Panel hears resolution to create independent commission to set pay for Nevada elected officers

Assembly members heard Assembly Joint Resolution 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a citizen commission to set salaries and benefits for the legislature and certain constitutional officers.

Sponsor Howard Watts (Assembly District 15) told the committee the measure would transfer authority to set pay from the legislature to a seven‑member independent commission appointed by the governor and composed of representatives from public compensation expertise, nonprofit and public interests, business, labor and the general public. "We should not have legislators setting their own pay," Watts said, arguing an independent body would reduce perceptions of self‑dealing and provide stability.

Watts said the commission would study comparable positions, hold at least four public meetings before filing an initial pay schedule and could thereafter change compensation by up to 15% in either direction when updating schedules. He said the first schedule would be filed in 2029 under the draft timeline and acknowledged timing language might need adjustment to align with the budget process.

Witnesses from civil‑rights and labor groups, former legislators and other organizations testified in support. Kayla Maese of the ACLU of Nevada endorsed the measure. Former legislator Warren Hardy described financial barriers he faced while serving and urged the committee to allow voters to decide. Ross Kinson of the AFL‑CIO and David Goldwater of the Nevada Mining Association also testified in favor, describing the proposal as a transparent and balanced approach.

Opponents urged alternatives or cautioned about concentrating appointment power in the governor. Janine Hansen of the Independent American Party said she supports higher legislative pay but suggested an immediate statutory raise that takes effect in the distant future as an alternative. Caller Oscar Williams urged creating an advisory board and argued the resolution would vest appointment power without explicit partisan balance.

Committee members asked about commission appointment methods, geographic access to public meetings and the experience of other states. Watts said states vary in structure and that most commissions are governor‑appointed; he referenced Assembly Joint Resolution 10 (2015) as the earlier version of a similar approach. Several committee members suggested adding statutory language to require geographically distributed public meetings.

No formal vote was recorded in the hearing. Watts said he would continue to work on technical tweaks and cosponsors before the measure returns to the legislature for the second constitutional reading required to reach the ballot.