Nevada Legislature

Monday, May 29

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 72 (R1) Creates the Advisory Committee on the Safety and Well-Being of Public-School Staff.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 342 Enacts provisions relating to veterinary medicine. Sheila to provided support comment at Grant Sawyer. 
• S.B. 72 (R1) Directs the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education to conduct certain studies during the 2023-2024 interim. (Work Session)
• S.B. 319 Revises provisions relating to public employees.

Assembly Education

• S.B. 291 Makes an appropriation to the Department of Education for the Nevada Institute on Teaching and Educator Preparation.

Senate Revenue and Economic Development

• A.B. 41 (R1) Establishes the Nevada Innovation Account. Vice President Michael Flores testified in support of this bill.
• S.B. 496 Revises provisions relating to the film industry. (Work Session) 

Joint Senate Finance & Assembly Ways & Means

• S.B. 409 Provisions governing stadium infrastructure projects. 

Tuesday, May 30

A.B. 212, sponsored by Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, was signed by Governor Lombardo as he was surrounded by supporters of the bill, including members of the University Government and Community Engagement Team.

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 349 (R1) Establishes the Nevada Wildlife Conservation Program.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 319 Revises provisions relating to public employees. (Work Session)
• S.B. 342 Enacts provisions relating to veterinary medicine. (Work Session)
• S.B. 350 (R1) Revises provisions relating to graduate medical education. (Work Session)

Senate Revenue

• A.B. 41 (R1) Establishes the Nevada Innovation Account. (Work Session)

Assembly Education

• S.B. 71 (R2) Revises provisions relating to the recruitment and retention of school staff.

Wednesday, May 31

Assembly Ways & Means (AM)

• A.B. 245 (R1) Revises provisions governing education.
• A.B. 332 (R1) Revises provisions relating to student education loans. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.
• S.B. 440 (R1) Makes appropriations requiring certain one-time payments and salary increases for state officers and employees.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 496 Revises provisions relating to the film industry. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Government Affairs

• S.B. 24 (R1) Revises provisions relating to the Office of Small Business Advocacy within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 491 Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education for enrollment recovery at certain institutions.

Thursday, June 1

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 483 Makes an appropriation to the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada Account.
• S.B. 457 Makes an appropriation to the Office of Finance in the Office of the Governor for certain costs related to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and costs for interdisciplinary opportunities for health students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.
• S.B. 474 Makes an appropriation to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account.
• S.B. 486 Makes appropriations to the Nevada Promise Scholarship Account and the Millennium Scholarship Trust Fund.
• S.B. 499 Revises provisions governing expenditures from the Endowment Account established in the State General Fund related to the Nevada College Savings Program.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 300 Makes an appropriation from the State General Fund to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for a grant program for certain interns. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Education

• S.B. 72 (R1) Directs the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education to conduct certain studies during the 2023-2024 interim. 

Senate Legislative Operations and Elections

• A.B. 376 (R2) Establishes provisions governing paid family leave for certain state employees. (Work Session)

Friday, June 2

Assembly Ways & Means

• S.B. 244 (R1) Makes an appropriation to the Other State Education Programs Account for the creation and maintenance of school gardens. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.
• S.B. 285 Makes an appropriation for civics education programs. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Senate Finance

• A.B. 492 Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education for certain information technology leases and equipment.
• A.B. 493 (R1) Makes an appropriation to the Nevada System of Higher Education for an interim study of the funding formula for the System.

Senate Education

• A.B. 72 (R1) Creates the Advisory Committee on the Safety and Well-Being of Public School Staff.
• A.B. 226 (R1) Revises provisions governing tuition for certain students. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 443 Expands the institutions which certain recipients of the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship are authorized to attend.

Assembly Government Affairs

• S.B. 319 Revises provisions relating to public employees.

Senate Judiciary

• A.B. 404 (R2) Revises provisions governing civil actions against a provider of health care for professional negligence.

Senate Government Affairs

• A.B. 140 (R1) Makes Juneteenth Day a legal holiday in this State. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 461 Revises provisions relating to the Public Employees' Retirement System.

Senate Growth & Infrastructure

• A.B. 151 (R1) Provides for the issuance for a limited duration of special license plates commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Nevada, Reno. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 304 (R1) Revises provisions governing certain special license plates. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Revenue

• S.B. 126 (R2) Revises provisions relating to the NV Grow Program. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Saturday, June 3

Hearings will be scheduled the day before as agendas are changing rapidly.

Assembly Education

• S.B. 342 Enacts provisions relating to veterinary medicine. 

Monday, May 22

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 498 Revises provisions relating to the Public Employees' Retirement System.

• A.B. 522 Revises provisions relating to the compensation of state employees. 

Senate Finance (AM Hearing)

• S.B. 99 Makes an appropriation to the Desert Research Institute of the Nevada System of Higher Education to support the Nevada State Cloud Seeding Program. 

• S.B. 499 Revises provisions governing expenditures from the Endowment Account established in the State General Fund related to the Nevada College Savings Program. 
• S.B. 501 Establishes for the 2023-2025 biennium the subsidies to be paid to the Public Employees' Benefits Program for insurance for certain active and retired public officers and employees. 

Senate Finance (PM Hearing)

• BDR S-1207 Authorizes expenditures by agencies of the State Government for the 2023-2025 biennium. 
• BDR S-1208 Ensures sufficient funding for K-12 public education for the 2023-2025 biennium.
• BDR S-1211 Authorizes and provides funding for certain projects of capital improvement. 
• BDR S-1212 Provides for compensation of state employees for the 2023-2025 biennium. 

The Office of Government & Community Engagement had the honor of hosting the quarterly Local Government Partnership Luncheon at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe Campus.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Bradley Crowell visited the University of Nevada, Reno campus to meet with President Sandoval to discuss future collaborations.

Tuesday, May 23

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 226 (R1) Revises provisions governing tuition for certain students. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill. 

• A.B. 279 (R1) Revises provisions governing the waiver of tuition and registration and certain fees for students who are children of certain veterans. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 491 Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education for enrollment recovery at certain institutions. 

