Conclusion of the 36th Special Session of the Nevada Legislature We are pleased to share exciting news about the passage of SB4: State Financial Appropriations Bill, a transformative investment in the future of higher education and the University.

November 20, 2025
Morrill Hall sits on the south end of the University of Nevada, Reno quad, a large lawn area surrounded by trees and a walking path.

Conclusion of the 36th Special Session of the Nevada Legislature

We are pleased to share exciting news about the passage of SB4: State Financial Appropriations Bill, a transformative investment in the future of higher education and the University.

November 20, 2025

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

Following the conclusion of the 36th Special Session of the Nevada Legislature on Wednesday, Nov. 19, we are pleased to share exciting news about the passage of SB4: State Financial Appropriations Bill, a transformative investment in the future of higher education and the University. This is one of the largest capital investments in higher education the state has ever made. 

SB4 delivers $68.5 million for the construction of a new Life Sciences Building in the Gateway District on the south end of campus. This facility represents Nevada’s most critical higher education priority. At 84,000 square feet, the Life Sciences Building will elevate Nevada’s competitiveness in health, biotechnology, and environmental sciences while fueling workforce development and economic growth statewide. It will serve more than 4,000 students preparing for careers as physicians, nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists, biomedical engineers, lab technicians, environmental scientists, nutritionists, public health professionals, and more. This state investment also positions the University to secure significant private matching funds.

In addition, SB4 allocates $7.63 million for equipment and infrastructure for the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory, currently under construction on campus. These funds will support additional construction costs, laboratory migration, biosafety systems, advanced testing devices, and IT infrastructure. The new State Public Health Lab will strengthen Nevada’s public health capacity and expand translational research that addresses critical health needs across the state.

The bill now moves to Gov. Joe Lombardo for signature.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Gov. Lombardo for prioritizing these items in the Special Session, as well as to Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, Speaker Steve Yeager, and all members of the Nevada Legislature for their leadership and support. We would also like to thank faculty, staff, and students for their advocacy throughout this process.

These two facilities are essential to the health, safety, and research capacity of our community, region, and state. They will amplify higher education’s impact by meeting Nevada’s workforce and industry needs, driving solutions-based research, and building a healthier future for all Nevadans.

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to advancing Nevada’s higher education mission.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President

November 20, 2025