As a government affairs lobbyist for a police union in Nevada, the 2025 Legislative Session, which began on February 3 and is set to conclude on June 2, is a high-stakes arena where the interests of law enforcement officers intersect with political realities, public sentiment and fiscal constraints. With approximately 1,093 bills and resolutions introduced and a quarter declared dead by the April 15 committee deadline, understanding why some bills succeed while others fail requires navigating a complex landscape of strategy, relationships and timing. From the perspective of a police union lobbyist, the fate of legislation hinges on political leverage, public safety narratives, coalition-building, fiscal feasibility and the ability to counter opposition. This article explores these dynamics, drawing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session.

Political Leverage and Divided Government 

Nevada’s 2025 political landscape features a Democratic-controlled Legislature — 13–8 in the Senate and 27–15 in the Assembly — paired with Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, a former sheriff with a pro–law enforcement record. This divided government creates both opportunities and obstacles for police union priorities. Bills that align with Lombardo’s public safety agenda, such as those enhancing officer protections or strengthening criminal penalties, have a higher chance of passage. For instance, SB 14, which prohibits pretrial release on bail for domestic violence arrestees, aligns with Lombardo’s tough-on-crime stance and is likely to gain traction due to its appeal to both Republicans and moderate Democrats.

However, bills that challenge law enforcement practices or impose new regulations face resistance. As a lobbyist, I’ve seen progressive proposals, like those reforming police use-of-force policies, struggle in committee due to opposition from law enforcement groups and Lombardo’s veto power. In 2023, Lombardo vetoed 75 bills, a record that underscores his influence. Without a veto-proof supermajority, Democrats must negotiate with Republicans, making bipartisan support critical. Police unions leverage Lombardo’s background and relationships with key legislators, such as Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus, to advocate for bills that protect officer rights and resources. 

Public Safety Narratives and Advocacy 

Public perception of law enforcement significantly influences legislative outcomes. As a police union lobbyist, crafting a compelling narrative around public safety is essential. Bills that resonate with voters’ concerns about crime — such as AB 111, which makes certain traffic offenses misdemeanors — gain momentum by tapping into fears of rising lawlessness. We work with organizations like the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers (NAPSO), which represents nearly 10,000 members, to amplify these messages through media, public hearings and direct engagement with lawmakers.

Conversely, bills perceived as undermining law enforcement, such as those decriminalizing low-level offenses, face skepticism.

In 2021, police reform bills sparked intense debate following national protests, and similar proposals in 2025, like those revisiting sentencing reforms, are met with resistance from unions highlighting officer safety and morale. Our advocacy emphasizes the human cost of under-resourced policing, sharing stories of officers facing increased risks. However, we must counter organized opposition from progressive groups like the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, which push for criminal justice reforms that can stall our priorities in committee.

Coalition-Building and Strategic Alliances 

Effective lobbying relies on building coalitions with other stakeholders. Police unions collaborate with other law enforcement groups and industry allies, such as the Nevada Resort Association, to support mutually beneficial legislation. For example, bills enhancing casino security or public safety funding often align with gaming industry interests, creating a powerful lobbying bloc. In 2023, the Culinary Union’s influence secured passage of SB 441, protecting hotel workers and demonstrating the impact of unified advocacy. We aim to replicate this model by partnering with education unions on school safety bills, like those revising 2019’s restorative justice policies (AB 285 and AB 330), which resonate with both teachers and officers.

Bills that fail often lack such coalitions. For instance, standalone police reform bills, like those proposed by individual Democrats without broad support, struggle to advance past committee hearings. As lobbyists, we exploit these divisions, emphasizing the risks of fragmented policies to lawmakers. Our relationships with committee chairs, like Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, a former prosecutor, allow us to shape bill language early, ensuring officer protections are preserved.

Fiscal Feasibility and Economic Constraints 

Nevada’s fiscal climate in 2025, marked by concerns about an economic downturn, shapes legislative priorities. Bills requiring significant funding, such as AB 502, which boosts enforcement of prevailing wage violations by funding new state positions, face scrutiny. As lobbyists, we prioritize bills with minimal fiscal impact, like SB 46, which strengthens Gaming Control Board oversight without new appropriations. These proposals are more likely to pass in a budget-conscious environment.

Conversely, ambitious proposals, such as expanding officer training programs or increasing pension contributions, struggle without clear funding sources. In 2023, similar bills were mitigated or vetoed due to cost concerns. We advocate for creative funding, like leveraging federal grants or reallocating existing budgets, but face resistance from business groups like the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which oppose revenue-reducing measures like AB 276’s commerce tax adjustment. Balancing fiscal restraint with officer needs requires strategic negotiations, often behind closed doors.

Legislative Process and Timing 

The 120-day session’s tight deadlines — such as April 15 for committee passage — demand early and aggressive lobbying. Bills that gain traction in the first 79 days, like SB 198 revising last-day pay provisions, benefit from our proactive engagement with legislators and staff. We ensure our priority bills, such as those protecting officer due process under Nevada’s Peace Officer Bill of Rights, are scheduled for early hearings, leveraging NAPSO’s legislative presence in Carson City.

Bills that miss these deadlines or lack strong sponsors often fail. For example, complex proposals like SB 160, which moves the Nevada Equal Rights Commission to the Attorney General’s Office, risk stalling due to their scope and opposition from employer groups. As lobbyists, we monitor committee schedules and work to delay hearings for unfavorable bills, a tactic that proved effective in 2017 when a bill strengthening lobbyist gift bans died without a vote.

Case Studies: Success and Failure 

Consider SB 14, which prohibits bail for domestic violence arrestees. Its success stems from its alignment with Lombardo’s priorities, strong public safety messaging, and bipartisan support from lawmakers like Titus. Our coalition with victim advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies ensured its passage through the committee. In contrast, AB 179, which eliminates exemptions to Nevada’s paid leave statute, faces challenges. Its broad scope threatens law enforcement agencies with existing leave policies, prompting our opposition alongside business groups. Without a champion to navigate fiscal and political hurdles, it risks failing before the June 2 deadline.

Conclusion 

From a police union lobbyist’s perspective, the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session is a battleground where strategic advocacy determines legislative outcomes. Bills that pass, like those enhancing public safety or officer protections, benefit from political alignment with Governor Lombardo, compelling narratives and broad coalitions. Those that fail, such as progressive reforms or fiscally burdensome proposals, succumb to opposition, tight deadlines or lack of sponsorship. By leveraging relationships, shaping narratives and navigating fiscal realities, police unions play a pivotal role in shaping Nevada’s legislative landscape, ensuring officers’ voices are heard in Carson City.