This post originally appeared in Nevada Business.

Imagine your business is a race car. You’re behind the wheel, roaring down the highway of innovation and opportunity. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, traffic cones start popping up—some of them helpful guidance for a smoother ride, and others flat-out roadblocks. This year’s Nevada Legislative session promises its share of cones for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and key industries alike.

SB68: Occupational Licensing—Social Workers

Verdict: Support 
In the business of people and progress, occupational licensing can often feel like a bureaucratic bouncer at the club of opportunity. However, SB68 gets it right. This bill would require annual reporting by occupational boards and place Nevada in an interstate compact for social workers. Translation? Qualified professionals can cross state lines more easily to fill critical workforce gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Think of it like expanding the talent pool from a backyard pond to a vast lake. For industries relying on social workers—hospitals, schools, nonprofits—this is a win.

SB24: Occupational Licensing—Emergency Medical Responders

Verdict: Oppose 
While SB68 opens doors, SB24 seems to slam them shut. This bill creates stringent licensing and certification rules for Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs)—a position similar to EMTs but with fewer required skills. Sounds harmless, right? But here’s the kicker: adding licensing requirements for EMRs could push out potential responders when we need them most.

Imagine a lifeguard needing a pilot’s license to rescue someone in the pool—it doesn’t make sense. Adding unnecessary regulation in life-saving professions could shrink the talent pipeline for first responders, leaving rural and low-population areas particularly vulnerable.

SB16: Contractors—Penalties for Unlicensed Bidding

Verdict: Track 
This bill introduces new penalties for unlicensed bidding and clarifies legal definitions in the contracting world. At first glance, it makes sense: you wouldn’t want someone without credentials bidding on a massive bridge project, right? However, the devil is in the details.

For Nevada’s construction industry—a sector already wrestling with labor shortages and rising costs—additional penalties could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it ensures a level playing field; on the other, it risks punishing smaller contractors who may struggle with complex licensing requirements.

SB5: Small Business Advocacy—Office of Small Business Advocacy

Verdict: Support 
Here’s the hero of the session for Nevada entrepreneurs. SB5 ensures the Office of Small Business Advocacy—currently housed in the Lt. Governor’s office—stays open for business beyond 2025.

Whether it’s cutting through red tape or providing vital resources, this office is a lifeline for entrepreneurs across the state. Nevada’s economy thrives on small businesses, and keeping this office running is a no-brainer. It’s not just a win for business owners; it’s a win for Nevada’s entire economy.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Nevada’s 2025 Legislative session is just getting started, and there’s much more to come. From occupational licensing reforms to business regulations, every bill could either fuel your industry’s growth or throw a wrench in the works.

Stay informed. Nevada Policy’s Bill Tracker is a resource for staying ahead of the legislative curve. Whether you’re a contractor, healthcare professional, or small business owner, knowing what’s coming gives you the power to act.

Sign Up for Bill Tracker Updates

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