Gov. Lombardo’s Vetoed Bills Exacerbate Homeless Crisis in Nevada

Lombardo rejected a record-breaking 75 bills, including measures that would have provided eviction relief, authorized tools to combat the housing crisis, and funded universal free school lunches and healthcare coverage for pregnant undocumented women.

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo has vetoed a significant portion of legislation aimed at addressing the homeless crisis and expanding tenant protections in Nevada

Advocates for social service groups expressed concern that without these bills, the state may experience a surge in homelessness. One specific bill, Senate Bill 335, would have extended a law that temporarily halted eviction proceedings for 60 days if a rental assistance application was pending. However, with the expiration of the previous law, evictions could proceed, leaving individuals who were awaiting assistance vulnerable to homelessness.

Lombardo also vetoed Assembly Bill 340, which aimed to shift the burden of initiating eviction cases from tenants to landlords. Additionally, Senate Bill 78 and Assembly Bill 218, which sought to regulate rental applications and associated fees, were among the bills vetoed. Lombardo also vetoed Senate Bill 371, which aimed to clarify local authorities’ power to address the housing crisis.

The vetoed bills were introduced in response to Nevada’s growing housing crisis, fueled by rising rents, limited housing availability, and the expiration of COVID-era resources such as rental assistance

Although some rental assistance funds were allocated, critics argue that without corresponding legislation to ensure effective distribution, the allocation may be inadequate.

While Lombardo did sign a bill allocating $100 million for a consolidated homeless services center, advocates argue that the vetoed bills were crucial for preventing homelessness in the first place. Barbara Buckley, executive director of Legal Aid, emphasized the need for common-sense solutions that protect vulnerable populations and prevent evictions when rental assistance is available.

Despite the vetoed bills, Senate Bill 381 was signed into law, prohibiting landlords from charging tenants fees for repairs, effective from July 1.

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