Nevada Legislature: Senate approves major bill extending ‘sunset taxes’

The Nevada Senate has passed a proposal worth more than $600 million that would make several expiring taxes permanent and raise the cigarette tax.

The Senate voted 18-3 on Friday to approve SB483.

The bill would make temporary rates on the payroll tax and sales tax permanent. It also raises taxes on cigarettes from 80 cents to $1.80 per pack.

The so-called “sunset taxes” were created in 2009 and lawmakers have temporarily extended them every two years. Republican Sen. Ben Kieckhefer said they’ve become essential to maintaining basic services.

Democrats voted against the bill in committee, saying they didn’t want to pass the measure when the fate of other tax bills was uncertain.

Democratic Sen. Aaron Ford said a revised tax plan Gov. Brian Sandoval released Thursday alleviates those concerns.