Governor Joe Lombardo has emerged as a pivotal figure in Nevada’s political landscape, wielding significant influence through his historic use of veto power. During the 82nd Legislative Session, Lombardo vetoed a record-breaking 75 bills, each carrying profound implications for Nevadans' daily lives and the state’s economic future.
One such bill was Assembly Bill 172 (AB172), which was introduced by Assemblywoman Natha Anderson and Senator Skip Daly. AB172 aimed to require each school district to semiannually disclose employees’ personal information—names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and work locations—to recognized unions in the area. The bill intended to enhance bargaining transparency but raised concerns about privacy violations and potential harassment from unions.
If a school district employee notified the district in writing that they did not wish to share their personal information, the district would have to respect that request. However, the district must still disclose the employee’s personal information to the Government Employee-Management Relations Board. Though this information is required to remain confidential and not be a public record, there are concerns about its security once disclosed.
Governor Lombardo cited several critical reasons for vetoing AB172, with privacy being a top concern. “Though the bill attempted to address privacy concerns by allowing employees to opt-out of disclosing their private information to various employee organizations, this measure is insufficient in its actual addressal of those privacy issues,” Lombardo wrote in his veto message. “Employees should have the right to affirmatively confirm their choice to opt-in to such an organization rather than the other way around.”
Lombardo emphasized that AB172's provisions could allow unions to exert coercive pressure on public employees regarding union membership. He pointed out that local governments would initially have been required under AB172 to hand over all employees' personal information without any avenue for objection from employees.
In light of the Janus Supreme Court decision affirming public employees’ right not to pay mandatory union fees if they choose not to join a union, AB172's provisions were seen as potentially conflicting with these newfound freedoms. As a right-to-work state unaffected by Janus's aftermath, Nevada's situation contrasts with national efforts by unions grappling with membership fee losses seeking alternative means like AB172.
Supporters of AB172 argue that it promotes fair bargaining practices and ensures equitable treatment of workers. However, critics contend that forcing employees to share their personal information against their will violates privacy and undermines equitable treatment.
Governor Lombardo’s decision reflects his commitment to preserving individual liberties and maintaining a fair labor environment in Nevada. By rejecting AB172, he aims to protect workers’ rights to privacy and freedom of association while ensuring labor policies align with constitutional protections.
Nevada residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage with elected officials on policies affecting individual freedoms. Supporting Governor Lombardo’s decision can help prioritize privacy and personal liberties within state legislation.
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