This legislative session saw a record 87 vetoes, but the work for justice is far from over. Many of these bills aligned closely with ELCA social teachings, including protections for tenants, stronger gun safety laws, expanded voter access, and affirmations of reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.

Among the vetoed bills were efforts to:

• Curb medical debt and predatory pricing (Economic Life, 1999)
• Protect immigrant students and honor cultural diversity (Immigration, 1998; Race, Ethnicity & Culture, 1993)
• Expand paid family leave and housing stability (Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All)
• Reduce gun violence and protect election integrity (Community Violence, 1994; Government & Civic Engagement, 2020)

As Lutherans, we are called to love our neighbor through public witness. LEAN and our partners will continue this work during the legislative interim—educating, organizing, and preparing to lift up these values again in 2027.

Consumer Protection & Economic Justice

Relevant Bills:

• AB 44 (Price manipulation ban)
• AB 204 (Medical debt reform)
• AB 223 / AB 201 / AB 280 / AB 283 (Tenant protections)

Voter Engagement

Relevant Bills:

• AB 306 / AB 499 / AB 534 / AB 496 (Election access and transparency)

Healthcare Access & Reproductive Justic

Relevant Bills:

• SB 171 / SB 217 (Reproductive and gender-affirming care protections)

Youth & Education Justice

Relevant Bills:

• AB 217 / AB 397 / AB 416 (Protecting students from ICE, increasing access for homeless youth, free expression in schools)

Racial Justice & Historical Accountability

Relevant Bills:

• AB 328 (Racial Equity Commission)
• AB 209 (Trafficking victim protections)

Worker Rights & Family Support

Relevant Bills:

• AB 388 (Expanded paid family leave)

 Gun Violence Prevention

Relevant Bills:

• AB 105 / AB 245 / SB 89 / SB 156

Cultural Recognition & Inclusion

Relevant Bills:

• AB 82 / AB 98 / AB 144 / AB 278 (Recognizing Diwali, Eid, Vesak, Dolores Huerta, Indigenous Peoples Day, Muslim Heritage Month)

This legislative session, Nevada passed several bills that reflect our Lutheran commitment to justice, compassion, and community. Guided by ELCA Social Statements, here are key wins we celebrate:

Health Equity — Laws now expand access to healthcare for incarcerated people, low-income residents, and those with language barriers. (ELCA: Health & Health Care)

• AB 25 (incarcerated women’s health), SB 54 medical respite), AB 161 (hospice standards), AB 343 (hospital price transparency), AB 514 (Medicaid inclusion of therapeutic group homes), SB 54 (medical respite).

Housing Advocacy— New protections for renters, IDs for the unhoused, and investment in supportive housing affirm dignity for all. (ELCA: Economic Life)

• AB 38 (manufactured housing protections), AB 241/AB 396 (mar‐flex zoning, ADUs), AB 366 (Supportive Housing fund), AB 220 (ID cards for homeless), AB 263 (homeless outreach), SB 233 (local ag & farm sourcing).

Justice Reform — Humane policies for incarcerated youth, protections for tribal judges, and voluntary firearm restriction options promote safety and dignity. (*ELCA: Criminal Justice*)

• AB 89 (unclothed searches for detained youth), AB 123 (threats in political campaigns), AB 150/153 (tribal judge protections), SB 60 (vulnerable victims enhancements), SB 347 (firearm confiscation on crisis holds), SB 120 (payment plans in courts).

Student Support— From mental health care to FAFSA help for incarcerated youth, students are better supported to thrive. (ELCA: Our Calling in Education)

• AB 48 (school transfer on bullying), AB 153 (FAFSA assistance for incarcerated students), SB 52 (language learner reporting and exemptions), AB 406 (mental health supports in schools), AB 420 (monitoring school cop use).

Creation Care— Cities must now plan for extreme heat and public access to trails—justice for both people and planet. (ELCA: Caring for Creation)

• AB 96 (county heat‑mitigation planning).

Voter Engagement  — Voting materials will now be available in more languages and tribal voices will help staff polling places. (ELCA: Race, Ethnicity & Culture)

• AB 220 (ID for homeless), AB 367 (language access in elections), SB 421 (recruitment for reservations), SB 188 (limited-English leafer healthcare access), SB 96 (Holocaust Remembrance Day).

Let us continue to advocate boldly and faithfully—because justice is love in public.

Juneteenth is Thursday, and here is a list of some events happening around Nevada.

• The 37th Annual Juneteenth Festival from Noon to 3pm at the Glow Plaza at the J Resort on Thursday the 19th! All are invited to attend! and ALL ages! They will award their first ever Miss Juneteenth, and the event is sponsored by the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society
• F.A.I.T.H Freedom Festival Juneteenth 2025 will be at 6 pm on Thursday, June 19th at Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• The 24th Annual Juneteenth Festival from 4pm to 9pm at The Expo at World Market Center, on Saturday, June 21st for a day filled with celebration, music, food, and culture

Ten years ago, nine Black lives were taken at Mother Emanuel AME by a young white man raised in the ELCA.

Welcomed to Bible study. Then murdered them.

Because of racism.

The Emanuel 9 were not symbols. They were beloved children of God.

White supremacy is the real problem. It shows up in the ELCA. In immigration policy. In every system.

We honor them by refusing silence.

Our faith compels us to speak when others are silenced. While some images in the news focus on confrontation, we must not lose sight of the many who gather in peace, lifting their voices for dignity and justice. As ICE raids intensify and peaceful protest is met with militarized force, we turn to lament, solidarity, and action. This is a sacred call—not just political, but profoundly spiritual.

Join us in supporting immigrant neighbors through AMMPARO (https://bit.ly/3HGvFoH), holding vigils, engaging in nonviolent action, Together is Welcome (https://bit.ly/4e1ztNn), and advocating for policy grounded in dignity and mercy (https://bit.ly/4n0DGoJ).