Sisolak defers call for second special session

CARSON CITY — With the number of COVID-19 cases surging again in Nevada, lawmakers will not return to Carson City for a second special session to address criminal and social justice reforms and other policy issues, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Sunday.

In a statement, Sisolak said that the state “is in a dangerous situation” and that his office needs to dedicate all its time to slowing the virus.

“While it was my previous intention to call an immediate subsequent special session to discuss extraordinary policy issues that I believe cannot and should not wait until the regularly scheduled 2021 legislative session, I have serious reservations about having our lawmakers convene again for a similar — or longer — period of time in the midst of this spike in our state,” Sisolak said in a statement.

Sisolak said he still plans to issue a proclamation for a second special session, but that would happen only when lawmakers, in coordination with his office, have a fully baked list of policy issues to address so they can convene “a thorough, organized and efficient second special session.”

“This is the responsible decision to make in order to protect the time needed to address the ongoing COVID-19 crisis,” Sisolak added.

The announcement came on the afternoon of the 12th day of the special session, which was called to address the $1.2 billion budget shortfall.

While he said he won’t call a second special session immediately, Sisolak listed the policy issues he intends to have addressed:

Social and criminal justice reform.

Conducting elections amid the pandemic.

Stabilization of Nevada businesses and establishment of safety standards for workers.

Speeding up the unemployment insurance claim process through the removal of “statutory barriers.”