• A.B. 494 Makes an appropriation to the University of Nevada, Reno, for the addition of weighted student credit hours resulting from the acquisition of Sierra Nevada College.
• A.B. 224 (R1) Revises provisions governing collective bargaining. 
• A.B. 522 Revises provisions relating to the compensation of state employees. 
• A.B. 386 Revises provisions relating to midwives. Sheila Bray provided testimony on neutral of this bill.

The University of Nevada, Reno hosted the quarterly briefing for members of our Congressional delegation to provide exciting updates from the campus.

Wednesday, May 24

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 270 (R1) Provides for the licensure and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants. 

• A.B. 376 (R1) Establishes provisions governing paid family leave for certain state employees.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 126 (R1) Revises provisions relating to the NV Grow Program. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of the bill.

Thursday, May 25

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 41 (R1) Establishes the Nevada Innovation Account. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 399 (R1) Creates the Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee.
• A.B. 443 Expands the institutions which certain recipients of the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship are authorized to attend.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 291 Makes various changes relating to education. (Work Session) 

• S.B. 71 Revises provisions relating to the recruitment and retention of school staff. (Work Session) 

• S.B. 88 Requires the Interim Committee on Natural Resources to conduct an interim study of certain state agencies. (Work Session) 

Assembly Judiciary

• S.B. 294 (R1) Revises provisions relating to the safe storage of firearms. 

Friday, May 26

Deadline: Second House Passage

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 515 Provides for the award of tuition assistance and stipends under the Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Weekly Zoom recap at 1:30 pm. 

Saturday, May 27

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 150 (R1) Revises provisions governing the waiver of certain fees by the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 151 (R1) Provides for the issuance for a limited duration of special license plates commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Nevada, Reno. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• S.B. 273 (R1) Changes the name of the Nevada State College to the Nevada State University. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 486 Makes appropriations to the Nevada Promise Scholarship Account and the Millennium Scholarship Trust Fund. (Work Session)
• S.B. 499 Revises provisions governing expenditures from the Endowment Account established in the State General Fund related to the Nevada College Savings Program. (Work Session)
• S.B. 457 Makes an appropriation to the Office of Finance in the Office of the Governor for certain costs related to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and costs for interdisciplinary opportunities for health students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. (Work Session)
• S.B. 474 Makes an appropriation to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account. (Work Session)

Monday, May 15

Senate Commerce & Labor

• A.B. 124 Revises provisions governing the renewal of a license as an osteopathic physician or physician assistant
• A.B. 401 (R1) Revises provisions governing schools of nursing. (Work Session)

Senate Education

• A.B. 182 Revises provisions governing education personnel.
• A.B. 241 Revises provisions governing the education of pupils enrolled in a public high school.
• A.B. 74 (R1) Revises provisions relating to higher education. (Work Session)
• A.B. 256 (R1) Revises provisions relating to work-based learning programs. (Work Session)
• A.B. 372 Revises provisions relating to higher education. (Work Session)

Senate Government Affairs

• A.B. 378 (R1) Revises provisions governing collective bargaining.

Tuesday, May 16

The Nevada System of Higher Education(NSHE) Board of Regents held a special board meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to each institution. You can view the meeting in the NSHE meeting archives.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 375 Makes an appropriation to the Nevada System of Higher Education for a grant program to expand undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at institutions within the System. Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing Cameron Duncan co-presented this bill with Senator Heidi Seevers Gansert.
• S.B. 486 Makes appropriations to the Nevada Promise Scholarship Account and the Millennium Scholarship Trust Fund. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Government Affairs

• S.B. 90 (R1) Designates the wild mustang the official state horse of Nevada.

Senate Revenue & Economic Development

• S.B. 496 Revises provisions relating to the film industry. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Senate Health & Human Services

• A.B. 188 Revises provisions governing investigational treatments.
• A.B. 114 (R1) Revises provisions governing the Nevada Early Childhood Advisory Council.

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 128 Makes an appropriation to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account for the costs of the program.
• A.B. 498 Revises provisions related to the Public Employee Retirement System.

Wednesday, May 17

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 492 Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education for certain information technology leases and equipment.
• A.B. 493 Makes an appropriation to the Nevada System of Higher Education for an interim study of the funding formula for the System. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the University.

Assembly Government Affairs

• S.B. 434 (R1) Revises provisions related to retirement (PERS).

Assembly Commerce & Labor

• S.B. 91 Authorizes a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor to supervise a certified problem gambling counselor intern. (Work Session)

Assembly Health & Human Services

• S.B. 117 (R1) Revises provisions relating to community health workers. (Work Session)

Senate Government Affairs

• A.B. 82 Designates World Esports Day as a day of observance in this State. (Work Session)
• A.B. 366 Revises provisions governing the Keep Nevada Working Task Force. (Work Session)

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 28 (R1) Establishes the Nevada Baby Bonds Program. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 45 (R1) Creates a program to repay the student education loans of certain providers of health care. Vice President Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 77 (R1) Revises provisions governing economic development (Creates Office of Entrepreneurship). Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Senate Finance

• S.B. 457 Makes an appropriation to the Office of Finance in the Office of the Governor for certain costs related to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and costs for interdisciplinary opportunities for health students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Vice President Michael Flores testified in support of this bill.

Thursday, May 18

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 37 Authorizes the establishment of the Behavioral Health Workforce Development Center of Nevada. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Education

• S.B. 80 Revises provisions relating to the prevention and treatment of injuries to the head. (Work Session)
• S.B. 442 Enacts the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. (Work Session)

Senate Revenue & Economic Development

• A.B. 122 (R1) Revises provisions relating to tobacco. (Work Session)

Senate Health & Human Services

• A.B. 267 (R1) Revises provisions governing cultural competency training. (Work Session)

Senate Natural Resources

• A.B. 424 Revises provisions relating to the issuance of bonds for environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. (Work Session)

Assembly Revenue

• A.B. 490 Authorizes the establishment of academic medical districts.

