retailers are calling on Congress to add the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) to a cryptocurrency
Industry News
bill in hopes of cutting credit card “swipe” fees, which they say are fueling inflation. These fees, controlled by Visa and Mastercard, cost U.S. retailers a record $187.2 billion in 2024 and drive up prices for consumers by around $1,200 a year. The CCCA would require big banks’ credit cards to work on at least two networks, giving merchants more choice and sparking competition. Supporters say it could save businesses and shoppers $17 billion annually, all without hurting card rewards or affecting small banks.
RILA ENDORSES GENIUS ACT AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is urging the Senate to allow a vote on adding the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) to the GENIUS Act, a bill focused on regulating stablecoins. They argue that including the CCCA would help fix today’s flawed credit card market, currently
PBM Reform
Continued from previous page
dominated by a few major players, and prevent them from stifling future innovations in payments. They believe this move would boost competition and pave the way for a fairer, more affordable system for businesses and consumers alike.
NACDS ADS URGE CONGRESS TO VOTE NOW ON PBM REFORM
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is ramping up pressure on Congress to vote on long-awaited reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Through bold new ads, NACDS urges lawmakers to “Call the Vote,” arguing that bipartisan-supported changes would stop PBMs from inflating drug prices, closing local pharmacies, and limiting patient access. The House has already included key reforms in its budget bill, and the Senate is now deciding its next steps. NACDS is also mobilizing grassroots advocates
and conservative voices to push for swift action, positioning PBM reform as a win for everyday Americans and a chance to lower prescription costs.
FATHER’S DAY SPENDING TO HIT RECORD
$24B Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion this year, up from $22.4 billion last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Nearly 76% of Americans plan to celebrate, spending an average of $199 each, with those aged 35 to 44 spending the most. Shoppers are prioritizing unique and memorable gifts like special outings, personal care items, and subscription boxes: 43% plan to gift subscriptions, and 30% will give experiences. Online remains the top shopping channel (41%), followed by department, discount, and specialty stores. Retailers are responding with curated gift ideas and convenient shopping options.
The Retail Association of
illness. As PBMs continue to impose unsustainable business practices, the future of these pharmacies— and the well-being of the communities they serve—is on the line.
Nevada will continue to lead this fight. With greater clarity, growing support, and more time to educate, we are
confident that PBM reform will return in 2027 stronger, more focused, and more urgent than ever.
LOMBARDO SIGNS K-12 BUDGET WITH PAY RAISES FOR CHARTER TEACHERS
Governor Joe Lombardo signed a key K-12 education budget. The $12.9 billion budget increases per-pupil funding, with $13,889 allocated in 2026 and $13,963 in 2027, though still below the national average. The budget also includes pay raises for charter school teachers, ensuring pay equality with public school educators. Despite some Republican opposition, the budget passed with bipartisan support, alongside a separate bill to boost compensation for teachers in hard-to-fill positions.
Las Vegas Review-Journal
NEVADA FILIBUSTER SINKS FILM TAX DEAL AND TWO MAJOR BILLS
The Nevada State Legislature wrapped up its session in dramatic fashion, with a Republicanled filibuster blocking the passage of several major bills. Among the casualties was a proposed $1.4 billion tax break for the film industry to fund the Summerlin Studios film studio, which was halted in the Senate for a second time. Governor Joe Lombardo’s priority bills on crime and healthcare also fell short, with
Nevada News
the clock running out before a final vote could take place. Despite this, lawmakers did manage to pass the required budget bills, ensuring no special session is needed. The session ended with tense parliamentary maneuvers, leaving some key issues unresolved and a bitter aftertaste for some legislators.
Nevada Current
NEVADA ENACTS STRICTER PENALTIES FOR WRONG-WAY DRIVING
Governor Joe Lombardo has signed a bill known as “Jaya’s Law” into law, aimed at increasing penalties for wrong-way driving in Nevada. The law is named after 3-yearold Jaya Brooks, who tragically died in a wrongway crash on Highway 95 in December 2023. Assembly Bill 111 classifies wrong-way driving as a misdemeanor and raises penalties for offenders. Jaya’s parents, Jan and Darea Brooks, testified in favor of the bill in Carson City, hoping to spare other families from the grief they’ve experienced.
