Nevada Assembly Bill AJR13

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Engrossed: 4/18/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25
• Refer: 4/23/25
• Report Pass: 5/19/25
• Enrolled: 5/27/25
• Passed: 5/27/25

Caption

Urges the Federal Government to maintain the moratorium on the testing of explosive nuclear weapons. (BDR R-1102)

Summary

Assembly Joint Resolution 13 is a nonbinding legislative resolution urging the federal government to keep in place the long-standing moratorium on explosive nuclear weapons testing. The resolution frames the issue around Nevada’s history as the site of extensive nuclear testing and argues that any return to underground testing would again place Nevadans at risk. It cites potential harms to public health, groundwater, infrastructure, and the state’s economy, especially in Southern Nevada and nearby rural counties. The resolution also emphasizes that federal scientific and defense leaders have repeatedly said there is no technical or military need to resume testing, and it notes that the United States already relies on a stockpile stewardship program to maintain the nuclear arsenal without explosive tests. It further argues that resuming testing could encourage other nuclear powers to do the same, weakening global nonproliferation norms and U.S. national security. The measure directs the Assembly Clerk to send copies to federal officials and Nevada’s congressional delegation and takes effect upon passage.

Impact

AJR13 does not change Nevada statutes or create state regulatory requirements; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position on federal nuclear policy. Its practical effect is political and advocacy-oriented, formally communicating Nevada’s opposition to renewed explosive nuclear testing at the Nevada National Security Site and reinforcing the state’s interest in environmental protection, public health, and economic stability for affected communities and industries.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and unified. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously, 42-0, indicating broad bipartisan agreement with the resolution’s message. The text itself reflects a clear anti-testing stance, grounded in Nevada’s historical experience with nuclear testing and concern for current residents, workers, and the state’s economy.

Contention

There is little visible contention in the available record, and no committee transcript is provided. The resolution’s main point of dispute, as implied by its findings, is the possibility that some federal officials or national security advocates may support renewed explosive nuclear testing for weapons development or assurance purposes. AJR13 directly rejects that view, arguing that existing scientific and military assessments show no need to resume testing and that the risks to Nevada outweigh any claimed benefits.