Nevada’s Legislative Power Grab: SB155, AB530 Threaten Freedom, Wallets

Nevada’s 2025 legislative session is a battleground, two bills, SB155 Amendment 498, AB530 Amendment 210, are poised to strip citizens of their rights, wallets. These aren’t just policy tweaks, they’re assaults on accountability, self-governance. Here’s the unfiltered truth about these bills, why Nevadans must act now.

SB155 Amendment 498 is a jaw-dropping proposal to allow non-U.S. citizens to serve as peace officers. Yes, you read that right: individuals without U.S. citizenship could enforce Nevada’s laws. Amendment 458, which permits non-citizens with prior law enforcement experience to qualify, does nothing to soften the blow. This bill raises serious questions. Can non-citizens, unbound by the loyalty U.S. citizens swear to, be trusted to uphold our laws? How do you run a background check on someone from a country with no obligation to share records? Without time limits for requiring citizenship, this risks eroding the trust between communities, police. It’s a recipe for tension, not safety.

Then there’s AB530 Amendment 210, a shameless tax grab that spits in the face of Clark County voters. This bill extends fuel tax hikes, originally set to sunset in 2026, until 2036, bypassing the ballot box. Instead of letting voters decide, it hands the power to county commissioners, who can approve these taxes with a two-thirds vote. Clark County’s 2025 budget already bloats with $271 million for park upgrades, $634 million for office remodels, $56 million for climate outreach, hardly urgent needs. Why not cut waste instead of sneaking in a tax extension? This bill doesn’t just raise costs at the pump, it sets a precedent for stripping voters of their voice statewide. Washoe County could be next.

Both bills share a common thread: they erode the power of Nevadans to hold their government accountable. SB155 undermines trust in law enforcement, AB530 silences voters on taxes. The sudden shift in public opinion on AB530, flipping from opposition to support in a single day, smells like manipulation. No one believes Nevadans are clamoring for higher taxes. It’s time to swing the pendulum back.

Five Ways to Fight Back

Nevadans, your voice matters, the clock is ticking. Here’s how to make it heard:

Testify in Person: Show up on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 8 a.m., Room 4100, Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City. Speak directly to lawmakers on SB155 Amendment 498.
Testify by Phone: Dial (888) 475-4499 on May 2, 2025, use Meeting ID 87223003228#, press # for Participant ID. Call (775) 684-1300 for help.
Submit a Written Exhibit: Email a PDF to AsmGA@asm.state.nv.us. Include the bill number (SB155 Amendment 498 or AB530 Amendment 210), your stance (oppose/support), your name, your reasoning. Submit ASAP, deadlines shift fast.
Email the Committee: Contact the Assembly Committee on Government Affairs: Max.Carter@asm.state.nv.us, Venicia.Considine@asm.state.nv.us, Reuben.DSilva@asm.state.nv.us, Rich.Delong@asm.state.nv.us, rebecca.edgeworth@asm.state.nv.us, tanya.flanagan@asm.state.nv.us, Danielle.Gallant@asm.state.nv.us, heather.goulding@asm.state.nv.us, Bert.Gurr@asm.state.nv.us, linda.hunt@asm.state.nv.us, jovan.jackson@asm.state.nv.us, venise.karris@asm.state.nv.us, Heidi.Kasama@asm.state.nv.us, Duy.Nguyen@asm.state.nv.us. Be clear, concise, include the bill, amendment numbers.
Submit an Opinion Online: Visit the Nevada Legislature website, click the blue bill number (SB155 Amendment 498 or AB530 Amendment 210), hit the “OPINIONS” button in the upper right. Fill out your info, state your opposition, submit. Always reference the amendment number.

AB530 Amendment 210

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12821/Text

SB155 Amendment 498

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12127/Amendments

Don’t let these bills slide through. Act now to protect Nevada’s freedom, your wallet. The legislature isn’t your boss, you are.

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