As Nevada’s 2025 Session Closes, Progressive Coalition Highlights Legislative Progress

CARSON CITY – As the Legislature adjourns sine die for the 2025 legislative session, advocates from across the state applaud crucial legislation passed this year that will lift up working Nevadans.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“At a time when Nevada faces big challenges and even bigger opportunities, this legislative session offered a glimpse of what’s possible when lawmakers put people first. From capping the cost of insulin to passing paid family medical leave and stopping reckless corporate giveaways to Hollywood film studios, we saw meaningful wins that will make life better for working families across our state.

Progress was also made toward building a safer Nevada, particularly with the advancement of AB105, a critical step toward protecting our communities and our elections, and AB245, to raise the age to purchase semi-automatic weapons to 21. Also on the Governor’s desk is SB89, to keep guns out of the hands of those who commit hate crimes. We urge Governor Lombardo to sign it without delay.

No session is perfect. But even in the face of setbacks and tough compromises, like the passage of voter ID requirements and a regressive crime bill, this year showed that when we fight for bold, people-centered policies, we can deliver real change. Let’s build on that momentum, not back away from it.”

Dawn Etcheverry, President, Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“The 83rd Legislative Session was a missed opportunity for real progress, a giant step back for public education, and will be remembered as the 'Two Dollar' Session.

Despite 120 days of urgent advocacy from Nevada educators to Pass the Plan to fully fund education, lawmakers chose to ignore the Commission on School Funding’s roadmap, leaving Nevada $604 million short of where we need to be to stay on track. Instead, lawmakers settled for a $2 increase per student, a move that is a de facto education cut that fails to keep pace with inflation, rising costs, and the 3.25% PERS increase. It’s a disservice to educators and a setback for every student in our state.

On day 120, Nevada still ranks 47th in per-pupil funding and has the largest class sizes in the nation. This session provided an opportunity to change that. Instead, leaders chose to hoard nearly $2 billion in reserves during what is, by every measure, a rainy day. Now, public schools throughout Nevada are preparing for cuts. The Legislature had the plan. They had the money. They simply lacked the will.”

Kerry Durmick, All Voting is Local Action, issued the following statement:

"All Voting is Local Action Nevada was proud to champion several pieces of legislation this session that advocate for our tribal communities, expand language access, and improve election administration. These efforts will help safeguard our democracy and help ensure every eligible voter is able to have their voice heard at the polls, despite where they live or what language they speak. While there is much to do to further improve election administration in our state, the progress we’ve made, so far, is undeniable, and we will not stop until every Nevadan can freely and fairly cast a ballot.”

Laura Martin, Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada(PLAN) Action Fund, issued the following statement:

“Nevadans needed bold action from our elected representatives to meet a national landscape that threatens to separate Nevadan families, dismantle social safety nets, and destabilize our economy. Those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. PLAN’s organizing this legislative session has been able to bring in voices from the community that are often left out of the policymaking process. For the last few years, housing affordability has been one of the top concerns for working-class families, making Governor Lombardo’s vetoes in 2023 so much more detrimental. Thanks to the hard work of our community and partners, crucial tenant protections have made their way through the session once again. Nevada needs to be a state that prioritizes people over profits, especially as we head into more economic uncertainty. Our legislature has to govern for the next two-plus years, there is no room to be safe without leaving Nevadans behind. Frustratingly, we see bills and amendments with huge implications being rushed through at the last minute. Nevadans deserve better than deceptively adopted mass incarceration and disenfranchisement laws.”

Leo Murrieta, Executive Director of Make the Road Action Nevada, shared the following statement:

“As Nevada’s legislative session ends, one thing is clear: our communities are done waiting for justice and democrats have thrown in the towel. From the families facing skyrocketing rents to the workers demanding safe conditions and fair pay, Nevadans have shown up to demand bold action—and Make the Road Action Nevada was proud to stand alongside them every step of the way despite the lack of political will from legislative leaders.

“This session, we organized to ensure the voices of immigrant, working-class, and Latine communities were heard loud and clear. Together, we pushed for tenant protections, support for street vendors, student safety, expanded access to healthcare, and dignity for farmworkers. These are solutions created by those closest to the problems—and therefore closest to the solutions.

“In the final hours of the legislative session, we saw Democrats vote to criminalize our communities and make voting more difficult for countless Nevadans. They made the decision to give up on democracy, but as a people powered organization, we won’t. We’re watching. We’re ready. And we’re not going anywhere. We will keep organizing and building the power we need to create a Nevada that works for all of us—not just the powerful corporations who have bought and paid for our politicians.”

William Moore, Civic Engagement Director of Mi Familia En Accion Nevada, shared the following statement:

“Mi Familia En Accion, a civic engagement organization that mobilizes communities here in the great state of Nevada, is fighting to secure stronger voting rights for our community.

We are proud to have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our community throughout this legislative session. Building on insights gained from our community during the last election, we saw several bills that promised to expand voting rights come before the legislature.

We ensured that our representatives heard from us and are proud to have made a difference in this session. Have no doubt, we will continue to be there along with so many others every step of the way.”

Taylor Patterson, Executive Director of Native Voters Alliance Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Today, Nevada’s Legislature gavels out for the final time this session, but the work isn’t done. AB144 and AB461 still sit on the Governor’s desk. One honors the people who have cared for this land since time immemorial by formally recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October. The other gives families the tools they need to prepare for long-term care before a crisis strikes. These bills are about truth, dignity, and survival. And Nevadans are closely watching the Governor.

“As we wait for him to make his decision, we remind him of this: our history is not up for debate, and our dignity and education are not optional. This is about more than two bills. It is about whether this state chooses to tell the truth or bury it, to protect families or abandon them, to listen or to silence. Indigenous peoples and our allies have shown up every step of the way. Now the Governor has a choice. And the people of Nevada will remember what he does with it.”

André Wade, State Director of Silver State Equality, issued the following statement:

“At a time when standing up for those among us who are most vulnerable appears to require more and more courage and integrity, Nevada lawmakers are showing their mettle. As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality thanks the members of the Nevada State Legislature for ensuring the passage of bills that are essential to protecting access to healthcare, education, and the civil rights of Nevadans. We also thank the Legislature for its passage of a resolution that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions by designating the Clark County Fruit Loop area as an historical and cultural landmark. Nevada must be a place where all LGBTQ+ people have equal rights and are treated with dignity and respect. Moving forward, we urge Gov. Joe Lombardo to sign into law the following bills: SB 171: Gender Affirming Care Shield Law, SB 352: Non-Discrimination in the Nevada Affordable Care Act, SB141: Protections for Incarcerated Transgender Persons in Jails, and AB416: Prohibition of Public School and Public Library Book Bans.”

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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.