On April 22, the Nevada Senate voted narrowly to approve a controversial bill that will soon double the minimum liability insurance requirement for truckers in the state.
Currently, Nevada law mandates a minimum liability insurance coverage of $750,000 for truck drivers. The newly passed bill, with a vote of 11-10, proposes to raise this minimum to $1 million starting next year. Additional increments to $1.25 million and $1.5 million are set for January 2028 and January 2030, respectively.
Criticism from Trucking Associations
During a recent committee hearing, Paul Enos, President of the Nevada Trucking Association, criticized SB180, stating that despite its intended goal of increasing financial accountability, the bill is an arbitrary measure that will impose unnecessary burdens on small businesses and the trucking industry.
Enos further suggested that any modifications to liability requirements for commercial vehicles should be left to Congress. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) also strongly opposes SB180, arguing that raising the minimum insurance threshold is unnecessary, would not enhance road safety, and could jeopardize many blue-collar jobs while harming small family-run businesses.
Opposition to the bill is not limited to trucking groups; the American Property Casualty Insurance Association is also against it.
Concerns Raised in the Statehouse
Sen. Ira Hansen, R-Sparks, has been a vocal opponent of the legislation, pointing out that the proposed insurance figures exceed what insurance companies typically cover and could disadvantage Nevada-based trucking firms.
During discussions regarding the bill, he emphasized that compliance with SB180 would require truckers to obtain two separate insurance policies to meet the new minimum of $1.5 million, in contrast to the federal minimum of $750,000. Hansen stated, “We’re forcing Nevada companies to pay for insurance that their competitors don’t need. This is unjust and harms Nevada businesses.”
Ultimately, the bill passed by just one vote and will now proceed to the Assembly. OOIDA President Todd Spencer expressed clear disapproval, stating, “This is clearly detrimental news for truckers in Nevada and beyond. We must intensify our efforts in the Assembly to inform lawmakers that this is a poorly conceived measure.”
