Navigating the Nevada State Legislature 

Two Chambers

Nevada’s State Legislature is divided into two Chambers: the Senate and the Assembly. Legislators are elected as either Senators or Assemblymembers. 

63 Members Total

There are 21 Senators and 42 Assemblymembers.

• Assemblymembers serve 2-year terms.
• Senators serve 4-year terms.
• Legislators are limited to 12 years per chamber or 24 years total.

Biennial Sessions

The Legislature meets once every two years in Carson City. These Regular Sessions begin the first Monday in February of odd-numbered years and last up to 120 days.

• The Governor can call Special Sessions, and Special Sessions may also be called if two-thirds of the Legislature signs a petition to convene. 

Interim Committees

Between sessions, legislators meet in Interim Committees to research and develop potential bills for the next session. While no laws can be passed during this time, much of the groundwork happens here. 

Law-Making

Legislators consider around 1,000 bills and resolutions every session, but not all become law. Some require additional steps, like constitutional amendments, which must pass in two consecutive sessions and be approved by voters.

Submitting a Bill Draft Request (BDR)

• Ideas for legislation can originate from anyone, but only specific entities (state agencies, local governments, legislators, or the Governor) can officially submit a BDR to the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB).
• The BDR outlines the basic concept of the proposed bill.

Drafting the Bill

• LCB works with the bill sponsor (a legislator) to draft the formal bill language.
• Once the session begins, the bill is introduced in the legislator’s House of Origin (Senate or Assembly) and assigned a number.

Committee Review in the House of Origin

• Once referred to a Committee, the Committee Chair introduces the bill for consideration. If accepted, a hearing is scheduled, where the bill sponsor and partners present the bill, answer questions, and hear testimony from lobbyists, constituents, and organizations. After the hearing, the bill sponsor and stakeholders may negotiate and refine the bill’s language
• Once ready, the Committee schedules a work session to consider amendments and vote. The Committee may:
• Pass the bill as is
• Pass the bill with amendments
• Recommend amendments and re-refer the bill
• Postpone indefinitely (killing the bill)
• Take no action (killing the bill)
• If the bill passes out of Committee, it advances to the full chamber for a vote. If a bill receives no hearing, no vote, or is postponed indefinitely, it is considered dead for the session.
• Note: Passing a bill out of Committee keeps it alive but doesn’t guarantee full approval during the chamber vote.

Floor Debate and Vote in the House of Origin

• The bill is read three times on the floor:
• First Reading: Introduces the bill and assigns it to a Committee.
• Second Reading: Debates amendments and informs legislators of its content.
• Third Reading: A final debate occurs, and the chamber votes.
• Most bills require a simple majority vote (11 votes in the Senate, 22 in the Assembly). Tax or fee increases require a two-thirds majority (14 votes in the Senate, 28 in the Assembly). 

Process in the Second House

• The bill repeats the same process in the Second House:
• Introduction, Committee review, and floor debate/votes.
• The Second House can:
• Pass the bill as is, sending it to the Governor.
• Amend the bill, returning it to the House of Origin.
• Kill the bill through inaction or postponement.

Resolving Differences

• If the Second House amends the bill, it returns to the House of Origin. Outcomes include:
• Accepting the amendments and advancing the bill to the Governor.
• Rejecting the amendments, sending the bill back to the Second House.
• Forming a Conference Committee Committee with members from both Chambers to resolve differences.
• The Conference Committee produces a report with recommendations, which both Chambers vote on. Outcomes include:
• Both Chambers accept the report, and the bill advances to the Governor 
• One chamber rejects the report, potentially forming a second Committee 
• Failure to agree results in the bill dying.

Governor’s Action

• Once both Chambers approve the final version, the bill is sent to the Governor, who can:
• Sign it into law.
• Veto it (the Legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both Chambers).
• Allow it to become law without signing.
• The Governor must act within:
• 5 days (excluding Sundays) if the Legislature is in session.
• 10 days (excluding Sundays) if fewer than 5 days remain or the session has ended.

