Nevada’s government is supposed to work for us—the people. But a new bill called AB 347 has some folks, like the folks at Nevada Policy, worried. They’re strongly against it, and here’s why it might not be great for the Silver State.
What’s AB 347 All About?
Right now, Nevada state agencies—like the ones handling roads, schools, or health programs—can accept gifts or grants from private groups or people (think businesses or rich donors) up to $200,000 without needing a big public review from lawmakers. AB 347 wants to bump that limit up to $500,000. Supporters say it’ll give agencies more “flexibility”, but what would this fast change translate into if the bill is passed?
The problem is, this change could mess with three big things: transparency, trust, and fairness in how our state runs.
1. Less Transparency = Less Accountability
Imagine someone handing your local agency a big check—up to half a million bucks—without anyone really checking where it came from or why. Right now, anything over $200,000 gets a closer look from lawmakers, which keeps things out in the open. Raising that limit to $500,000 means more money can flow in with less public oversight. That’s like turning down the lights on what’s happening with our tax dollars. Less transparency makes it harder to know if the money’s being used for us or for someone else’s agenda.
2. Trust Takes a Hit
Think about it: If a big corporation or a wealthy person drops $500,000 into an agency’s lap, and no one’s asking questions, what’s stopping that agency from favoring the donor? Even if nothing shady happens, it looks bad. People might start wondering, “Is our government working for us or for the highest bidder?” That’s a trust killer. When agencies can take bigger private gifts without lawmakers stepping in, it’s easier for favoritism or conflicts of interest to creep up—whether intentional or not.
3. Big Money Could Call the Shots
Here’s where it gets dicey. A $500,000 donation isn’t pocket change—it’s enough to nudge an agency’s priorities. Maybe a donor wants more focus on their pet project instead of what Nevadans actually need. Without oversight, agencies might start leaning on these big private checks to keep running, which could make them more loyal to donors than to us. That’s not how democracy’s supposed to work. Lawmakers are there to make sure state money serves Nevada’s goals, not some millionaire’s wishlist.
Why This Matters to You
Nevada Policy has always believed state’s job is to serve us transparently, not prioritize private profits. AB 347 risks flipping that upside down by letting more cash slip through the cracks without a public say. It’s not about banning private help—it’s about keeping it honest, balanced and publicly available. Legislative oversight is like a guardrail; raising the limit to $500,000 weakens that protection.
If you value a government that’s open, trustworthy, and focused on Nevadans—not big donors—AB 347 might not be the win it seems. Nevada Policy’s urging the committee to say “no” to this bill, and it’s worth thinking about why. Our state should shine for its people, not its checkbooks.