Friday, May 19

Deadline: Second Committee Passage

Assembly Ways & Means

• A.B. 319 Makes an appropriation to the Department of Education for universal free breakfast and lunch for Nevada pupils. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.
• A.B. 428 Revises provisions relating to economic development. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Saturday, May 20

• S.B. 118 Revises provisions relating to public health.
• S.B. 297 Provides for the establishment of the Nevada Memory Network.

Monday, May 8

The University of Nevada, Reno Provost Jeff Thompson, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Provost Chris Heavey went to Carson City to advocate about the capital improvement requests for both institutions.

Monday was also Made in Nevada Day at the Legislature. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) participated on behalf of the University.

Senate Education: A.B. 212 – Revises provisions related to transcripts.

Joint Assembly Ways & Means and Senate Finance

Budget closings on Legislative Council Bureau, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and reports from the subcommittees on budget closings for Department of Administration (excludes Capital Improvement Program), Dept of Education (part), Commission on Mineral Resources, Dept of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dept of Health & Human Services (part), Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, Dept of Transportation, and Silver State Health Exchange.

Related to the Workforce Innovation for A New Nevada (WINN) account within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development; the committee did not approve the $24 million capacity enhancements request or the $20 million grant dollar requests. The committee left open the option to approve $20 million towards the end of session that the University could look to pursue.

Tuesday, May 9

Assembly Judiciary: A.B. 404- Revises provisions governing civil actions against a provider of health care for professional negligence. University of Nevada, Reno Medical School Dean Paul Hauptman provided testimony in opposition of this bill on behalf of the University.

Senate Revenue and Economic Development: A.B. 98- Revises provisions governing economic development.

Wednesday, May 10

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Physician Assistant program visited their elected representatives in Carson City to advocate on behalf of the medical field.

Joint Senate Finance and Assembly Ways & Means

Reports From Subcommittees On Budget Closings: Capital Improvement Program Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The funds within this request included deferred maintenance which will go to fully completing the University’s ADA accessibility improvement plan.

Additionally, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Budget was closed. We are thankful that funds for Graduate Student stipend increases and summer school funding for education were both included.

Senate Education

• Presentation on the Findings of the External Evaluation of Certain Education Programs – Dr. Jhone Ebert (NDE) and Dr. Brad Marianno (UNLV)
• A.B. 73- Provides right of public school pupils to wear certain adornments at school graduation ceremonies.
• A.B. 118- Revises provisions relating to the Nevada System of Higher Education. (Work Session)
• A.B. 74- Revises provisions relating to higher education. (Work Session)
• A.B. 164- Revises provisions related to outdoor recreation. (Work Session)

Assembly Health & Human Services: S.B. 161 - Provides for the use of certain federal benefits to purchase menstrual products. S.B. 315 - Makes revisions relating to the rights of persons with disabilities and persons who are aged.

The Clark County School District (CCSD) hosted the “Evening of Excellence” Starlight Awards, honoring over 800 teachers, support professionals, central office, school administrators and licensed specialists. The University was honored to be a sponsor at this event. Nora Luna and Tricia Braxton-Perry from Extension in Las Vegas attended to recognize our CCSD partners.

Thursday, May 11 

Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony made his first official visit to campus since he was sworn into his position. The Lieutenant Governor took a tour of campus, learned about the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe programming, and heard from the College of Business about the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Senate Judiciary: A.B. 14 - Creates the Business Licensing Working Group. (Work Session)

The University of Nevada, Reno was awarded the highly competitive grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, program. The University is one of 44 unique teams to receive one of the first-ever NSF Engines Development Awards, which aim to help partners collaborate to create economic, societal and technological opportunities for their regions. The University’s region of service is the state of Nevada.

Friday, May 12

The Government & Community Engagement team attended the annual Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement Recognition breakfast.

The University celebrated the first cohort of students who are wrapping up their work in the TechWise program, sponsored by Google. We want to extend our most sincere congratulations to these students for all of their hard work!

Senate Finance

• SB 350 (R1) - Revisions pertaining to Graduate Medical Education (GME). Sheila Bray provided testimony in support.
• S.B. 244 - Makes appropriation to the Other State Education Programs Account for the creation and maintenance of school garden programs. (Work Session)
• S.B. 285 - Makes an appropriation for civics education programs. (Work Session)
• S.B. 291 – Makes various changes relating to education. (Funding to Nevada Institute for Teacher and Educator Preparation, NITEP). Sheila Bray provided testimony in support.

Assembly Judiciary: S.B. 368 – Revises provisions related to real property. Associate Professor, Jacob Dorman, provided testimony in support of this bill.

Monday, May 1 

Legislative Counsel Bureau Economic Forum – The Economic Forum met on Monday to receive an update on the Nevada economy to date, employment outlook, and review forecasted revenue projections for the upcoming two years to assist the legislature in allocating funding over the next biennium.

By in large, Nevada’s economy is performing well with a strong labor market and job growth, unemployment rate remaining steady at 5.5% since September 2022. While economists hint to a potential recession in the coming future, no signs lead to the drastic 2008 recession or economic impacts of the 2020 pandemic.  Growth in the areas of Live Entertainment Tax (LET) as well as gaming percentage tax fee due to increased wins, volume and events particularly in Clark County. Slight decreases are anticipated over the next two -years from the Real Property Transfer Tax and Modified Business Tax.

The December 2022 Economic Forum projections indicated $11.4 billion in general fund revenue. Today’s forecast indicated that projection to be $11.6 billion. Legislators will have the difference, approximately $251 million, in new projected dollars to allocate over the next biennium (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025).  The Nevada Independent provides a full synopsis from the Economic Forum. The Governor’s Office also released a press release identifying their next steps to amend the Governor’s proposed executive budget base given this update in projection.

Senate Judiciary: A.B. 14 – Creates the Business Licensing Working Group. Winnie Dowling from the Small Business Development Center provided testimony in support of this bill.

Tuesday, May 2

Joint Finance, Subcommittee on Public Safety, Natural Resources, and Transportation

• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources closed their budget in Tuesday’s Joint Finance Committees – Subcommittee on Public Safety, Natural Resources and Transportation. Of particular note, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency budget closed.

