Finding the Balance: Retail Perspectives on AI and Autonomous Vehicle Legislation
By Joe Hill, RAN Policy Analyst
AMONG A LEGISLATIVE SESSION MARKED
by a growing number of bills regarding the regulation and deployment of Artificial Intelligence, the Retail Association of
Nevada recognizes AI as a crucial and timely driver of innovation and efficiency within the retail industry.
AI is no longer a future concept—it is an active and essential tool transforming business operations today. AI’s ability to enhance
personalized customer experiences, improve inventory management, implement dynamic pricing strategies, and optimize supply chain operations is significantly transforming Nevada’s retail landscape. By enabling businesses to
AB 500’s Economy Relief Efforts
pushes prices up, swipe fees, which are calculated as a percentage of each sale, go up too, compounding the financial pressure.
2. Higher Prices for Consumers
To keep up with rising swipe fees, many small businesses are forced to raise prices or add surcharges for card payments. That not only makes them less competitive, but also hits lower-income customers hardest—especially those who rely on cash or debit cards and don’t benefit from credit card rewards. Some estimates suggest swipe fees add more than $1,100 per year to the average household’s expenses. Consumers are already starting to see these transaction fees
at more and more retail locations.
3. Lost Opportunities for Growth
Money spent on swipe fees is money not spent on hiring, inventory, or community improvements. Small retailers often have to delay expansion plans, reduce staff hours, or skip upgrades to stores and technology. These fees crush innovation and deny businesses the chance to grow. Credit cards used to be a convenience.
Now they’re a burden for both consumers and the businesses that serve them.
CAN PAYMENT BANK SYSTEMS HELP?
Adopting modern payment bank systems and digital payment platforms can help small businesses
better understand customer preferences, AI provides tailored recommendations that increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, AI-enabled demand prediction systems are already helping Nevada Continued on page 4
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take back some control. These systems can offer:
l Lower transaction costs than traditional credit card processing
l Faster access to funds, improving daily cash flow
l Streamlined bookkeeping and automated reporting
l Enhanced security and less risk of theft or fraud
l A better checkout experience for customers They won’t eliminate swipe fees entirely, but they can reduce overall costs and give businesses access to valuable data and insights.
THE PUSH FOR REFORM
Small business advocates and industry groups are pushing for legislative changes— like the Credit Card Competition Act—to
create more competition and transparency in the payment processing market. Until then, small retailers need to keep reviewing their payment processing agreements, educating customers about how swipe fees affect prices, and speaking out for fairer policies.
In today’s economy, dealing with swipe fees isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s about keeping Main Street alive and thriving.
AB 500, sponsored by Speaker Yeager, was approved by the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee and will next go to Assembly Ways and Means before heading to the Senate. RAN is grateful to the Speaker and Chair Marzola and looks forward to continuing our support for this important bill.
Health & Human Services Committees
Nevada’s Health and Human Services Committees, in both the Senate and Assembly, oversee legislation related to public health, healthcare services, social welfare programs, and human services policies. These committees address critical issues such as Medicaid, mental health services, public health initiatives, and regulations affecting healthcare providers and insurers.
For businesses, including retailers, the committee’s work impacts employer-sponsored healthcare requirements, workplace health regulations, and policies affecting employee well-being. By shaping healthcare access and social services, the Health and Human Services Committees play a vital role in ensuring a healthier workforce and community, contributing to Nevada’s overall economic stability and quality of life.
Assembly Committee
Tracy Brown-May - Chair
Duy Nguyen - Vice Chair
Joe Dalia
Rebecca Edgeworth
Cecelia González
Heather Goulding
Ken Gray
Gregory T. Hafen II
Brian Hibbetts
Linda Hunt
Jovan A. Jackson
Gregory Koenig
Hanadi Nadeem
David Orentlicher
Senate Committee
Fabian Doñate - Chair
Angela D. Taylor - Vice Chair
Roberta Lange
Robin L. Titus
Jeff Stone
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Inside the Nevada Legislature: How Policy Becomes Reality for Retailers
RAN Staff Report
UNDERSTANDING
NEVADA’S LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IS essential for any business operating within the state—particularly in the retail sector, where public policy directly influences economic conditions, workforce requirements, and operational costs. With only 120 days to conduct all legislative business every other year, the Nevada Legislature moves quickly and decisively. The Retail Association of Nevada Team remains fully engaged at each phase of the process to ensure that the interests of Nevada’s retail community are well-represented and protected.