Fox 5 Las Vegas
NEW LAW RESHAPES SALARY RULES FOR NEVADAN COUNTY
Senate Bill 116, signed
into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, changes how county commissioners and other elected county officers in Nevada are paid. Starting in fiscal year 2025–2026, their base salaries will be tied to either a 2018–2019 benchmark or set at 3% above the highest-paid employee they oversee. The law allows for annual 2% cost-of-living increases and mandates a 3% raise for commissioners over the next five years, while also giving counties the ability to withhold raises during financial shortfalls.
My News 4
NEW LAW TARGETS MISLEADING LISTINGS ON FOOD DELIVERY PLATFORMS
A new Nevada law targeting unauthorized “ghost kitchens” on food delivery apps will take effect in 2026 under Assembly Bill 116, signed by Governor Joe Lombardo. The legislation requires restaurants to have proper business licenses and give explicit consent to be listed on platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Noncompliant restaurants could face fines of up to $100 per order, while delivery services risk daily penalties of $500. The law aims to prevent misleading listings and protect
restaurant reputations.
News 3 Las Vegas
LOMBARDO VETOES ‘FAKE ELECTORS’ BILL FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
For the second year in a row, Governor Joe Lombardo has vetoed Senate Bill 102, which aimed to criminalize the act of falsely claiming to be a presidential elector. The bill, introduced in response to the 2020 “fake electors” controversy in Nevada, would have imposed up to a year in jail, financial penalties, and a ban on holding public office. Lombardo argued the measure posed risks to due process and First Amendment rights, vetoing it despite bipartisan support.
8 News Now
LOMBARDO VETOES STYROFOAM BAN FOR RESTAURANTS
A proposed ban on polystyrene foam containers in larger restaurant chains has been halted after Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed Assembly Bill 244. The bill, which had bipartisan backing, targeted restaurants with 10 or more locations and was supported by environmental groups concerned about
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPENDING UP 17% AS PARENT FAVOR STORES
Parents are planning to spend 17.3% more on back-to-school shopping this year, far outpacing inflation. High-income families will boost spending the most, by 27%, while lowerincome households plan a 21% increase. Older parents (aged 45 to 60) will spend the most per child, averaging $470. Over 90% of parents will shop in-store or pick up items locally, with mass merchandisers like Walmart and Target growing in popularity. Saving money is the top priority for over 70% of parents, and concerns about product availability are widespread. Highincome parents are also shopping more at dollar and thrift stores, while younger parents prefer secondhand goods.
Chain Store Age
TARIFFS SLOW ONLINE SHOPPING FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE
A new AlixPartners survey shows online shopping is seeing its biggest slowdown in over 10 years due to tariffs and trade uncertainty. Major categories like office supplies, sporting goods, furniture, and electronics
National News
have seen double-digit percentage drops in home delivery orders. About 34% of consumers are delaying purchases, and 66% say they’ll buy domestic if overseas prices rise. Retailers face higher delivery and return costs, pushing many to tighten shipping policies, raise minimums for free shipping, and emphasize in-store pickup. Despite this, demand for free shipping and fast delivery remains strong, forcing companies to balance costs with customer expectations.
CNBC
PRIVATE LABEL SALES JUMP THANKS TO U.S. CONSUMERS
Private label brands are shedding their bargainbin image and gaining serious traction among U.S. consumers, with nearly 70% of adults more open to store-brand products, according to Mintel. Driven by inflation and evolving perceptions, shoppers now view private labels as savvy, high-quality choices, not second-best. Strong growth is being seen in food, household essentials, OTC meds, and personal care. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s are responding with trend-forward, premium offerings. As private labels evolve into aspirational
brands, they’re reshaping consumer loyalty and pushing legacy brands to adapt in a rapidly changing retail landscape.
