Reorganizing Nevada's Boards and Commissions
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. 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.
A key priority
of Governor Joe Lombardo’s administration is to simplify professional and
occupational licensing and reduce barriers to entry into those occupations. At
the direction of the Governor, the Department of Business and Industry has
undertaken a process to develop a framework for reform and modernization of
Nevada’s boards and commissions. The Department will bring a bill forward
during the 2025 Legislative Session to enact this reform.
Under the
leadership of Dr. Kristopher Sanchez, Department Director and Nikki Haag, Deputy
Director of the Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards, the
Department conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of existing entities
and have developed a framework that will achieve the Governor’s policy
objectives and the Department’s goals.
Reform
Goals:
- Increase
board and commission accountability and transparency
- Empower
the executive and legislative branches
- Enhance
operations and reduce redundancy
- Reduce
administrative cost burdens on licensees
- Provide
excellent service delivery
- Enhance
Nevada’s economic competitiveness
To ensure
that the proposal achieves these desired outcomes, the Department held one-on-one meetings with industry associations, subject-matter experts and other key stakeholders.
Office of Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards (BCCS)
The Nevada Office of Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards was established by the passage of Senate Bill 431 during the 2023 Legislative Session. The law gives the office purview over 37 professional and occupational licensing boards to establish centralized administration, uniform standards, uphold transparency and consumer protection, and ensure efficacy and efficiency. The office is managed by a Deputy Director that reports to the Director of the Department of Business and Industry.
