The 2025 Nevada legislative session was a defining moment for the state, with a range of critical issues on the table, from education and housing to crime and public safety. Governor Joe Lombardo, elected in 2024, had clear priorities for his first legislative session, and his proposals saw both significant wins and major setbacks as lawmakers worked to balance the demands of the Republican governor and a Democratic-controlled legislature.
Key Legislative Achievements
Governor Lombardo’s most significant victory came in the area of education. One of his top priorities was to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage by securing increased funding for educator salaries. In May 2025, the state legislature passed a $225 million education package, which includes pay raises for teachers across Clark County, Washoe County, and other school districts. This move is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve education and retain high-quality teachers, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The legislation also earmarks funds for special education programs, increasing access to resources for students with disabilities. The teacher pay raise is a significant step forward for Nevada, a state that has long been criticized for having one of the lowest teacher pay rates in the nation. By increasing teacher salaries and improving benefits, the state hopes to attract and retain qualified educators who can drive long-term improvements in Nevada’s public schools.
In addition to education, Governor Lombardo made headway on affordable housing. As Nevada’s population grows, the demand for affordable housing has become increasingly urgent. In response, the governor successfully pushed through a $133 million housing bill, aimed at increasing the availability of middle-income housing. The funds will be used to subsidize the construction of new housing units and improve infrastructure in high-demand areas like Las Vegas and Reno. This initiative is expected to provide relief to Nevada residents who are struggling to find affordable homes amid rising property prices.
Controversial Bills and Setbacks
While Governor Lombardo scored major victories with his education and housing proposals, he faced significant resistance in other areas. One of the most contentious proposals was his bill aimed at tackling retail theft, which he argued was negatively impacting businesses and public safety. The bill proposed harsher penalties for retail theft and enhanced law enforcement powers to combat organized theft rings. However, the bill failed to pass the legislature after facing fierce opposition from Democratic lawmakers, who argued that it would disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color.
Lombardo also faced challenges with his criminal justice reform proposals. His administration had hoped to pass a bill that would allow for more aggressive policing in response to rising crime rates, but this initiative was blocked by Democrats, who favored a more community-based approach to crime prevention. The governor’s office is now reassessing its strategy for addressing crime and public safety, with plans to revisit the issue in future sessions.
Bipartisan Efforts and Compromises
Despite these setbacks, the 2025 session did see a degree of bipartisanship on issues such as voter rights and healthcare. A notable compromise was reached on a voter ID bill, which was passed with bipartisan support. The bill includes provisions for expanded access to mail-in voting and drop boxes, which were strongly supported by Democrats. Republicans, in turn, secured ID verification requirements for voting, which they argued were necessary to protect election integrity.
The legislative session also saw the passage of bills that aimed to increase transparency on issues like police use of force and police misconduct investigations. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to reform Nevada’s criminal justice system, following nationwide calls for greater accountability in law enforcement.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Legislative Session
As the 2025 legislative session concludes, Governor Lombardo’s team is already looking ahead to the 2026 session. With housing, education, and public safety remaining top priorities, Lombardo is expected to continue advocating for more reforms in these areas. At the same time, he will need to address economic challenges, including ongoing concerns about workforce development and tax reform, in order to ensure the long-term prosperity of the state.
Nevada’s 2025 legislative session shows that compromise will remain key as the state seeks