By Greg Haas, KLAS, January 21, 2025
After Gov. Joe Lombardo took aim in his State of the State address at an ever-expanding number of boards and commissions that operate in Nevada with minimal oversight, a plan to reform the system is emerging.
Kristopher Sanchez, Department of Business and Industry director, on Tuesday released recommendations to reorganize boards and commissions with new legislation that will be introduced during the 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature. Lombardo directed the department to create a new framework.
“Nevada’s regulatory, advisory and occupational licensing boards are a form of participatory state government where citizens can volunteer to serve their community and their profession,” according to a Tuesday news release.
“Since the state’s founding in 1864, the number of boards, commissions and advisory committees has ballooned to over 300. The size and scope of these entities has created a de facto fourth branch of government with appointed representatives that operate with minimal oversight and wide-ranging authorities that impact the state’s economy and the livelihood of thousands of Nevadans,” the release said.
A comprehensive evaluation produced recommendations for regular review and sunset clauses for boards and commissions, term limits, appointment provisions and the elimination of existing meeting requirements, allowing the boards to convene only when necessary. Also, although specifics weren’t included, some boards and commissions might be merged or eliminated, and operations could be centralized.
Democrats control both houses of the Nevada Legislature, and they saw Lombardo, a Republican, veto a record number of bills two years ago. It remains to be seen if they can agree on proposals to reform boards and commissions.
The department used Iowa as a model for the process and sent staff there to learn about a comprehensive reform effort that took place in 2023.
One-on-one meetings with industry associations, executive directors and board chairs, executive branch leadership, legislative leadership and other key stakeholders also helped guide the plan to reform Nevada’s boards and commissions.
Sanchez and Nikki Haag, deputy director of the Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards, led the effort. Goals were identified as: 1) increasing board and commission accountability and transparency, 2) enhancing operations and reducing redundancy, 3) reducing administrative cost burdens to licensees, 4) providing excellent service delivery, and 5) enhancing Nevada’s economic competitiveness.
See a full copy of Reforming Nevada’s Boards and Commissions: Findings and Recommendations.