Panel hears bill to name bridge the Donald J. Laughlin Memorial Bridge

Assemblymember Danielle Gallant presented Assembly Bill 110 to the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure, asking lawmakers to formally name the connecting bridge between State Route 163 and Bullhead City the "Donald J. Laughlin Memorial Bridge." Carrie Larson, executive director of the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, delivered a biographical history of Don Laughlin and told the committee why local leaders support the designation.

Why it matters: proponents said Don Laughlin’s investments in infrastructure and community institutions shaped the small river town that now bears his name and that a formal naming would recognize those contributions. Witnesses described Laughlin’s business investments, community donations and local infrastructure financing as context for the naming request.

Testimony and support: Carrie Larson recounted Don Laughlin’s business history and investments in the Riverside Resort and surrounding community and said the bridge and other infrastructure reflected his contributions. Trevor Parrish with the Vegas Chamber and Michael Naff, who said he represents the unincorporated township of Laughlin on the Clark County Commission, testified in support. Larson told senators that, according to NDOT, Nevada controls the bridge and its maintenance. Sponsor Danielle Gallant also noted that an online search already identifies the crossing as the Laughlin Bridge.

Questions and record: Senators asked whether the bridge crosses state lines and who controls maintenance; Carrie Larson told the committee NDOT was responsible for control and maintenance. No callers opposed the bill on the phone lines, and the committee closed the hearing without recording a vote in the transcript.

Ending note: the committee received support from local chambers and an elected county representative; the transcript shows no committee vote during the hearing.