Nevada Introduces Nearly 200 New Laws Impacting Residents

An overview of the recent legislative changes in Nevada including key aspects like health, education, and community safety.

News Summary

In Nevada, almost 200 new laws set to take effect will significantly change daily life, including a 30% tax on online tobacco sales and reforms to school bullying policies. Key measures also focus on school safety, breastfeeding rights, and utility regulations, aiming to address pressing community issues such as health, education, and consumer rights. These laws reflect a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Las Vegas – On July 1, 2025, nearly 200 new laws will come into effect in Nevada, significantly impacting everyday life for residents. Among the most notable changes are a 30% tax on online tobacco sales and enhancements to school bullying policies. These laws aim to address urgent issues in health, education, consumer rights, and community well-being.

The newly enacted Assembly Bill 471 (AB471) introduces a substantial 30% tax on online purchases of cigars and pipe tobacco. This tax will require retailers to collect it at the time of sale and ensure that customers are of legal age to purchase tobacco products. The initiative is expected to generate revenue while discouraging online tobacco sales among minors.

Meanwhile, updates to bullying policies in schools are outlined in Assembly Bill 48 (AB48). This bill provides schools with the authority to remove bullies rather than shifting victims to a different environment. Moreover, victims will retain the first option to relocate, responding directly to concerns about the effectiveness of existing measures against bullying.

Another significant legislative change focuses on school safety. Assembly Bill 527 (AB527) will allow the installation of cameras on school buses, aimed at monitoring traffic violations by drivers who fail to stop for children getting on or off the bus. This legislation follows a successful pilot program intended to enhance the safety of students during this critical time.

New regulations affecting public accommodations include Assembly Bill 266, which mandates that establishments allow mothers to breastfeed in public spaces without facing discrimination. This law is expected to promote a more accommodating environment for nursing mothers.

In utility regulation, Assembly Bill 452 requires an investigation into NV Energy’s pricing structures. This measure could lead to refunds for customers found to have been overcharged on their utility bills. It aims to increase transparency and fairness in utility pricing, providing additional financial protection for consumers.

Senate Bill 201 (SB201) prohibits homeowners associations from restricting the use of religious or cultural displays under three square feet in residential areas. This change seeks to uphold individual rights and freedoms regarding expression in the community.

Another key legislative provision is Senate Bill 347 (SB347), which establishes protocol for police officers confiscating firearms from individuals under mental health holds. This legislation aims to address public safety risks while ensuring adherence to civil liberties.

Assembly Bill 545 (AB545) will increase the fee for obtaining smog check forms by $1 per form, impacting vehicle owners required to complete emissions testing. This increase may be met with some resistance but is typically justified as a means to maintain program funding.

A further initiative, Assembly Bill 104 (AB104), creates a program for retiring water rights in response to groundwater depletion issues in Nevada. This move acknowledges the pressing need to manage water resources sustainably in the arid state.

Within education reforms, Senate Bill 460 aims to improve accountability by tracking performance in school districts, particularly targeting low-performing schools for intervention. This legislation seeks to bolster educational outcomes more effectively.

Additional support for families is encapsulated in Senate Bill 185, which mandates refunds for parents caring for disabled children, enhancing the financial burden relief they experience. Assembly Bill 375 enables food establishments to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to-go, responding to evolving consumer preferences.

Legislation addressing other critical issues includes provisions against animal cruelty (AB381), enhanced security measures for rental applications (AB121), and stricter penalties for distracted driving, ultimately promoting safer roadways.

As the new laws come into effect, they represent a significant legislative shift in Nevada. Each law reflects the diverse challenges residents face, aiming to create a better quality of life across various sectors such as health care, education, and consumer protection.