Emergency Management Agency Moved

Tom Darby

Carson City, Nev. — Nevada lawmakers approved Assembly Bill 553, transferring oversight of the state’s emergency management agency from the Office of the Military to the Office of the Governor in response to an increase in emergencies and disasters across the state.

The change formalizes an operational approach that state officials say has been in place since last fall. Lawmakers and emergency officials highlighted the state’s response to the Davis Fire as an example of how direct coordination through the Governor’s Office enhanced communication and support for partner agencies.

Supporters of the bill said the move will help ensure all state resources are readily available to assist local responders during emergencies. Nevada has faced a growing range of incidents in recent years, including a severe microburst in Las Vegas that toppled dozens of power poles and Hurricane Hilary, which impacted Southern Nevada in 2023.

By placing emergency management under the Governor’s Office, state officials say they can begin positioning resources and making decisions as soon as an identifiable incident appears, allowing for faster and more unified responses.

Governor Joe Lombardo expressed support for the change in a recent press release, saying the move strengthens Nevada’s ability to respond to disasters.

“By placing emergency management at the cabinet level, we are ensuring that Nevada can respond to emergencies with speed, clarity, and unity,” Lombardo said. “I have full confidence in our emergency management team, and I look forward to working directly with them to protect and serve Nevadans across every corner of our state.”

State officials say the change reflects Nevada’s commitment to protecting residents before, during, and after disasters.