Becoming Law

• Most laws take effect on October 1 following the session unless otherwise specified in the bill.

Testifying is one of the most direct ways to share your thoughts with legislators. You can testify in-person in Carson City or Las Vegas, call in remotely, or email your written remarks before the meeting if you’re unable to attend live. Testimonies are typically limited to about two minutes, but this time can be reduced at the Chair’s discretion depending on how many people are testifying. It’s important to keep your remarks clear, concise, and impactful to make the most of the time you have.

Top 5 Best Practices for Testifying

Stay Professional and Composed

Advocacy often involves high emotions, and it’s okay to feel strongly about the issue you’re testifying on. However, it’s important to keep your emotions in check and remain respectful, no matter how tense the environment becomes. Legislators are more likely to listen to a calm, thoughtful testimony than one driven by frustration or anger. Keep it professional and focused on the facts.

You Don’t Need Fancy Credentials

You don’t need a law degree, a master’s degree, or a background in political science to testify effectively. Anyone can testify and make an impact. The key is knowing the rules of the game, understanding the issue, and presenting your points clearly and confidently. Your lived experience and perspective are powerful tools.

Be Flexible

The legislative process doesn’t always run on schedule. Hearings may start late, get postponed, or shift focus unexpectedly. Be prepared for changes at the last minute.

• Write your testimony with flexibility in mind. Plan for a shorter time period, so you can quickly adjust if needed.
• Pay attention to what’s being said during the meeting, and if necessary, incorporate a response into your remarks. Being adaptable shows you’re engaged and prepared.

State Your Name For The Record

Always spell your name for the record when you first speak. Every time you’re addressed or speak again, start with, “For the record, [insert name here].”

Accuracy is Essential

In Nevada, it is a misdemeanor crime to purposely provide false information during testimony. If you are unsure about a fact, double-check it before testifying, and always cite your sources when presenting data or claims.

• If you aren’t sure about something, say “I can follow up with more information later.” Providing accurate and verifiable information helps build trust and credibility.

Template

Start with your introduction:

• Good morning/afternoon/evening Chair and Committee members. For the record, my name is [Your Full Name]—that’s [spell out your first and last name]—and I am [your role, affiliation, or connection to the issue].

State your position and the bill number:

• I am testifying today in [support/opposition/neutral] to [Assembly/Senate] Bill [insert bill number].

Explain the problem:

• [Briefly describe the issue the bill addresses.] This bill is important because [explain how the problem impacts people, using a quick fact, data point, or personal story].

Propose the solution:

• [Explain how the bill solves the problem and what benefits it will bring.] This legislation would [specific positive outcomes].

End with your ask:

• I urge this committee to [support/oppose] this bill because [final reason why it’s important]. Thank you.

Testimony Example

Good afternoon Chair and Committee members. For the record, my name is Mathilda Miller—that’s M-A-T-H-I-L-D-A M-I-L-L-E-R—and I am a resident of Assembly District 18.

I am testifying today in support of Assembly Bill 123 because it addresses the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs, which have forced far too many families in Nevada to choose between paying for their medications and meeting other basic needs. Currently, 1 in 4 Nevadans is unable to afford the prescriptions they need to stay healthy, and I’ve personally witnessed how this impacts friends and neighbors struggling to make ends meet.

This bill would cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, making life-saving medications more affordable for families across the state. It would provide financial relief, reduce stress, and ensure that no Nevadan has to sacrifice their health due to unaffordable drug prices.

I urge this committee to support AB123 to protect the health and well-being of Nevadans. Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to speak today.

Bicameral Legislature: A legislature with two chambers or houses, such as the Nevada Senate and Assembly. This structure contrasts with a unicameral legislature, which has only one house.

Bill Draft Request (BDR): A formal request submitted to the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) to draft a bill. These requests come from legislators, state agencies, or other authorized entities and provide the public with an early view of potential legislation for the next session.

Bill/Legislation: A proposed law that must be approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor to become official.

Bill Sponsor: A legislator who takes responsibility for a bill, submitting the BDR, advocating for its passage, and presenting it during committee hearings and floor debates.