A SPRINT IN TWO ACTS
Unlike most states, Nevada’s Legislature convenes only in oddnumbered years, which compresses a significant volume of policymaking into just four months. From opening day, legislators are tasked with reviewing thousands of proposals that cover the full spectrum of economic, regulatory, and social policy. Retailers often find themselves at the center of these debates with issues ranging from taxation and labor laws to
crime prevention and public health.
Early in the session, legislators introduce bills and begin committee work to assess the scope, cost, and impact of proposed measures. This is when foundational decisions are made and when RAN begins its direct engagement to offer expert analysis, recommend changes, and collaborate on legislation that supports economic vitality and business sustainability.
COMMITTEE WORK AND LEGISLATIVE CROSSOVERS
Following initial reviews, each bill must pass its house of origin— either the Assembly or the Senate—before moving to the opposite chamber for further consideration. This cross-house movement introduces new dynamics, including fresh committee scrutiny and the potential for amendments. A measure that sees broad support in one house may face more rigorous review in the other. Throughout this process, RAN’s advocacy ensures that Nevada’s retail voice is heard consistently and clearly. By monitoring each development, responding swiftly to policy shifts,
and maintaining close coordination with both legislators and member businesses, RAN protects the economic interests of the industry across all areas of the legislative agenda.
BUDGET DELIBERATIONS AND FISCAL IMPACT
On May 1, Nevada’s legislative focus pivots toward the state budget. This phase of the session carries far-reaching implications for the retail sector. Budget decisions affect not only funding for public infrastructure and economic development but also determine the structure of regulatory agencies, compliance frameworks, and business-related fees. RAN plays a proactive role in this fiscal deliberation. Whether advocating for investments that support commercial corridors, opposing proposals that would increase costs for employers, or ensuring workforce development programs receive adequate funding, RAN is a consistent and informed voice during every budget hearing and negotiation.
FINAL DECISIONS AND LEGISLATIVE OUTCOMES
As the session draws to a close in June, legislative
priorities are finalized, amendments are reconciled, and bills are passed or defeated. The outcomes of this process are not abstract—they become the laws, regulations, and budgetary frameworks that govern how Nevada’s retail businesses operate. RAN’s engagement during this final stretch is characterized by precision and resolve. Leveraging decades of institutional knowledge and established policy relationships, our team works tirelessly to secure favorable legislative results and to eliminate proposals that would hinder economic growth or restrict business flexibility.
RETAIL ADVOCACY THAT DELIVERS RESULTS
From the first day of the session to the final vote, RAN provides its members with trusted representation, policy expertise, and a powerful voice in state government. In a state where every legislative day counts, RAN ensures that Nevada’s retailers never stand alone in the policy process. Through strategic advocacy and informed leadership, we shape the business environment today—and for years to come.
Nevada News
state law when factoring in inflation and economic growth. Education advocates, including the Nevada State Education Association, criticized the proposal, calling it inadequate to meet rising costs. Analysts say the state would need $240 million more to hit the target. Governor Joe Lombardo has deemed the full increase “impracticable,” but no legislation has yet been introduced to address the funding gap, over 50 days into the current legislative session.
8 News Now
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NEVADA DEMOCRATS REVIVE PUSH FOR INAUGURAL COMMITTEE AND STOCK TRANSPARENCY
Senator Melanie Scheible is reintroducing a bill aimed at increasing financial transparency for public officials and inaugural committees, following a 2023 veto by Governor Joe Lombardo. The bill would require detailed disclosures of contributions and expenses over $1,000 tied to inaugural events and mandate officials report any stock holdings worth $5,000 or more. Lombardo
National News
Walmart and Target run longer sales. In 2024, Prime Day brought in $14.2 billion over two days, an 11.8% increase from the previous year. Amazon hopes a longer event will attract more deal-seeking shoppers amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Fox Business
NRF PREDICTS
2025 RETAIL SALES GROWTH
OF 2.7% TO 3.7%
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that U.S. retail sales will grow between 2.7% and 3.7% in 2025, reaching approximately $5.42 trillion to $5.48 trillion.
previously vetoed similar legislation, arguing it unfairly targeted his office. Scheible says updated rules are needed to reflect modern investment practices and ensure public accountability, especially after Lombardo’s inaugural nonprofit transitioned into a political arm.
