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Performers, education and health workers urge Nevada committee to back a workplace psychological safety bill
Summary
Several current and former performing‑arts workers, public educators and nonprofit advocates testified in favor of a Workplace Psychological Abuse/Safety Act, describing alleged intimidation, retaliation and long-lasting harm and urging the committee to sponsor protections and remedies.
Carson City — A cluster of public commentators at the May 20 Commerce and Labor committee hearing asked legislators to sponsor a bill protecting employees from repeated abusive managerial behavior that can cause severe psychological harm.
Bridget Shiner (stage name Bridgie Nicks), a performer and labor-rights advocate, asked the committee to sponsor the Workplace Psychological Abuse Act as part of the End Workplace Abuse initiative, describing what she said were repeated harassment, intimidation and retaliation while working on a Las Vegas production. Shiner said management ignored workers’ safety concerns, that she was suspended without pay while on workers’ compensation and later terminated, and that filing administrative complaints had not stopped alleged misconduct.
Tanya Coleman, a public-school educator and disabled veteran, testified about educators’ experiences with intimidation and retaliation when reporting unsafe conditions. She said internal reporting systems are often controlled by the same managers alleged to be the problem, leaving employees with no timely remedy.
Other witnesses — including a union organizer and performers involved in a unionization drive — described patterns they said reflect a statewide problem across hospitality and entertainment sectors and urged statutory remedies that would create clear legal standards and accessible relief while guarding against frivolous claims.
Proponents framed the issue as occupational safety and workforce retention. “Psychological abuse and retaliation like this not only harms individuals, they undermine workplace safety, erode trust, increase turnover, and impose real cost on Nevada’s performing arts, working‑class, and hospitality sectors,” said Bridget Shiner.
Opponents were not present in the public record during the May 20 hearing. Committee members asked clarifying questions about overlaps with existing federal and state protections, the burden of proof for claims, and safeguards against misuse. Advocates said the bill’s drafters are proposing standards to differentiate protected managerial action from abusive conduct, and an administrative path designed to provide fast remedies and prevent frivolous litigation.
What’s next: proponents said they would work with committee staff and interested members to craft bill drafts and provide more detailed language and examples to the committee for possible BDRs ahead of the next session.
