NEVADA PASSED EQUAL PAY LEGISLATION IN 2017

states without some sort of equal pay law on the books, though the group says laws in other states differ broadly. Nevada, for example, does not have a law against using previous pay history in the hiring process, according to the association.

Nevada, four other states and Puerto Rico passed equal pay laws in 2017, according to the group. A law created by Assembly Bill 276 says employers cannot discriminate against employees who voluntarily discuss wages. Another bill signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval creates an annual survey on gender equality in the workplace.

The group notes, however, that Sandoval in 2017 also vetoed a measure that sought to increase safeguards against gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Penalties and damages in the bill were more appropriate for a court to decide rather than the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, Sandoval said in his veto letter.

“In certain cases, such relief may be called for, but the commission is not the proper venue to make those determinations,” Sandoval said. “Instead, such disputes should be resolved through the courts where a defendant’s due process rights are fully protected and a proper forum for higher-stakes litigation can be adjudicated.”

The association says the bill was comprehensive and that officials should look to the 2019 session. The 2017 session was the last under Sandoval, who is term-limited. Voters will pick a new governor in November.

Advocates are calling for several changes, such as reinstating wage data collection that was halted last year in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

“The pay gap matters to everyone, and it should be a top priority in every community across the country,” Churches said.