CARSON CITY,Nev. (AP) – Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo has called a special session of the state legislature to address criminal justice reform, cybersecurity enhancements, and economic progress initiatives, including a renewed push for film tax incentives. The session begins instantly, according to a statement released by the governor’s office, signaling “our responsibility to act decisively and deliver meaningful results for the people of Nevada.”
The proclamation follows the conclusion of the regular legislative session in June, where key bills stalled, including Lombardo’s comprehensive crime legislation and a proposal to attract film studios with expanded tax credits.
Lawmakers previously convened for a special session in June 2023 to approve public funding for the future Las Vegas ballpark of the Oakland Athletics, currently under construction and slated for completion by the 2028 Major League Baseball season.
During the upcoming session, legislators will revisit the governor’s “Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act,” which proposes stricter penalties for offenses like DUIs, assault, and battery against hospitality workers. The bill also seeks to reinstate the Resort Corridor Court to handle crimes originating from the Las Vegas strip.
Cybersecurity is another priority, with lawmakers considering legislation to establish a security operations center in response to a recent large-scale cyberattack that disrupted state services for weeks.
A central component of the special session agenda is a proposal to offer $95 million in tax credits to Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner bros. Finding for a new film production facility in the Las Vegas area, alongside $25 million in credits for productions throughout the state. The proposal is backed by a campaign launched by over a dozen labor unions.
The move aims to position Las Vegas as a competitive film production hub, similar to atlanta, which has benefited from substantial tax breaks. California recently updated its incentive programs to counter a decline in Hollywood film production.
Support for the tax credit proposal is divided, with trade unions citing potential job creation and economic benefits, while the state employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, has voiced opposition, labeling the proposal “fiscally irresponsible” and projecting a low return on investment of $0.52 in tax revenue for every $1 in credit.
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