Retail Insight Network
SMALL BUSINESSES SAY AI FALLS SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS
Many small businesses feel AI hasn’t delivered the sweeping transformation they hoped for, according to a recent American Express survey of over 1,000 U.S. decision-makers. Of the 56% using AI, more than two-thirds said the impact has been underwhelming, with half admitting they may have adopted the tech too early. Most are still learning how to use it effectively. Still, AI isn’t without perks; nearly half of users report fewer errors, improved efficiency, higher employee productivity, and increased sales, suggesting the technology holds promise if better integrated.
Retail Dive
AMAZON AND WALMART SEE SALES SLOW
Amazon and Walmart posted their weakest quarterly sales growth since before the pandemic in early 2025, reflecting a broader consumer shift away from goods toward services, housing, and
healthcare. The cooling follows years of elevated demand during COVID-19, with current spending now growing at a pace closer to inflation. While Amazon still leads in retail market share, Walmart made gains in discretionary spending, traditionally Amazon’s strength, hinting that value-conscious shoppers are favoring lower prices amid economic strain. The trend signals tighter competition and a tougher retail landscape ahead for both giants.
Pymnts
WALMART ADDS DIGITAL SUPPORT FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
Walmart is rolling out new digital services aimed at helping Medicare Advantage members easily use their supplemental health benefits when shopping online or in stores. Through Walmart. com and the app, eligible customers can now identify benefit-eligible items, track spending in real time, and check out with a mix of healthy food, OTC products, and general merchandise, all available for same-day pickup or delivery. Partnering first with NationsBenefits, Walmart also introduced “Everyday Health Signals,” an AI-powered platform
With the Session Behind Us, Nevada’s 2026 Election Cycle Begins to Take Shape
RAN Staff Report
WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THE 2025 NEVADA
Legislative Session, attention now turns from policymaking to campaigning. As is typical in Nevada’s political rhythm, the end of a session clears the stage for candidates to begin making their case to voters—and for the next election cycle to take form. The 2026 election will be a pivotal one. Voters will cast ballots for all six of Nevada’s constitutional executive offices, along with every seat in the State Assembly and 11 of 21 State Senate districts. Judicial and local offices will also be on the ballot. As always, RAN will monitor the cycle closely,
ensuring that the voice of retail remains central in policy conversations that shape the business environment.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES
Governor Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican elected in 2022, is eligible to seek a second term. While he has signaled interest in re-election, a formal campaign announcement is still pending. On the Democratic side, Attorney
General Aaron D. Ford— term-limited in his current role—has already declared his candidacy. Former Governor Steve Sisolak and other contenders may also enter as the political field develops.
Lieutenant
Governor Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony (R) is eligible for re-election. While the position often draws less public attention, it plays a role in economic development and presides over the Senate, making it a
potential launch pad for higher office.
Attorney General
With Ford running for Governor, the Attorney General’s office becomes an open race. Democrat Zach Conine, currently serving as State Treasurer, has declared his candidacy. Republican Douglas County Commissioner Danny Tarkanian is also in the race. This office oversees consumer protection, law enforcement, and regulatory enforcement—
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Nevada’s 2026 Election Cycle
issues directly impacting retail.
Secretary of State
Francisco “Cisco” Aguilar (D), elected in 2022, is eligible for reelection. He has not yet drawn any official challengers. The office manages elections and business registration— areas closely watched by Nevada’s commercial sector.
State Treasurer
With Conine seeking the Attorney General post, the Treasurer’s race becomes open. Republican Drew Johnson has declared his candidacy, while Democratic contenders are expected to emerge. The Treasurer’s office manages state investments and unclaimed property and plays a key role in financial policy.
State Controller
Republican Andy Matthews, elected in 2022, is eligible for a second term. As of now, he is unopposed. The Controller’s office handles state accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.
Nevada Legislature
As of July 2025, Democrats hold 28 of 42 Assembly seats and 13 of 21 Senate seats—just one seat shy of a twothirds supermajority in both chambers. That threshold carries significant implications: it allows a party to override gubernatorial vetoes, advance constitutional amendments, and enact revenue changes without bipartisan support. The 2026 election cycle presents an opportunity for both parties: Democrats may seek to solidify that supermajority, while Republicans will aim to restore balance and retain a blocking minority.
