A number of bills have been signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, including one that makes it a crime to threaten, harass, or use physical force against election officials. Senate Bill 406, which received unanimous support in both the state Senate and Assembly, immediately went into effect upon the governor’s signature. The ceremonial signing took place at the Capitol building, with Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, approximately two dozen election workers, and county clerks from across the state in attendance.
The new law establishes severe penalties, including a category E felony, for individuals who use force, intimidation, coercion, or undue influence to interfere with the official duties of election workers, registrars, clerks, or any deputies in the elections division of a county or city. Secretary of State Aguilar, a first-term Democrat from Las Vegas, commended the signing of the bill, stressing its importance in safeguarding both public servants and the democratic process itself. He expressed gratitude to election workers, referring to them as heroes who ensure the proper functioning of democracy through their dedicated and integrity-driven service.
Additionally, the law prohibits the dissemination of personally identifying or sensitive information about election workers without their consent. It also includes provisions that prohibit certain constitutional executives, such as the secretary of state, state treasurer, state controller, or attorney general, from soliciting or accepting political contributions during a legislative session or within 30 days before or after a session. This provision aligns the executives with state lawmakers, the governor, and the lieutenant governor.
Governor Lombardo emphasized that the new law would enhance election security and provide reassurance to individuals interested in volunteering for election-related activities. While acknowledging that it is not a foolproof solution, he pledged to respond swiftly to any instances of harassment or intimidation, ensuring that the integrity of elections and the safety of employees are protected.
Instances of alleged intimidation following the 2022 general election were reported by election officials throughout Nevada. Secretary of State Aguilar mentioned the absence of a statewide database to track such incidents but acknowledged that establishing one would require coordination among law enforcement agencies and the state’s 17 counties. He assured election workers that the secretary of state’s office stands behind them and will advocate for their protection, emphasizing their right to work without fear.
In addition to the election-related bill, Governor Lombardo also signed SB 131 into law, which shields doctors and individuals seeking abortions from out-of-state legal action in places where abortion is restricted or banned. This law codifies an executive order issued by former Governor Steve Sisolak in June, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Governor Lombardo, a Republican who received endorsements from anti-abortion groups, had previously expressed his intention to sign a “clean” version of the bill after reversing his stance during his campaign.
However, the governor also exercised his veto power on two bills that enjoyed broad bipartisan support. AB 223, which aimed to establish a statewide mental health consortium, and AB 265, which required debt collection agencies to provide “payoff” letters upon request, were both vetoed. Governor Lombardo cited concerns about a “private right of action” in the former bill and criticized the lack of a fiscal note and an unnecessary bureaucracy in the latter.
While these bills were vetoed, the Legislature still has the potential to override the vetoes since they passed with veto-proof majorities.
