Egg Supply Bill, AB 171 Fast Tracked to Governor’s Desk

In a rare show of swift bipartisan support, Assembly Bill 171 (AB 171) has cleared the Nevada Legislature in record time and now awaits Governor Joe Lombardo’s signature. The bill, aimed at protecting Nevada’s egg supply during national shortages, grants temporary flexibility in cage-free egg regulations.

Under AB 171, the State Quarantine Officer, who also serves as the Director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture, will have the authority to suspend cage-free requirements for up to 120 consecutive days during supply chain disruptions. The legislation also allows for two such suspensions per year if conditions warrant.

The bill’s momentum began with a February 10 hearing in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, where an amendment was introduced and adopted. Just a day later, on February 11, the full Assembly unanimously approved AB 171 with a 41-0 vote. That same afternoon, the Senate Natural Resources Committee quickly took up the measure, passing it without opposition. The Senate followed suit with a 20-0 vote, sending the bill directly to Governor Lombardo.

With widespread legislative support and no recorded opposition, the governor is expected to sign AB 171 into law. The bill's rapid approval underscores the urgency of addressing potential egg shortages while maintaining regulatory flexibility for Nevada’s agriculture industry.

Information courtesy Nevada Farm Bureau.