Assembly Member Carris presents Nevada's AB 303 for broadband project transparency

The Senate Committee on Government Affairs convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 303, which aims to enhance transparency in public works projects related to broadband and telecommunications in Nevada. Assembly Member Venise Carris, representing Assembly District 10 in Clark County, introduced the bill alongside Andy Donahue, who provided insights into its development and objectives.

Assembly Bill 303 mandates that any project involving the development or improvement of broadband services, funded by public money and overseen by a public body, must adhere to specific reporting standards. Donahue emphasized that the bill has undergone significant revisions since its introduction, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the needs of Nevada's internet infrastructure.

The bill requires that certified payroll reports be submitted to the public body awarding the contract and the infrastructure bank within 15 days after the end of each month. This dual reporting system aims to centralize data on broadband projects across various localities, ensuring that public resources are managed effectively and transparently.

Donahue highlighted the importance of this legislation in light of a recent issue in Lovelock, where public funds could not be accounted for. The proposed reporting requirements are designed to prevent similar situations by providing timely alerts if projects are not progressing as expected.

In conclusion, Assembly Bill 303 seeks to improve the accountability and transparency of public works related to broadband expansion, without altering existing project administration processes. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of responsible stewardship of public funds in enhancing internet connectivity for Nevadans.