Las Vegas, NV January 21, 2025
Today, Department of Business and Industry Director Dr. Kristopher Sanchez has released
a policy paper that details historical recognition of needed reforms, policy
objectives, and recommendations for reorganizing Nevada’s boards and
commissions. Reforming Nevada’s Boards and Commissions: Findings and
Recommendations outlines the key components for reform legislation that will
be introduced 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. 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 created this framework for reorganization and modernization of Nevada's boards and commissions.
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 has developed a proposal that will achieve the Governor's policy objectives and the Department's goals:
- Increase board and commission accountability and transparency
- Enhance operations and reduce redundance
- Reduce administrative cost burdens to 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, executive directors and board chairs, executive branch leadership, and other key stakeholders. In addition, Department staff travelled to Iowa to meet with the team that ushered through comprehensive board reform legislation in June 2023. As a result, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Regular review and sunset clauses for boards and commissions
- Implementing term limits, appointment provisions and strengthening the legislative process
- Eliminate the existing meeting requirements and permit entities to convene only when necessary
- Centralize operations to enable implementation of clear, consistent and effective standards to enhance health and safety while reducing workforce barriers
- Consolidate, merge and eliminate entities to allow the boards and commissions to better serve the citizens of Nevada
A full copy of Reforming Nevada's Boards and Commissions: Findings and Recommendations can be found on the Department's website at www.business.nv.gov under Boards and Commissions on the main menu.
About the Nevada Office of Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards
The Nevada Office of Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards (BCCS) 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.
About the Department of Business and Industry
The Department of Business and Industry is a cabinet-level agency in Nevada State government. Our objective is to encourage and promote the development and growth of business and to ensure the legal operation of business to protect consumers by maintaining a fair and competitive regulatory environment. To learn more, visit http://business.nv.gov.
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