Call to Action: A prompt encouraging individuals to take action on a policy issue, such as contacting legislators, signing petitions, or attending public hearings.

Committee Chair: The head of a legislative committee, responsible for managing the committee’s meetings, introducing bills for consideration, and facilitating discussions. The remaining members of the committee are referred to as committee members.

Committee Hearing: A meeting where a committee reviews a proposed bill. The bill sponsor presents the bill, committee members ask questions, and testimony is heard from supporters, opponents, and neutral parties.

Committee Work Session: After a hearing, the committee discusses and votes on a bill. They may pass it as is, amend it, reject it, or re-refer it to another committee.

Communication: Any method of conveying a message, including conversations, phone calls, emails, letters, or social media posts.

Constituent: A voter or resident of a specific legislative district.

Direct Lobbying: Efforts to influence legislation by directly communicating with lawmakers or government officials involved in creating laws.

Engrossed Bill: A bill that has been passed by one legislative chamber and includes all amendments adopted during its consideration.

Enrollment: The final version of a bill that has been passed by both legislative chambers and sent to the Governor for approval.

Fiscal Note: A document estimating the financial impact of a proposed bill on the state budget. This helps legislators understand the cost or savings associated with enacting the bill.

Grassroots Lobbying: Efforts to influence legislation by encouraging the public to take action, such as contacting legislators or attending rallies.

Interim Committee: A committee that meets between legislative sessions to research issues, hold hearings, and develop recommendations for the next session. These committees cannot pass laws.

Interim Session: The period between Nevada’s regular legislative sessions when interim committees meet and prepare for upcoming legislation.

Joint Rules: Agreed-upon procedures between both the Assembly and Senate to ensure consistency and cooperation in the legislative process.

Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB): A nonpartisan state agency that provides support to the Legislature, including legal, fiscal, and research assistance.

Legislator: An elected member of the Nevada Senate or Assembly who proposes, debates, and votes on laws.

Lieutenant Governor: The Lieutenant Governor of Nevada serves as the President of the State Senate, presiding over its sessions and casting a vote in the case of a tie. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor chairs the Nevada Commission on Tourism and holds other roles as defined by state law. 

Majority Leader: The leader of the majority party in either the Assembly or Senate. In Nevada, the Senate Majority Leader is Nicole Cannizzaro.

Minority Leader: The leader of the minority party in the Assembly or Senate, representing the interests of the opposition party. In Nevada, the Assembly Minority Leader is Gregory Hafen II.

President Pro Tempore: A senator elected by the Senate to preside over sessions in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor. The President Pro Tempore has all the powers and duties of the President during such absences. 

Speaker of the Assembly: The leader of the Nevada Assembly, responsible for managing legislative business, appointing committee members, and guiding the Assembly’s agenda. In Nevada, the Speaker of the Assembly is Steve Yeager.

Policy Advocacy: Strategies aimed at influencing policy decisions, typically involving organized groups or citizens communicating with lawmakers.

Prefiling: The submission of bills and resolutions before the start of a legislative session, allowing early consideration and faster action during the session.

Public: Anyone who is not a legislator or a member of a specific organization.

Quorum: The minimum number of legislators required to be present for the Legislature or a committee to conduct official business. In Nevada, a quorum is defined as a majority of elected members: at least 11 members in the Senate and 22 members in the Assembly.

Regular Session: A legislative session that begins on the first Monday in February of odd-numbered years and lasts up to 120 days. Legislators pass laws, adopt a state budget, and address critical issues.

Resolution: A formal statement or decision made by the Legislature that does not have the force of law, such as honoring individuals or recognizing events.

Roll Call Vote: A voting process in which each legislator’s vote is recorded individually, ensuring transparency.

Sine Die: The official adjournment of a legislative session, marking its conclusion.

Special Session: A session called by the Governor outside the Regular Session to address specific issues. The agenda is limited to topics identified by the Governor.

Sunset Provision: A clause within a law that sets an expiration date unless further legislative action is taken to extend it.