Senate Health and Human Services: A.B. 267 – Revises provisions governing cultural competency training for healthcare providers. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Legislative Operations and Elections: S.J.R. 5 – Expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to cover the purchase of menstrual products.

U.S. Representative Dina Titus (NV-1) gave a joint address to the Nevada Legislature.

Wednesday, May 3

The Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) held The Business Edge Breakfast with special guests, Kris Thompson of Gilman Commercial Real Estate and U.S. Representative Mark Amodei (NV-2). They spoke on current and potential future economic growth for Northern Nevada.

U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) returned to his alma mater to meet with students in the University’s First Generation focused programs, learn about the University’s involvement in the lithium loop, and meet with faculty part of “Black at the Pack”.

Senate Education: A.B. 74 – Authorizes the Board of Regents to enter into agreement to affiliate with private or public entities. A.B. 372 – Authorizes the Board of Regents to enter into an agreement with certain entities to provide certain educational tools to families and caretakers.

Senate Government Affairs: A.B. 366 – Revises provisions governing the Keep Nevada Working Taskforce.

U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) gave a joint address to the Nevada Legislature.

Thursday, May 4

Senate Finance and Assembly Ways & Means; Subcommittee on K-12, Higher Education, CIP

The Joint Senate Finance and Assembly Ways & Means Subcommittee heard the budget closing for the Department of Administration; Capital Improvement Program today. The following NSHE CIP requests recommended to be approved by the joint committee:

• Chilled Water Central Plant Renovation (Desert Research Institute Northern Nevada Science Center); 23-M37 for $5,382,593
• Nevada System of Higher Education Deferred Maintenance; 23-M01 for $15,000,000. Of this, University of Nevada, Reno’s recommended portion is $5,525,834 for 16 projects. 
• Nevada System of Higher Education Additional Deferred Maintenance; 23-M51 for $50,000,000. Of this, University of Nevada, Reno’s recommended portion is approximately $18,500,000 to be used for University ADA/Accessibility priorities.  

Assembly Education: S.B. 80 – Revises provisions relating to the prevention and treatment of injuries to the head.

Assembly Revenue: S.B. 394 (R1) – Revises provisions governing abatements and partial abatements of certain taxes. Vice President Mridul Gautam provided testimony in opposition of this bill on behalf of the University.

Mexican Consulate, Julián Escutia Rodríguez provided an informative lecture in honor of the U.S.-Mexico Partnership Bicentennial Celebration on campus.

The University hosted an event for graduating Collegiate Academy students in Clark County where over 600 Clark County High School seniors were invited to be honored with a medal presentation celebrating their success and completion of dual enrollment courses.

Friday, May 5

Assembly Ways & Means and Senate Finance; Subcommittee on K-12, Higher Education, CIP

This morning, the Joint K-12, Higher Education, and CIP Subcommittees of the Money Committees closed our University operating budgets. Today was a significant step forward in finalizing our budgets for the next biennium; it is unusual but not unheard of that changes occur during the final steps. 

This is a preliminary analysis based on the overview provided this morning and the Subcommittee discussion. Major actions approved in today’s closing, which were unchanged from the Governor’s Recommended Budget in January include:

• Reduction to UNR’s instructional budget of $3.2m/year for loss of Weighted Student Credit Hours 
• Restoration of 21 Session budget cuts of $7.6m/year in instructional budget (note – these are the funds for the 42 new instructional positions being recruited for in advance of next fall)
• Funding for increase in Grad Asst. Stipends ($2000/year doctoral; $1000/year master’s), $1.9m, 
• Funding for increase in number of Grad Asst. Positions (44 new in FY 24 and an additional 44 new in FY 25, total of 88 new by end of FY 25) $4m total
• Funding for summer teacher education programs.
• All of the other line-item budgets closed unchanged.  

Senate Commerce and Labor

• A.B. 364 – Brian Lauf (UNR Med) co-presented this bill with Assemblywoman Cohen on behalf of the Nevada Academy of Physicians Assistants. Austin Brown provided testimony in support on behalf of the University.
• A.B. 401 – Revises provisions relating to schools of nursing.

• Weekly Legislative Zoom Recap at 1:30 pm with guest Assemblywoman Cecelia Gonzalez. 

Monday, April 24

Joint Senate Finance/Assembly Ways & Means

Budget closing on Governor’s Office, Office of Finance and Commission on Ethics

Tuesday, April 25

First House Passage Deadline

Joint Senate Finance/Assembly Ways & Means; Subcommittee on Human Services

Budget closing, Department of Health & Human Services – Division of Public and Behavioral Health and Division of Child and Family Services.

Diapers for Diplomas, offered by Baby’s Bounty, kicked off their program with a panel in Las Vegas with representation from each NSHE Institution to highlight the importance of their program. Provost Thompason joined other NSHE leaders in the launch at Nevada State College in Henderson. This program will provide any part-time or full-time NSHE parenting student with a calendar-year of free diapers.

Vice President Michael Flores served as a panelist at the Latin Howl Event. Latinx leaders on campus came together for important conversations, great food, and an evening of fun events.

Wednesday, April 26

Joint Senate Finance/Assembly Ways & Means; Subcommittee on Education

Budget closing on Department of Education – Teach Nevada

Senate Education: A.B. 118 - Revises provisions relating to the Nevada System of Higher Education. A.B. 164 (R1) Revises provisions related to outdoor recreation. A.B. 212 Establishes provisions governing student transcripts.

Assembly Ways & Means: A.B. 400 - Revises provisions relating to education (Governor’s Education Bill).

Assembly Natural Resources: S.B. 258 – Temporary changes relating to water appropriations. UNR Intern Jarrod Horn co-presented the bill with Senator Ohrenschall.

Senate Education

• A.B. 118 – Updates term limits and membership to the NSHE Board of Regents. The Chancellor provided testimony in opposition of this bill.
• A.B. 164 – Establishes an Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the University.
• A.B. 212 – Ensures certain students are able to obtain transcripts, and in some cases, without a late fee. Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the University.

Assembly Ways & Means: A.B. 400 – Revises various provisions relating to education. (Governor’s education reform bill). 

