Transportation (Public Transit)

SB 259 revises Nevada's tax law to change how funds from a county-imposed 0.25% sales tax must be spent. It restricts the use of these funds to only programs reducing homelessness and building/maintaining public transit systems, effective October 1, 2025. The bill prohibits counties from using this tax revenue for early childhood education, adult education, truancy programs, affordable housing projects, teacher recruitment incentives, or hospitality workforce training. This directly affects counties and school districts that previously used these tax proceeds for the banned programs. The change applies to all tax revenue collected on or after the effective date.

AB 527 authorizes Nevada school districts to install and use school bus infraction detection systems on their buses to identify drivers who pass a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights (violating NRS 484B.353). The bill requires police to review system-detected evidence before issuing civil citations and creates a presumption that the vehicle’s registered owner was driving, though owners can rebut this. Crucially, violations detected this way are not classified as "moving traffic violations," meaning they won’t affect driver’s license demerit points or insurance. The bill has no fiscal impact on state or local government, as confirmed in the fiscal note.

AB 361 requires regional transportation commissions in Nevada counties with populations over 100,000 (currently Clark and Washoe) to implement specific safety measures for transit operators. It mandates installing physical barriers to prevent passenger access to operator workspaces, panic buttons, and other safety technology, along with public signage detailing criminal penalties for assaulting transit operators. The bill defines "transit operator" as commercial bus drivers operating public mass transit systems under Nevada law. These requirements apply to existing transit systems in the specified counties and do not trigger additional expense limitations under existing law.

SB 405 creates the Transit-to-Trails Task Force to improve public transit access to outdoor recreation areas in Nevada. The task force, composed of state officials, transportation representatives, outdoor recreation advocates, and federal agency members, identifies high-priority areas needing better transit access (especially for communities with limited parking, safety concerns, or weather challenges) and applies for federal/private grants to fund transit expansions. It must submit annual reports to the Legislature by August 31 each even-numbered year with findings and legislative recommendations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and expires October 1, 2030.