CARSON CITY — The Assembly Committee on Government Affairs voted to do pass Senate Bill 39, a measure authorizing the state to apply for and manage a hazard mitigation revolving loan fund under the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act. The vote on the work session motion was unanimous; the motion was made by Vice Chair Wynne and seconded by Assemblymember Carter. The committee assigned the floor statement to Assemblymember Gurr.

Brett Compson, administrator of the Nevada Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, told the committee the STORM Act authorizes FEMA to provide capitalization grants so states can create revolving loan funds for mitigation projects. "This program offers capitalization grants to state agencies responsible for emergency management, enabling them to create revolving loan funds for mitigation projects and activities to increase resilience and mitigate the impacts of events such as drought, extreme heat, severe storms, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes," Compson said.

Compson said the program would use FEMA seed funding covering roughly 90% of initial capitalization with a required 10% state match. He said loan recipients would need an approved hazard mitigation plan and that the low-interest loans could be used to help jurisdictions meet the typical 25% non‑federal match required by many FEMA mitigation grants. "This is a venue for us to allow [local jurisdictions] to apply for funds, us to go to FEMA and ask for the 90% seed funds, and then that continues to feed this program as it continues on for perpetuity," Compson said.

The presentation included a proposed timeline and staffing plan. Compson said the division would hire a temporary employee in roughly November 2025 to establish the program, run a competitive solicitation for local applicants in fall 2026, and prepare its first federal application in spring 2027. He cautioned that the program’s continuation is contingent on FEMA continuing the STORM Act competition beyond its current initial allocation window. "At this point, the initial allocation of storm funds expires in 2026. Our ability to continue with this program is contingent upon FEMA... renewing this program," Compson said.

Committee members asked about eligible applicants and fund mechanics. Compson confirmed eligible borrowers would include the state, cities, counties, tribal jurisdictions and other governmental entities such as irrigation districts. He said the program is designed to help jurisdictions that lack cash to provide the 25% match for FEMA mitigation grants by offering low‑cost loans for that purpose.

There was no public testimony in support, opposition or neutral testimony at the hearing. The committee closed the SB 39 hearing and later, during the work session, moved SB 39 forward with the unanimous do-pass vote.

Votes at a glance: the committee’s motion to do pass SB 39 carried unanimously; motion moved by Vice Chair Wynne, seconded by Assemblymember Carter; floor statement assigned to Assemblymember Gurr.

Details and limitations: The bill authorizes the state agency responsible for emergency management to apply for and administer the revolving loan fund as described in federal law (transcript referenced "42 US code 51 35" and the STORM Act). The precise dollar amounts of any initial federal allocation and the state 10% match will be specified in FEMA applications and subsequent work programs; Compson said the exact dollar amount "cannot be forecasted at this time". The program’s long‑term operation depends on FEMA continuing the STORM Act competition beyond 2026.

Community impact: If established and funded, the loan fund would be available statewide to local and tribal jurisdictions, including rural counties, to support projects such as culverts, flood diversions, seismic strengthening and other mitigation measures. The program is intended to increase resilience and to provide a financing tool to cover non‑federal matches on future mitigation grants.

Provenance: Transcript hearing opened on SB 39 at the committee hearing (presentation begins with Brett Compson) and closed after testimony and questions; work session record shows the committee’s do-pass motion and vote.