Thursday, April 27

Leaders from the Nevada First Generation Network went to Carson City to meet with legislators about the importance of funding first generation focused programs throughout the state.

Friday, April 28

Joint Assembly Ways & Means and Senate Finance; Subcommittee on General Government

Budget Closing on Commission on Mineral Resources; Division of Minerals

Weekly Legislative Zoom at 1:30 pm with guest Assemblywoman Erica Mosca.

Saturday, April 29

Joint Committees on Finance

Budget Closing on the Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Finance, and the Legislative Branch.

Monday, April 17

The “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” exhibit had its grand reopening at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. This event showcased the groundbreaking research faculty member Dr. Zeb Hogan is conducting around the world.

Tuesday, April 18

Vice President Kamala Harris visited the University of Nevada to discuss various important topics to the students and faculty of the University. Vice President Harris was accompanied by actor and activist, Rosario Dawson and Reno mayor, Hillary Schieve.

Wednesday, April 19

Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Committee on Finance: Budget closing on Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP). Budget closing on Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT)

Assembly Commerce and Labor: S.B. 91- Authorizes a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor to supervise a certified problem gambling counselor intern. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the University.

Senate Government Affairs: A.B. 82- Designates World Esports Day as a day of observance in this State. Two students from the University of Nevada, Reno, Juliana Garcia and Mariness Solis, testified in support of this bill. Sheila Bray also provided testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the University.

First Generation Student Roundtable: Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, Assemblywoman Angie Taylor, Assemblywoman Cecelia Gonzales and Assemblyman Reuben D’Silva joined over fifty University students to discuss first-gen student experiences, successes, and opportunities to continue to engage with them in the future.

Thursday, April 20

Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Committee on Finance, Subcommittee on General Government: Budget closing on Nevada Department of Agriculture

Assembly Ways and Means: A.B. 140- Makes Juneteenth a legal holiday in this State. A.B. 461- Revises provisions relating to the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

Friday, April 21

Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Committee on Finance, Subcommittee on K-12, Higher Education, CIP: Budget closing on Department of Administration State Public Works Division.

Agriculture Day at the Legislature: University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources, Extension and Experiment Station participated in an event hosted by Nevada Department of Agriculture at the legislature, providing information on research, education, and outreach throughout the state.

Saturday, April 22

Joint Committee of Senate Finance & Assembly Ways & Means

Budget Closing – Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)

The Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada budget line includes funding for a workforce and economic development capacity grant program. The Governor has recommended $24M for the biennium that would primarily go to NSHE institutions. This was not closed on Saturday, and this will be finalized towards the end of session.

The subcommittee approved $5M for the biennium within the Knowledge Fund. GOED has also asked for an additional one shot of $5M that will come in another bill in a few weeks. This additional funding would get this Knowledge Fund back to pre-pandemic funding levels.

Last week during the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) budget closing, legislators added funding to hire someone to oversee the GME work that the office manages.

Monday, April 10

Antisemitism Workshop with guest Governor Joe Lombardo.

Senate Finance and Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittees on K-12/Higher Education/CIP: Budget Closing: State Public Charter School Authority

Assembly Health and Human Services: A.B. 348 – Creates the Virtual Early Childhood Family Engagement Pilot Program in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Senate Education: S.B. 47 – Revises provisions relating to teachers. (Work Session)

Senate Government Affairs: S.B. 434 – Revises provisions related to public retirement systems. S.B. 388 – Revises provisions relating to certain public employees.

Assembly Natural Resources: A.B. 313 – Revises provisions relating to mining reclamation. A.B. 349 – Establishes the Nevada Wildlife Conservation Program. A.B. 184 – Establishes an incentive program for the purchase of certain zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles. A.B. 162 – Revises provisions governing restricted-use pesticides containing certain chemicals.

Tuesday, April 11

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto addressed a joint session of the legislature.

Washoe County Commissioner Clara Andriola was sworn in after being appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo. Commissioner Alexis Hill was appointed Chair and Commissioner Jeanne Herman was appointed Vice Chair.

Assembly Government Affairs: A.B. 376 – Establishes provisions governing paid family leave for certain state employees.

Senate Revenue: S.B. 394 – Revises provisions governing property taxes levied for the support of public schools. S.B. 369 – Revises provisions relating to health care.

Senate Health and Human Services: S.B. 117 – Revises provisions relating to community health workers. (Work Session) S.B. 119 – Provides for the continuation of certain requirements governing insurance coverage of telehealth services. (Work Session) S.B. 416 – Revises provisions relating to health care. (Work Session) S.B. 204 – Provides for the limited practice of medicine by certain medical school graduates. (Work Session)

Assembly Revenue: A.B. 37 – Authorizes the establishment of the Behavioral Health Workforce Development Center of Nevada. (Work Session) A.B. 41 – Establishes the Nevada Innovation Account. (Work Session)

Councilwoman Kathleen Taylor – Ward 5 Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB) hosted on campus.

Wednesday, April 12

Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Committee on Finance, Subcommittees on K-12/Higher Education/CIP: Department of Education Budget Closing

Assembly Judiciary: A.B. 209 – Revises provisions relating to certain providers of health care. Dean Hauptman provided testimony in opposition to this bill.

Assembly Commerce & Labor: A.B. 198 – Provides for the registration of providers of health care who are not licensed in this State to provide services through telehealth to patients located in this State. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Assembly Revenue: A.B. 409 – Creates the Juneteenth Educational and Economic Commission. Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Senate Education: S.B. 342 – Enacts provisions related to veterinary medicine. The bill was co-presented by University of Nevada, Reno Associate Professor, Mike Teglas. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill.

Thursday, April 13

Latino Small Business Day at the Legislature

Senate Health and Human Services: S.B. 241 – Revises provisions relating to Medicaid. (Work Session) S.B. 242 – Revises provisions relating to certain controlled substances. S.B. 419 – Makes revisions relating to public health.

Friday, April 14

Deadline: Committee Passage (First House)

Weekly Legislative Zoom at 1:30 pm with guest Senate Minority Leader Heidi Seevers Gansert.

