Henderson Chamber of Commerce
HCC Government Affairs Newsletter
May 10, 2019 
2019 Legislative Committee

Aviva Gordon
(Chair)

Natalie Buckel
(Vice Chair)
I Want My Two Dollars

Chuck Mohler

Patty Charlton

Chris Caluya

George Garcia

Katie Ryan

Non-Voting

Scott Muelrath
Henderson Chamber

Amber Stidham
Henderson Chamber

Rocky Finseth
(Contract Lobbyist)

Isabelle Beaumont-Frenette
(Contract Lobbyist)
HCC Government Affairs Quick Links
   
Carrara Nevada serves as the Henderson Chamber of Commerce's contract lobbying group for commerce issues discussed during the Nevada Legislative Session.
carraranv.com  
 
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Long-time education advocate, Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson, passed away May 4


The team at the Henderson Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt condolences to Assemblyman Thompson's family. The four-term assemblyman suddenly passed away in Carson City on May 4. Flags at the Nevada State Capitol and state public buildings were lowered to half-staff earlier this week in his honor. Thompson was a friend to the chamber and worked hard for all students, including his focus on workforce training and development. Thompson was a widely well-respected, fair, and genuine public servant to all in Nevada and in Assembly District 17 (North Las Vegas). He had an infectious smile and vigor for life. He will be missed.

Assemblyman Thompson with IMPAC participants, Matt Engle and Eric Hone, along with HCC's government affairs director, Amber Stidham, during a spring 2018 chamber event.


Economic Forum, Second House Committee Passage Deadline

The Economic Forum met on May 1 and updated its revenue predictions for the upcoming biennium. The Forum predicted an additional $42 million would be coming in the coffers compared to what they had predicted in December. That is a small amount when you consider that the entire state budget is $8.8 billion, thus leaving legislators with a lot of tough decisions to make on what priorities will be funded and which ones will not. There are over 300 bills with a fiscal impact in either the Senate Finance or Assembly Ways and Means committees - those bills are exempt and therefore not subject to deadlines.

That said, the pace is heating up in Carson City. Meetings are being scheduled over weekends and evenings, and there is no shortage of committee hearings and work sessions leading up to the big deadline on Friday, May 17, in which all bills must pass out of the second house committee (unless they are exempt).

Below is an update on several bills the Henderson Chamber of Commerce is involved in on your behalf:

Smaller Employers at Risk When an Employee Makes a False Discrimination Claim

SB166 intends to provide additional protection for employees being discriminated against unlawfully. While the HCC is in favor of anti-discriminatory measures in general, some language in this bill would leave smaller employers in a precarious situation should an employee make a false discrimination claim, as the fee structure is overly aggressive. The bill passed out of the Senate on a 21-1 vote and was heard in Assembly Government Affairs on May 2. HCC testified in opposition of the bill.

Paid Time Off

HCC continues to keep a close eye on SB312, which causes concerns even as amended. The amended version would require private employers to provide at least 40 hours of paid leave per year. It would allow the employer to limit the amount of paid leave that can carry over to a maximum of 40 hours and to limit the amount of paid leave an employee can take to 40 hours a year. The bill would require an employer to provide a written accounting of paid leave available and would allow the employer to do so using the payroll system used by the employer. It also would provide that the employee could use paid leave without providing a reason for such use but would require the employee to notify the employer as soon as practical. An employer within the first two years of operations would not be subject to the provisions of this bill. The measure does not apply to temporary or seasonal employees, or employers who already provide paid time off for at least 40 hour a year under a collective bargain agreement, contract, policy or other agreement. The bill is exempt and therefore not subject to deadlines. It was heard in Senate Finance on May 10.

Ability to Reinstate an Emerging Small Business with a Payment Plan

AB347 intends to help local certified emerging small business (ESB) (as defined in NRS 231.1405) who fall behind on paying filing fees and late fees. It would require the Secretary of State to reinstate a business within 5 years of the revocation of the right to transact business if the local ESB pays at least 25% of the required fees and penalties. If the local ESB does not pay the entire amount due, then it will be required to enter into a one-time, 12-month payment plan with the Secretary of State to pay the remaining amount due. Should the local ESB fail to comply with the payment plan, the Secretary of State would be required to revoke that business' right to transact business in the state. The bill passed unanimously in the Assembly. HCC testified in support at the hearing in Senate Judiciary on May 8.

To track, stream legislative hearings or provide your input on bills, visit Nevada NELIS.

2019 Post-Legislative Luncheon June 18


HCC will host its "2019 in Summation: Biennial Nevada Legislative Luncheon" on June 18 with featured speaker, HCC's contract chief lobbyist, Rocky Finseth who serves as the president/CEO of
Carrara Nevada.  Attendees will get an inside look at key bills state legislators acted on that will impact local businesses.
Amber Stidham
Director of Government Affairs
Henderson Chamber of Commerce
AStidham@HendersonChamber.com
702.565.8951