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Nevada bill would let commercial crews start earlier to avoid extreme heat; proponents, local governments negotiate amendments
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Government Affairs Committee that Assembly Bill 478 would extend protections for early work start times to commercial construction, arguing earlier shifts reduce heat-related illness. Presenters said an amendment removing a previously proposed cap was filed and a separate Clark County amendment is being negotiated.
Majority Leader Majority Leader Houdrige presented Assembly Bill 478 to the Senate Government Affairs Committee as a measure to give commercial construction workers the same early-start protections the Legislature provided for residential construction in prior sessions. The bill would limit the ability of local ordinances to set start times that force outdoor crews to work during the hottest hours of the day.
The bill’s sponsors cited state and federal occupational-safety data. Majority Leader Houdrige told the committee that “construction workers are at risk of death, injuries, illness, and reduced productivity resulting from heat exposure on the job,” and said commercial crews who work on pavements and road projects are “uniquely susceptible to heat related injuries.” He said he submitted an amendment to remove a “pop cap” and that Clark County has offered a friendly amendment the proponents plan to incorporate in a later draft.
Industry and labor witnesses in Carson City said they supported the bill as written without a start-time cap. Summer Pellatt, identified as a member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and owner of a general contracting company in Washoe County, said early starts are a common safety practice and told senators that “a 5AM start time during the hottest months of the year ensures a full day's work before things really begin heating up, which would increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even death.” Vince Saavedra, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trade Unions, said the measure “aligns with the best practices demonstrated by OSHA.” Alexis Motorex of AGC (Nevada chapter) said blanket local start-time restrictions can “inadvertently eliminate the most effective tool employers have, scheduling around the heat.”
Clark County testified in a neutral posture, saying the county regulates a variety of commercial zones where work runs around the clock and that drafters are working with the bill sponsor to craft language that preserves the county’s ability to allow overnight work in zones where 24/7 construction already occurs.
Committee members asked about the scope of the change and the submitted amendments. Senator Daley confirmed the sponsor removed the start-time cap so the bill would apply statewide and that Clark County’s proposed amendment would allow existing ordinances that authorize expanded hours to remain in effect. The committee took no formal vote during the hearing; sponsors indicated they would circulate revised amendment language before further action.
Why it matters: proponents said the bill reduces heat-related risk for thousands of outdoor workers by allowing earlier schedules; local governments and some residents pressed for a carve-out so existing ordinances allowing overnight or expanded hours would not be unintentionally restricted. The hearing closed with proponents and county staff agreeing to continue drafting a version that incorporates Clark County’s concerns.
Ending: The committee closed the AB 478 hearing after testimony from contractors, unions and county staff. Sponsors said a third amendment will be filed to incorporate Clark County’s language and that the committee would see the revised draft in a future meeting.