Monday, April 3

University of Nevada, Reno Day at the Legislature was a huge success thanks to the students, staff, and faculty who came to participate. Thank you for being part of the legislative process and the Wolf Pack Family! Check out the video recap from the day!

Assembly Ways and Means: A.B. 328: Appropriation to the Immigration Clinic at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Assembly Commerce and Labor: A.B. 332: Student Loan Borrower’s bill of rights. ASUN’s Amanda Vaskov co-presented this bill. Sheila Bray testified in support of this bill. A.B. 364: Revises provisions governing physician assistants.

Assembly Health and Human Services: A.B. 403: Revises provisions governing halfway houses for persons recovering from alcohol or other substance use disorders.

Senate Education: S.B. 273: Nevada State College Name Change – Work Session. S.B. 313: Standards surrounding social and emotional learning to include mental health. Sheila Bray testified in support of this bill.

Tuesday, April 4

Senate Revenue and Economic Development: S.B. 144: Establishes a credit against certain taxes for taxpayer who donates money to a CTE program tax credit organization that makes grants to programs of career and technical education.

Assembly Education:A.B. 279: Fee waiver for tuition and fees for children of certain veterans. Vice President Michael Flores testified in support of this bill. This bill was passed out of the committee. A.B. 323: Requires the Nevada Department of Education Superintendent to develop a strategic plan for recruitment of teachers. A.B. 372: Authorizes NSHE to enter into agreements with entities to provide educational tools to families.

Senate Education: S.B. 297: Provides for the establishment of the Nevada Memory Care Network.

Senate Legislative Operations and Elections: S.J.R. 5: Urges Congress to expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to cover the purchase of menstrual products. (Work session) S.J.R. 7*: Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to remove the constitutional provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents of the State University and to authorize the Legislature to provide by statute for the governance of the State University and for the auditing of public institutions of higher education in this State. (Work Session)

Wednesday, April 5

Joint Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance, Subcommittee on K-12/Higher Ed/Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)

Budget Hearing: CIP Requests, Department of Administration

Assembly Government Affairs: A.B. 224: Collective Bargaining (Work Session) A.B. 366: Revises provisions governing Keep Nevada Working Task Force (Work Session)

Senate Education: S.B. 438: Revises provisions relating to the recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers. President Sandoval presented part of this bill. S.B. 80: Revises provisions relating to the prevention and treatment of injuries to the head (Work Session). A.B. 428: Revises provisions related to economic development (teacher preparation).

Senate Judiciary: S.B. 294: Revises provisions related to safe storage of firearms.

Senate Finance: S.B. 440: Makes appropriations requiring certain one-time payments and salary increases for state officers and employees. Michael Flores provided testimony in support of this bill.

Thursday, April 6

University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health Day at the Legislature. More than 40 students and 20 faculty and staff attended, held meetings with legislators and participated in floor and committee sessions.

Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci and Megan Comlossy met with legislators throughout the day. Pictured below is a meeting with Senate Health and Human Services Chair, Senator Fabian Donate.

Senate Health and Human Services: S.B. 350: Provisions related to Graduate Medical Education. Tim Baker from UNR Med presented the bill with Senator Pazina. Sheila Bray testified in support of this bill. This bill was passed out of the committee.

Joint Assembly and Senate Judiciary: A.B. 354: Revisions relating to the age of firearm usage. A.B. 355: Revisions relating to firearms in polling location. S.B. 171: Revisions relating to the governance of firearms.

Friday, April 7

Assembly Commerce and Labor: A.B. 401: This bill adjusts the student to teacher ratio for schools of nursing. A.B. 108: Enacts the Nurse Licensure Compact. A.B. 433: Expands the institutions which certain recipients of the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship are authorized to attend.

Monday, March 27

Senate Judiciary:  S.S. 289 Revises provisions relating to crimes against providers of health care.

Assembly Health and Human Services:  A.B. 201 Regards the children's behavioral health systems of care. 

Senate Education: S.B. 47 Establishes the Public Education Employee Working Taskforce. 

Assembly Natural Resources: A.B. 349 Establishes the Wildlife Conservation Program. Vice President of Government and Community Engagement, Michael Flores, testified in support of this bill. 

Tuesday, March 28

University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work Day at the Legislature. 

Senate Revenue and Economic Development: S.B. 369 Revises provisions relating to donation taxes to institutions who provide physician fellowships and trainings.

Senate Finance: A.B. 268 – Makes appropriations for the payment of retention incentives to certain employees of the State Government. This bill was amended to include Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) administrative faculty. 

Senate Natural Resources: S.J.R. 4 – Urges the Federal Government to use Yucca Mountain for the development and storage of renewable energy. Presentation from the Department of Wildlife.

Assembly Education: A.B. 226 – Regarding instate tuition for DACA recipients that graduate from a Nevada high school. A.B. 182- Provisions governing educational personnel.

Senate Health and Human Services: S.B. 419- Makes provisions to public health, establishes the Nevada Hope Act.

Wednesday, March 29

University faulty, Dr. Jafeth Sanchez and Dr. Karla Hernandez participated in Latino Lobby Day.

University President Brian Sandoval presented to the City of Reno about the developments happening at the University as well as the impact our graduates are having on the community:.

Thursday, March 30

Joint Finance Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Committee on Finance: Work Session: State Employees’ Compensation and Benefits.

Senate Revenue & Economic Development: S.B. 278 – Revises provisions governing childcare.

Assembly Education: A.B. 241- Dual Enrollment. A.B. 245 – Revises provision related to campus safety. Two students from the University, Amanda Vaskov and Olivia Ngo, co-presented this bill with Assembly woman Torres.

Friday, March 31

Joint Finance Senate Committee on Finance and Assembly Committee on Ways and Means: Work Session: Department of Education. K-12 Funding presentations.

Monday, March 20

Monday was the original bill introduction deadline, but due to snow days, was postponed to Monday, March 27.

The Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce hosted its legislative breakfast to advance small businesses within the state.

