Assemblymember Howard Watts

Majority Whip
Party: Democratic

Legislative Service

  • Nevada Assembly, 2019-2025 (first elected November 2018)—four regular sessions and five special sessions
  • 2025 SESSION COMMITTEES: Growth and Infrastructure (Chair); Natural Resources; Ways and Means
  • 2023 SESSION COMMITTEES: Growth and Infrastructure (Chair); Natural Resources; Ways and Means
  • 2021 SESSION COMMITTEES: Natural Resources (Chair); Growth and Infrastructure (Vice Chair); Ways and Means
  • 2019 SESSION COMMITTEES: Growth and Infrastructure; Judiciary; Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining
  • 2019-2020 INTERIM COMMITTEE: Committee on High-Level Radioactive Waste (Vice Chair); Committee to Conduct an Interim Study of the Requirements for Reapportionment and Redistricting in the State of Nevada; Legislative Committee on Public Lands

Honors and Awards

  • Council of State Governments, 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, 2024
  • Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Tyrone Thompson Youth Advocate Award, 2024
  • Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award, 2022
  • National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Rising Environmental Leader, 2021
  • ACLU of Nevada, Most Civil Libertarian Legislator, 2021
  • CA-NVAWWA, Water Policy Leadership Award, 2021
  • Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Community Champion, 2020
  • Green Awards, Community Volunteer Leadership, 2018
  • Las Vegas Seven Best of the City, Best Activist, 2013
  • Mario Savio Young Activist Award, 2012
  • Las Vegas City Life, Local Hero, 2012

Other Achievements

  • Legislative Energy Horizon Institute, 2023

Affiliations

  • Appliance Standards Awareness Project, National Steering Committee Member, 2022-Present
  • Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Nevada Chapter, Board Member, 2016-2018
  • Clark County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, Member, 2015–2018
  • CSG West Colorado River Forum, 2020-Present
  • Las Vegas Valley Water District Citizens Advisory Committee, 2016–2017
  • Nevada Black Legislative Caucus, Treasurer, 2018-2024
  • Nevada Sportsmen's Caucus, Co-Chair, 2023-Present
  • Nevada Tourism Caucus, Vice Chair, 2023-Present

Education

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Political Science, B.A.

Personal

Occupation: Public relations (self-employed)
Recreation: Backpacking, fishing, travel
Born: 1987, Las Vegas, Nevada
Spouse: Leora

Primary Sponsor

SCR2 Recognizes the “Fruit Loop” as a historical LGBTQ+ landmark in Clark County, Nevada. (BDR R-588)
AJR6* Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to adopt the National Popular Vote Compact. (BDR C-389)
AJR7 Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to revise provisions relating to the compensation of certain elected officers. (BDR C-654)
SJR10 Urges Congress to take certain actions relating to the therapeutic use of certain psychedelic compounds. (BDR R-801)
AB85 Authorizes the management of designated invertebrates. (BDR 45-229)
AB95 Makes an appropriation to the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation for exhibits and improvements at the National Atomic Testing Museum. (BDR S-230)
AB171 Revises provisions relating to the State Quarantine Officer. (BDR 51-985)
SB215 Revises provisions relating to wildlife. (BDR 45-576)
AB219 Revises provisions relating to the use of the proceeds of the tax on live entertainment. (BDR 32-652)
AB224* Revises provisions governing collective bargaining. (BDR 23-155)
AB246* Revises provisions governing elections. (BDR 24-821)
SB262 Revises provisions relating to graduate medical education. (BDR 18-120)
SB276 Revises provisions relating to water. (BDR 40-750)
AB296 Revises various provisions relating to motor vehicles. (BDR 43-231)
AB335 Revises provisions relating to education. (BDR 34-837)
AB397 Revises provisions relating to higher education. (BDR 34-653)
SB402 Provides for the creation of restoration improvement districts for building restoration projects. (BDR 22-332)
AB404 Revises provisions relating to alcoholic beverages. (BDR 52-651)
AB442 Revises provisions relating to grants. (BDR 31-589)
AB458 Revises provisions governing energy. (BDR 58-228)
AB459 Revises provisions relating to certain providers of transportation services. (BDR 58-1003)

Co-Sponsor

SCR1 Memorializes esteemed native Nevadan and lobbyist Kathleen “Neena” Laxalt. (BDR R-1028)
SJR7* Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to establish certain rights relating to reproductive health. (BDR C-864)
SB78* Makes various changes relating to property. (BDR 10-623)
SB258 Revises provisions relating to industrial insurance. (BDR 53-594)
SB262* Revises the qualifications for membership on certain town advisory councils and boards. (BDR 21-857)
AB278 Designates the month of July as Muslim American Heritage Month. (BDR 19-924)
SB280 Makes an appropriation to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine for cleft and craniofacial health care. (BDR S-746)
AB340* Revises provisions governing certain actions and proceedings relating to real property. (BDR 3-77)
AB378 Creates the Alternative Therapy Pilot Program. (BDR 40-820)
SB379 Revises provisions relating to commerce. (BDR 55-336)
AB383* Revises provisions relating to health care. (BDR 40-116)
AB388 Revises provisions relating to employment. (BDR 23-1027)