Paul Enos, CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association (NTA), has voiced concerns over Senate Bill 180, which he argues unfairly targets Nevada’s small trucking companies. The bill proposes to gradually increase the state’s minimum liability insurance for intrastate freight haulers to $1.5 million by 2030, a figure that is double the federal standard.
"We urge our lawmakers to reject Senate Bill 180," said Enos. "This bill unfairly targets Nevada's small trucking companies, threatens jobs, and will raise prices for families—all without evidence that current standards are failing. While Nevada trucking companies and their customers will suffer, the billboard attorneys will be the largest beneficiaries."
According to a press release from the NTA, this legislation would disproportionately affect more than 3,600 small Nevada-based trucking businesses. In contrast, interstate competitors would remain subject to the lower federal minimum, potentially creating an uneven playing field. The association further contends that state crash data and federal reports do not justify the need for increased liability minimums. Enos expressed concern that Nevada's already litigious environment and fragmented state-by-state standards could further strain small businesses, drive insurers out of the market, and ultimately benefit trial lawyers at the expense of working families.
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has released two reports highlighting the influence of trial lawyers on Nevada's political landscape and public perception. The first report indicates that top plaintiffs’ firms have donated more than $4.56 million to political campaigns since 2017, focusing on candidates for judicial positions. The second report shows that trial lawyers spent over $137.2 million on more than 1.6 million local legal ads in 2023, primarily targeting personal injury cases. ATRA President Tiger Joyce said these practices raise consumer concerns, distort public trust, and drive up tort costs contributing to job losses in Nevada.
Nevadans for Fair Recovery reported on its website that residents are facing an affordability crisis exacerbated by lawsuit abuse costing the state $3.6 billion annually and adding approximately $1,042 per person in hidden costs. Frivolous lawsuits are said to increase prices for businesses and consumers alike, making essentials such as insurance, housing, and transportation more expensive.
Paul J. Enos has been a prominent figure in advocating for the trucking industry in Nevada since 2006 as CEO of NTA. He is recognized for his leadership roles within national trucking organizations and his efforts in developing The Mongoose Method—a legal training program designed to counter abusive lawsuits.