Senate Education: S.B. 278 – Nevada State College name change. Assembly Natural Resources. A.B. 249 – Addresses hemp in animal feed. New Bills Introduced. S.B. 352 – Enacts provisions relating to veterinary medicine

Tuesday, March 21

Assembly Government Affairs: A.B. 224 – Address collective bargaining for employees. A.B. 28 – Establishes the Nevada Baby Bonds Program

Assembly Education: A.B. 217 – Homeless fee waiver. A.B. 212 – Address the cost of obtaining student transcripts. A.B. 256 – Revises provisions relating to work-based learning programs

Senate Health & Human Services: Dr. Jafeth Sanchez, Director of the Latino Research Center, and Jill Tolles, Executive Director of the Guinn Center, presented on behalf of their respective organizations. S.B. 241 – Dr. John Packham from the School of Medicine presented this bill which revises provisions relating to Medicaid.

Senate Natural Resources:  Dr. Jake DeDecker from the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources and Dr. Jim Faulds from the Divisions of Mines presented on behalf of their respective organizations.

Senate Legislative Operations and Elections: S.J.R. 7* – Removes the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution.

New Bills Introduced: S.B. 350 – Revises provisions relating to graduate medical education

Wednesday, March 22

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) met with Assemblywoman Natha Anderson.

Senate Finance: A.B. 268 – Retention bonuses for state employees.

Chief of Staff Ben Kieckhefer and Acting Chancellor Dale Erquiaga presented the bill. There was robust discussion about including NSHE administrative faculty in this bill and we are continuing to monitor these discussions.

Thursday, March 23

University of Nevada, Reno Extension 4-H Capitol Days at the Legislature. The university welcomed nearly 50 4-H youth from across the state to the Nevada legislature. Youth had opportunity to meet with individual legislators, sit on Assembly and Senate floors and get an up close view of the legislative process in action.

Senate Health & Human Services:  S.B. 297 – Establishes the Nevada Memory Network. 

Assembly Education: A.B. 330 – Governor’s bill regarding school discipline.

New Bills Introduced: S.B. 375 – Makes an appropriation to the Nevada System of Higher Education for a grant program to expand undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at institutions within the System.

Friday, March 24

Joint Ways and Means and Finance Committee: Nevada Department of Education Teach Nevada Program Presentation

Weekly Legislative Zoom at 1:30 P.M.

Monday, March 13

Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor: A.B. 236 which revises provisions governing the practice of psychology

Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services: A.B. 202 which revises provisions governing electronic communication devices in certain healthcare facilities. A.B. 208 which establishes a program to provide structured family caregiving to certain recipients of Medicaid

Senate Committee on Government Affairs: S.B. 12 which makes various changes to the Charter of the City of Reno. S.B. 18 which revises provisions governing required meetings of planning commissions in certain counties. S.B. 169 which revises provisions governing master plans

Assembly Committee on Natural Resources: A.B. 220 which revises provisions relating to water conservation. A.B. 221 which authorizes the management of designated terrestrial invertebrates

Assembly Committee on Ways & Means: A.B. 268 makes appropriations for the payment of retention incentives to certain employees of the State Government.

Faculty Senate Chair, Eric Marchand met with legislators from across the state to advocate for University priorities on behalf of faculty.

Tuesday, March 14

Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure: A.B. 262 which revises provisions relating to state-owned vehicles

Senate Committee on Natural Resources: S.B. 112 which revises provisions governing groundwater basin assessments

Assembly Committee on Revenue:  A.B. 37 which authorizes the establishment of the Behavioral Health Workforce Development Center of Nevada.

Megan Comlossy from the University of Nevada, Reno Center for Public Health Excellence testified in support of the bill.

Wednesday, March 15

Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure: S.B. 27 which revises provisions relating to excavations in areas containing subsurface installations

Wolf Pack Vets were well represented during Veterans Day at the Legislature. They had meetings and were able to connect with other vets from around the state.

Thursday, March 16

Congressman Horsford visited Extension’s North Las Vegas on Thursday, March 16. The office is Clark County’s newest location, located across from North Las Vegas City Hall.

Friday, March 17

Weekly Legislative Briefing at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom

Monday, March 6

 Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor met to discuss SB 145 which revises provisions related to employee misclassification (BDR 53-159).
Senate Government Affairs met to hear AB 52 which makes revisions to Open Meeting Law (BDR 19-416).
Senate Committee on Education met to discuss S.B. 158 which requires video cameras in certain classrooms that are used for special education in public schools. The committee discussed S.B. 71 which Creates the Nevada State Education Support Professional Recruitment and Retention Advisory Task Force. The committee also discussed S.B. 72 which Directs the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education to conduct certain studies during the 2023-2024 interim (BDR S-441).
Assembly Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss A.B. 71 which requires the Division of Environmental Protection of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to conduct an interim

Tuesday, March 7

 Assembly Committee on Government Affairs met to discuss AB 92 which authorizes a board of county commissioners to create the office of county counsel (BDR 20-619).
Assembly Committee on Education met to hear AB 72 which creates the advisory committee on the Safety and Well-Being of Teachers (BDR 34-442). The committee heard AB 73 which provides the right of public-school pupils to wear certain adornments at school graduation ceremonies (BDR 34-440). The committee also heard A.B. 164 which revises provisions related to outdoor recreation (BDR S-487). Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of AB 164.

Wednesday, March 8

 College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources Dean Bill Payne and Extension Director Jake DeDecker met with policymakers to share more about the land-grant mission of education throughout Nevada. 

Thursday, March 9

 Assembly Committee on Government Affairs heard AB 224 which makes provisions related to collective bargaining. Kent Ervin presented this ill on behalf of the Nevada Faculty Alliance. 
Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development met to discuss S.B. 126 which revises provisions relating to the NV Grow Program. (BDR S-791)
The quarterly NSHE Board of Regents Meeting was held in Las Vegas at the College of Southern Nevada.
Winnie Dowling, Director of the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) met with legislators to advocate for small businesses throughout the state. 

Friday, March 10

 Weekly Legislative Briefing at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom with guest Senator Scott Hammond.
The quarterly NSHE Board of Regents Meeting was held in Las Vegas at the College of Southern Nevada.  