Assembly Outlook: A Full Ballot
All 42 Assembly seats will be on the ballot in 2026, as is standard with two-year terms. While many incumbents are expected to seek reelection, retirements, redistricting shifts, and changing demographics could open the door to new challengers. With Democrats holding a 28–14 advantage, a handful of competitive districts could determine the chamber’s direction—and whether a supermajority is reached.
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Senate Races: Eleven Seats in Play
In the State Senate, where terms span four years, 11 districts will be on the ballot in 2026. These include both urban and rural seats and are expected to draw strategic investment from both parties. The following senators’ terms expire next year:
• District 2 – Edgar Flores (D)
• District 8 – Marilyn Dondero Loop (D)
• District 9 – Melanie Scheible (D)
• District 10 – Fabian Doñate (D)
• District 12 – Julie Pazina (D)
• District 13 – Skip Daly (D)
• District 14 – Ira Hansen (R)
• District 16 – Lisa Krasner (R)
• District 17 – Robin Titus (R)
• District 20 – Jeff Stone (R)
• District 21 – James Ohrenschall (D) Democrats will be defending seven seats, Republicans four. With supermajority math in play, the 2026 Senate contests could determine not just control, but the scope of legislative power in the next session.
What It Means for Retail
For Nevada’s retail sector, the stakes are clear. From employment law and tax policy to permitting, theft prevention, and licensing, the policy decisions made under the dome in Carson City have direct consequences for every corner of the industry. RAN will remain engaged throughout the election cycle—meeting with candidates, sharing insights, and preparing members for what comes next. With eight months until the filing period and more than a year until Election Day, the landscape remains dynamic.
New candidates will enter, new issues will emerge, and the political environment may shift. But one thing is certain: the 2026 elections will shape who leads—and how they lead—Nevada into its next chapter.
RAN will be tracking every step of the way to ensure the state’s retail community has a strong voice in that conversation
Important Information for SIG Members
NRS requires all existing members of a self-insured group to be notified of all new members. NRNSIG new members are listed below.
NRNSIG members who wish to register a negative vote on a new group member, please write NRNSIG at 575 S. Saliman Road, Carson City, NV 89701, indicating which member and the reason(s) for the negative vote
BDS Town Square Reno LLC dba Pine Ridge Tavern/Stellat’s Louge & Steller’s Grill
Piero’s Las Vegas LLC
Shusgan Management LLC
U Furniture Direct Inc
A
Nevada News
waste in natural habitats.
Continued from page 6 pollution. Lombardo cited unclear language and the potential financial impact on consumers as reasons for the veto, arguing that costlier alternatives could drive up prices.
News 3 Las Vegas
BALLOON RELEASE BAN ENACTED TO PROTECT ECOSYSTEMS IN NEVADA
Nevada has enacted a new law banning the intentional release of balloons, a step aimed at protecting wildlife and reducing environmental pollution. The legislation targets balloon debris, which poses serious risks to animals and ecosystems across the state. By restricting releases, lawmakers hope to curb the growing problem of plastic
Fox 5 Las Vegas
AB530 SECURES INFLATION-BASED FUEL TAX FORMULA FOR LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Assembly Bill 530, signed by Governor Joe Lombardo, locks in Nevada’s fuel tax indexing through 2036. By keeping fuel taxes tied to inflation, the law aims to provide long-term financial stability for critical transportation infrastructure and road improvement projects across the state.
Fox 5 Las Vegas
STATEWIDE GUIDELINES TO LIMIT STUDENT SCREEN TIME IN SCHOOLS
Stricter rules on student device use are coming
National News
offering personalized wellness insights based on customers’ shopping habits. The goal: make healthcare shopping simpler, smarter, and more impactful. Drug Store News
TARGET EXPANDS
CIRCLE 360 PERKS WITH SAME-DAY DELIVERY
Target is boosting the value of its Target Circle 360 membership by offering unlimited sameday delivery, without price markups, from over 100 retailers through its Shipt service. Members, who pay about $99 annually,
to Nevada schools under Senate Bill 444, signed by Governor Joe Lombardo. The law requires school districts to create clear policies limiting electronic device use during instructional time, with progressive disciplinary measures in place. The goal is to strike a balance between minimizing distractions and allowing necessary access when appropriate.
