A reform plan is starting to take shape after Governor Joe Lombardo spoke about the increasing worries regarding the growing number of boards and commissions in Nevada that have little supervision.
Lombardo stressed the importance of taking measures to deal with the growing number of these organizations in his State of the State address.
Kristopher Sanchez, the Director of the Department of Business and Industry, issued a set of recommendations to reorganize and streamline the state’s boards and commissions, in accordance with his instruction.
These ideas are part of a new legislative framework that will be submitted during the 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature.
“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,” according to the release.
Sanchez’s department conducted a thorough examination that included suggestions for frequent evaluations of boards and commissions, the installation of sunset provisions, and term limitations for board members.
The plan also includes adjustments to the provisions for appointments and advises getting rid of the current requirements for meetings, which would allow boards to meet only when they need to.
Although exact specifics have not yet been made public, the plan may include merging or eliminating certain boards and commissions entirely, as well as centralizing activities in order to improve efficiency and oversight.
The fact that Democrats are in control of both houses of the Nevada Legislature could pose a hurdle to the reform efforts. Two years ago, the Republican governor rejected a record number of measures.
It is still uncertain whether the political leaders of the state would be able to agree on suggestions to completely change the boards and commissions structure.
The Department of Business and Industry took Iowa’s successful reform efforts from 2023 as a model for developing the reform plan. Staff members were sent by the department to Iowa to learn about the state’s comprehensive approach to reforming its boards and commissions.
The suggested adjustments were influenced by this practical study, as well as one-on-one interactions with important stakeholders, including executive directors, board chairmen, legislative leadership, and industry associations.
The objectives of the reform initiatives are evident: to improve accountability and transparency across boards and commissions, to enhance operations while decreasing redundancy, and to reduce administrative expenses for licensees.
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The strategy also aims to improve the delivery of services, which will in turn make Nevada’s economy more competitive.
Lombardo and his administration are attempting to make the process more effective and responsive to the demands of the people and industries that depend on these bodies by reforming the state’s boards and commissions.
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