Nevada sets tentative date for special session July 8

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John Sadler

The Legislative Building in Carson City is the seat of Nevada state government.

Published Wed, Jul 1, 2020 (1:23 p.m.)

Updated Wed, Jul 1, 2020 (2 p.m.)

A special legislative session is scheduled to start July 8 to tackle a budget shortfall of almost $1.3 billion for fiscal 2021, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced today.

Besides addressing the budget shortfall, the governor and legislative leadership are discussing including policy proposals “related to criminal and social justice reform,” according to the governor’s office.

“I look forward to joining Nevada’s lawmakers to undertake this difficult budget process and finalize necessary reductions while prioritizing the resources necessary to protect the health and safety of Nevada’s residents,” Sisolak said in a statement.

A formal proclamation will be issued later. Sisolak hopes the session can start July 8 but will remain flexible and provide updates if there are changes based on the public health situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the governor’s office said.

Sisolak originally wanted to start the session before today, the start of the new fiscal year. But lawmakers requested a delay to give the Legislative Counsel Bureau time to implement virus safety measures.

On Friday, the bureau announced the session would not be open to the public. Access to the legislative building will be limited to lawmakers and essential staff, officials said.

Floor sessions and committee meetings will be broadcast live on the Legislature’s website, and people will be able to comment through a teleconferencing systems. Testimony will be provided over video.

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