On May 20, 2025, the Nevada Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened to discuss Assembly Bill 287, which aims to revise election recount provisions and establish a voter access fund program. The meeting primarily focused on the fiscal implications of the bill, with significant input from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Secretary of State's office and local counties.

The bill's sponsor highlighted that the initial fiscal notes indicated no financial impact from the Secretary of State's office, while local governments had expressed concerns about potential costs. However, amendments to the bill have since removed these fiscal impacts, clarifying that counties would be reimbursed for costs associated with automatic recounts from the statutory contingency fund. This change aims to streamline the recount process and alleviate financial burdens on local governments.

A key feature of AB 287 is the creation of a voter access grant program, which would provide funding for election administration and voter outreach efforts. The Secretary of State's office indicated that this program would not incur costs to the agency, as it would be funded through donations and grants rather than general fund dollars. This aspect of the bill drew both support and opposition during the meeting. Supporters argued that the program would enhance voter engagement and accessibility, while opponents raised concerns about potential partisan influences and the lack of oversight regarding fund allocation.

County representatives provided insights into the practical implications of the bill, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of recounts, especially in larger jurisdictions like Clark County. They noted that the proposed amendments would help manage resources more effectively by aligning timelines for automatic and candidate-requested recounts, thereby reducing overtime costs.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding the fiscal impact of the bill, with estimates suggesting that recounts could cost around $69,000 for Clark County and approximately $30,000 for Washoe County during general elections. These figures highlight the importance of understanding the financial implications for the state, particularly as the bill could lead to increased demands for recounts in closely contested races.

In conclusion, the discussions surrounding AB 287 underscored the complexities of election administration in Nevada and the need for careful consideration of fiscal impacts. As the bill moves forward, the committee will need to balance the goals of enhancing voter access and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The anticipated amendments aimed at increasing transparency in the voter access fund program may address some concerns raised during the meeting, but the ongoing dialogue will be crucial in shaping the final outcome of this legislation.