Fox Reno
HANSEN BLOCKS BILL TO LIMIT CORPORATE HOME PURCHASES AT LOMBARDO REQUEST
Governor Joe Lombardo urged Republican lawmakers to block a bill aimed at limiting large corporate investors from purchasing homes in Nevada. The bill, which would have restricted corporate buyers to 100 units per year, failed to pass despite bipartisan support. Senator Ira Hansen, who had previously supported the bill, voted against it after Lombardo’s intervention. While the housing crisis worsens with hedge funds owning 15% of homes in Clark County, Lombardo introduced his own housing bill, Assembly Bill 540, which proposes a $133 million fund for attainable housing. Meanwhile, several tenant protection bills, including reforms to the eviction process and measures to curb rent hikes for seniors, have passed and now await Lombardo’s signature. Nevada Current
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can now shop stores like CVS, Petco, PetSmart, and Lowe’s with one convenient checkout experience, turning the platform into a “digital shopping center.” New members can also score $20 off their first $75+ order, excluding alcohol. The move is part of Target’s strategy to deepen loyalty and compete in the fast-growing sameday delivery space. Retail Dive
AMAZON TESTS AI AUDIO
PRODUCT SUMMARIES
Amazon has begun piloting a new feature that lets shoppers hear AI-
generated audio summaries of product details. Available through a “Hear the Highlights” button in the Amazon Shopping app, the tool plays short audio clips that spotlight key product features to assist buyers in making quicker decisions. Currently limited to select users and products in the U.S., Amazon plans to expand the rollout in the coming months as it explores new ways to blend generative AI with the online shopping experience. Retail Dive
GOOGLE UNVEILS AI
SHOPPING ASSISTANT
Google has launched
“AI Mode,” a new AI-powered shopping feature that acts like a personal assistant, such as tracking prices, offering recommendations, and even making purchases for users. By combining its Gemini AI and vast Shopping Graph, Google enables shoppers to virtually try on clothes using their photos, thanks to a new image model that understands fit and fabric movement. With over 50 billion listings refreshed constantly, Google aims to make online shopping smarter, faster, and more personalized than ever before.
Mary F. Lau CEO
Bryan Wachter President
Elizabeth MacMenamin Vice President of Government Affairs
Piper Brown Vice President, Finance and Administration
Megan Bedera Editor
Sue Arzillo, Alphabet Soup. Newsletter Design & Layout
Back-to-School Begins Early for Majority of Shoppers
National Retail Federation
TWO-THIRDS (67%) OF BACKTO-SCHOOL
SHOPPERS HAD already begun purchasing items for the upcoming school year as of early July, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The early start is up from 55% last year and is the highest since NRF started tracking early shopping in 2018. Additionally, half (51%) of back-to-school families are shopping earlier this year compared to last year specifically out of concern that
prices will rise due to tariffs.
“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said. “As shoppers look for the best deals on clothes, notebooks and other school-related items, retailers are highly focused on affordability and making the shopping experience as seamless as possible.”
While consumers are
getting a head start on shopping, most (84%) still have at least half of their purchases left to complete. The top reasons consumers have shopping left to do are because they are waiting for the best deals (47%), do not yet know what items are needed (39%) or are planning to spread out their budgets (24%).
For those looking for backto-school deals during the summer, retailer events such as Prime Day, Walmart Deals and Target Circle Week remain a popular opportunity to make progress on shopping lists.
Four in five shoppers (82%) were planning around July sales to shop specifically for items for the upcoming school year.
Families with students in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics, down from $874.68 in 2024. Despite families budgeting less this year, slightly more consumers are purchasing apparel and electronics, driving expected total spending to $39.4 billion, up from $38.8 billion last year.