Nevada labor unions advocate for Senate Bill 395 protecting roadway safety and employment

The Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure convened on May 16, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 395, which focuses on the regulation of autonomous vehicles in Nevada. The meeting took place in both Carson City and Las Vegas, allowing for testimony from various stakeholders.

The session began with an invitation for public testimony. Carlos Hernandez, representing the Nevada State AFL-CIO, expressed strong support for Senate Bill 395, highlighting the union's representation of over 50,000 members across more than 20 unions in the state. Following him, Tom Morley, representing multiple labor organizations including Teamsters Local 631 and Laborers Local 872, also voiced support for the bill.

In Las Vegas, Tamura Jamison, a Teamster representative, shared personal concerns regarding the safety of driverless trucks on the roads. He emphasized the need for a licensed driver to maintain control of such vehicles, especially given the increasing number of young and inexperienced drivers on the road. Jamison urged the committee to support the bill to ensure safety and prevent potential accidents involving autonomous vehicles.

Liz Sorenson, president of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, reiterated the union's backing for Senate Bill 395, urging the committee to prioritize safety in the face of advancing technology. Jason Gately, another representative from Teamsters Local 14, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the bill is not anti-technology but rather a measure to ensure safe roadways as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent.

Mark Peter also supported the bill, linking it to job preservation for workers in the transportation sector. Lana Maguire, a member of Teamsters Local 14, added her voice in favor of the legislation, reinforcing the collective support from labor organizations present at the meeting.

The committee concluded the session without any opposing testimonies, indicating a strong consensus among the speakers regarding the importance of Senate Bill 395 for both safety and job security in Nevada. The next steps for the bill will likely involve further discussions and potential voting in the coming sessions.