Nevada Independent
LAWMAKERS REVIVE PLAN TO RESET PROPERTY TAXES AFTER HOME SALES
Nevada legislators are revisiting a proposal to reform the state’s property tax system by
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This projected growth is slower than the 3.6% increase observed in 2024, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainties. Despite low unemployment and steady income growth, consumer confidence remains subdued due to persistent inflation and concerns over new tariffs.
Supermarket News
AMAZON AND WALMART SHIFT STRATEGIES AS TARIFFS
PRESSURE COSTS
With U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports still in effect, Amazon and Walmart are adjusting their supply chains and
pricing strategies to manage rising costs. Walmart has withdrawn income guidance, while Amazon is canceling some vendor orders. Both are expanding in different ways: Amazon through logistics tech and federal contracts, and Walmart by opening more Sam’s Club stores to attract budgetconscious shoppers. They’re also doubling down on generative AI: Walmart is using it to boost fashion and speed up product launches, while Amazon focuses on improving customer experience with its own AI chips.
Pymnts
resetting a home’s taxable value when it is sold. Assembly Joint Resolution 1, sponsored by Assemblymember Natha Anderson, aims to place the issue on the 2028 ballot. Currently, tax benefits tied to depreciation and abatements stay with the property, even after a sale, often resulting in significant tax disparities. The plan would not affect current homeowners and would keep the annual 3% cap on tax increases. Supporters say the reform could boost funding for local governments and schools, while critics warn it may raise costs for homebuyers.
Reno Gazette-Journal
WALMART UNVEILS ‘WALLY’ AI ASSISTANT FOR MERCHANTS
Walmart has launched a new generative AI tool called Wally to help its merchants handle tasks more efficiently. Wally is designed to simplify work like data entry, product analysis, performance tracking, and complex calculations. It uses an advanced algorithm to process large amounts of product data and can also answer operational questions. Walmart plans to keep improving Wally based on feedback from its users.
Retail Dive
410 South Minnesota Street
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
Easter Spending Expected to Reach $382 Million In Nevada
NEVADANS ARE ON THE HUNT TO MAKE THIS EASTER one to remember, with total spending for the holiday expected to reach $382.3 million, according to the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN). On average, each celebrant is projected to spend $189 on candy, barbecues, décor and other holiday essentials, the second highest per-person spending figure recorded, based on data from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Nevadans are feeling the seasonal buzz as baskets brim and Easter spending rides high ones feeling the seasonal buzz — the Easter Bunny is looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as celebrations bloom across Nevada,” said Bryan Wachter, Senior Vice President of the Retail Association of Nevada.
“It’s clear that consumers are embracing this year’s holiday with energy and enthusiasm.”
More than 2 million Nevadans are expected to celebrate the holiday, with food taking the top spot as the largest spending category.
statewide. Candy remains a key component of Easter traditions, with nine in 10 celebrants projected to spend a combined $54.2 million.
Other popular Easter spending categories include gifts (65 percent), decorations (51 percent), clothing (49 percent), flowers (43 percent) and greeting cards (43 percent).
children plan to host an Easter egg hunt at home.
Discount stores remain the top choice for Easter shopping, with 55 percent of consumers planning to visit one. Other popular shopping destinations include department stores (44 percent), online shopping (36 percent) and local small businesses (26 percent).
“Retailers aren’t the only
Shoppers are expected to spend nearly $60 each on Easter meals for a total of $120.4 million in spending
Among Easter celebrants, 58 percent plan to cook a holiday meal, 55 percent plan to visit friends and family and 45 percent will attend church services. Additionally, 54 percent of families with
As Nevadans lean into the season with elevated energy and festive spirit, this Easter is shaping up to be a feel-good dose of positive vibes for both families and the state’s economy.