Monday, February 27

 Meetings were canceled due to inclement weather.

Tuesday, February 28

Meetings were canceled due to inclement weather.

Wednesday, March 1

 Joint meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance and Assembly Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittees on K-12/Higher Education/CIP met to discuss budget hearings from the department of education.

Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services met to discuss AB 45 which creates a program to repay the student education loans of certain providers of health care (BDR 18-359). Austin Brown gave testimony on behalf of the University in support of this bill.

Dr. Matt Forister, Professor in Biology within the College of Science presented on AB 162 which revises provisions governing restricted use-pesticides containing certain chemicals.

Thursday, March 2

 AB 48, a bill that revises provisions relating to the privilege for communication between a victim of certain crimes and a victim's advocate was heard in Assembly Judiciary.

Megan Comlossy from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Healthmade a joint presentation with Dean Shawn Gerstenberger from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health to the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. They presented an overview of public health in Nevada, along with joint needs and collaborations of the schools of public health. Additionally, Dr. John Packham presented on behalf of the Nevada Public Health Association. 

AB 150 was heard in the Assembly Education Committee where sponsor Assembly woman Natha Anderson presented the bill with Markie Wilder from the Multicultural Center. This bill would make adjustments to currently written policy that allows for fee waivers for Native American students in NSHE Institutions. 

Friday, March 3

 Senate Committee on Judiciary met to discuss SB 142 which enacts the Homeless Persons’ Bill of Rights. (BDR 38-195).

During our Weekly Zoom update, Assemblyman Ruben D'Silva joined to share his thoughts about Week 4.

Special Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents Meeting at 3:00 pm. 

Saturday, March 4

 The Nevada Wolf Pack takes on the UNLV Running Rebels at Lawlor Events Center at 2:00 pm. Go Pack! 

Monday, February 20

ASUN Day at the Legislature. Undergraduate Students from UNR spent the day meeting with lawmakers and presenting to the Assembly Committee on Government Affairs.

SB 131 was heard in Senate Commerce & Labor, but no action was taken. This bill revises provisions relating to reproductive health care

AB 109 is related to soil health and was heard in Assembly Natural Resources. Sheila Bray testified in support of this bill. 

Tuesday, February 21

Joint Senate Committee on Finance and Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittees on K-12/Higher Education/CIP met to discuss budget hearings regarding NSHE. President Sandoval, along with other NSHE presidents, answered questions to help inform the committee members of budget issues surrounding NSHE institutions.

AB 151 was heard in the Assembly Growth & Infrastructure Committee. This bill is regarding the university's #Celebrate150 license plate and President Sandoval presented the proposed plate mockups. 

Mining Day at the Legislature. The College of Science had representatives to participate in the day.

SB 117 was heard in Senate Health & Human Services. Sheila Bray provided testimony in support of this bill. This bill is in relation to community health workers.

Thursday, February 23

 Deans and students from the UNLV & UNR School of Medicine gave a presentation to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. This meeting also discussed SB 146 which revises provisions relating to health care. The School of Medicine deans from UNR and UNLV gave joint testimony in support of SB 146, as well as Acting Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing, Cameron Duncan.

AB 35 was heard in Assembly Judiciary. This bill revises provisions governing the access of offenders to telecommunications devices.

AB41 was heard in Assembly Revenue. This bill authorizes the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada to enter into an agreement to affiliate with a public or private entity. Austin Brown testified in support of this bill.

Assembly Education Committee - UNR and UNLV Medical students and deans testified in support of AB 74 which expands opportunities for partnerships. Acting Chancellor Dale Erquiaga also gave a presentation to this committee about the state of NSHE.

Nurses Day at the Legislature. Dean Cameron Duncan represented the Orvis School of Nursing.

Friday, February 24

 All committee meetings today were canceled because of the weather.

Weekly Legislative Briefing at 1:30 pm via Zoom.

Public Medical Education Day at the Legislature was rescheduled due to the weather.

Monday, February 13

Assembly Health & Human Services - Megan Comlossy gave a presentation about public health. 

Tuesday, February 14

 AB 68 was heard in Assembly Judiciary. This bill Revises provisions governing the assessment imposed on certain counties for the operation of a regional facility for the treatment and rehabilitation of children. (BDR 5-438)

Wednesday, February 15

NSHE: State of the System Address by Chancellor Dale Erquiaga to members of the Senate Education Committee.

SB 91 was heard in Senate Commerce & Labor. This bill Authorizes a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor to supervise a certified problem gambling counselor intern. (BDR 54-57)

SB 97 was heard in Senate Commerce & Labor. This bill would create a Physical Therapy Licensure Compact in Nevada.

Thursday, February 16

NSHE Capital Improvement Project Requests items were heard in a Joint Assembly Ways & Means/Senate Finance hearing. Two CABNR students came to show their support during public comment.

AB 122 was heard in Assembly Judiciary. This bill revises provisions relating to tobacco. (BDR 32-728)

SB 118 was heard in Senate Health & Human Services. Megan Comlossy gave a presentation on the bill. Sheila Bray gave testimony in support of this bill.

AB 140 was heard Assembly Government Affairs. This bill makes Juneteenth Day a legal holiday in this State. Vice President Michael Flores gave testimony in support of this bill.

AB 69 was heard in Assembly Education. Megan Comlossy testified in support on behalf of the Behavioral Health Workforce Workgroup.

Friday, February 17

 Weekly Legislative Briefing at 1:30 pm via Zoom. 

AB 82 was heard in  Assembly Government Affairs. This bill designates World Esports Day as a day of observance in this State.

Monday, February 6

Newly elected legislators were sworn in on Monday morning alongside members of their families. There were other ceremonial activities on this day to celebrate the start of the session.  

Tuesday, February 7

Committees were set up on Tuesday. Dual Credit was discussed in the Assembly Education committee.

Wednesday, February 8

 Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP) presentation was given to the Assembly Government Affairs Committee.

Thursday, February 9

State Superintendent Jhone Ebert and CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara gave a presentation to the Assembly Education Committee. Assemblywoman Torres asked whether or not school districts were reporting on dual credit offerings.