The Senate Committee on Government Affairs convened on May 2, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 281, which aims to extend the duty hours for members of the Nevada National Guard when they are called to state active duty. The bill proposes that the duty period be changed from eight hours to 24 hours, reflecting the immediate nature of military missions.

During the meeting, several speakers expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that National Guard members are adequately covered while serving. A combat commander highlighted that once a mission begins, the soldiers are effectively on duty, underscoring the need for this legislative change. The committee heard no opposition to the bill, with no callers expressing dissent either in person or via phone.

Supporters of the bill, including military officials, stressed the critical role that the National Guard plays in responding to emergencies in Nevada, such as natural disasters and public safety crises. They argued that the current lack of coverage for families of deployed guardsmen could deter potential recruits and affect morale. The Adjutant General of the Nevada National Guard, Dan Waters, noted that the reliance on the patriotism of service members should not overshadow the need for proper benefits and support for their families.

The committee members engaged in discussions about the frequency of National Guard deployments for state emergencies over the past few years, highlighting the ongoing need for legislative support to ensure that these service members and their families are protected.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed gratitude for the testimonies and reiterated the importance of supporting the bill to enhance the welfare of Nevada's National Guard members and their families. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill before a final vote.