Gov. Joe Lombardo might be tempted to smoke a cigar to celebrate the end of the 82nd session of the Nevada Legislature after a very busy start to his term in 2023.

In addition to signing more than 500 bills into law, Lombardo vetoed a record 75 of them. On July 1, many of the new laws go into effect.

Take that cigar, for instance. Assembly Bill 232 (AB232) is essentially a tax break for cigar smokers. Neither the governor nor bill sponsor Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts (R-Las Vegas) would confirm whether the governor smokes them. "But he supports small businesses," Hibbetts said.

The tax on premium cigars is capped at 50 cents per cigar under AB232. On cigars that cost more than $10 each, that can amount to a significant savings. A 30% tax was previously imposed on them.

The 50-cent cap expires on June 30, 2027, so enjoy your smoke while you can.

The following bills go into effect on Saturday:

  • A second smoking-related bill, AB 122. It is now possible to buy cigarettes at casinos again. In addition, casinos will be exempt from age verification since you must be 21 to enter. There is a possibility that cigarette machines will return.

  • In accordance with AB 272, mail theft becomes a felony, punishable by 1 to 4 years in prison.

  • AB408: Police can tow reckless drivers' vehicles without making an arrest. When police find "street takeover" events, this arises.

  • Senate Bill 163 (SB163): Health insurers, including Medicaid, must cover gender-affirming care for transgender people. It has been shown that certain surgeries can ease gender transition significantly, even though insurers often dismiss them as "cosmetic." If the treatment involves a minor, parents must be notified. 

  • Nevada State College is renamed Nevada State University under Senate Bill 273.

  • With SB294, every gun comes with a locking device. Additionally, SB294 creates a state and school education program on safe storage. 

  • SB322: Also known as Rex's Law, SB322 increases sentencing requirements. Reckless drivers who speed 50 mph or more over the speed limit in a school or pedestrian zone now face 6 to 10 years in prison.