Some Nevada lawmakers believe special session needed to address massive budget deficit

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — As Nevada's coronavirus-related budget shortfall continues to grow, some state lawmakers believe a special legislative session will be needed to balance the budget for the upcoming biennium.

Republican Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, who represents parts of Carson City and Washoe County, told News 4-Fox 11 the deficit for the current fiscal year will likely be around $800 million. He said projections show that the shortfall for fiscal year 2020-2021 will be upwards of $1 billion.

"I certainly think we need (a special session)," Kieckhefer said. "Primarily to address our budget problems that are looming and significant."

Kieckhefer said the interim finance committee will likely move to use the state's cash reserves and the$401 million rainy day fund to balance the current fiscal year's budget.

But the full legislature, Kieckhefer said, will be needed to make deep cuts in order to balance next year's budget.

"We need to take action to address that now because it's a lot easier to address that over a 12-month year rather than waiting (until the next regular session in February)," he said.

Assemblywoman Jill Tolles (R), who represents parts of Washoe County, agreed.

"We are seeing drastic shortfalls across our state. We need to be able to address those shortfalls and we need to be able to have a special session sooner rather than later," Tolles said.

So will Governor Steve Sisolak call a special session and what would that look like during a pandemic?

Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson (D) said the Nevada constitution requires an in-person legislative session and said leaders are preparing if a special session is called.

Both myself and Majority Leader Cannizzaro have been in discussions with the Governor about adjustments needed moving forward and whether that must be accomplished in a special session. As we work through what needs to be done and how it needs to be accomplished, we will coordinate that path with the Governor and all four legislative leaders. Our constitution requires that we convene any session in the legislative building and we have been preparing steps we would need to take to convene if necessary.

Under Nevada's constitution, a special session can only be called by the Governor or by a two-thirds vote of state lawmakers.

A spokeswoman for the Governor's office released the following statement when asked if a special session would be called.

"The Governor has been in discussion with Legislative Leadership about adjustments needed moving forward, and whether those need to be accomplished in a special session. The Governor will work together with Legislative Leadership to coordinate that path as we continue to work through what needs to be done going forward."