Asm. Selena La Rue Hatch

Maddy summaryAJR 7 proposes amending the Nevada Constitution to establish a Citizens’ Commission that would set salaries and benefits for specific elected officials, including state legislators, the governor, lieutenant governor, and other constitutional officers. The Commission, composed of seven members with diverse backgrounds (including public interest, business, and labor representation), would determine compensation annually based on duties and market comparisons, with a 15% cap on annual changes. It would replace the current legislative authority to set these salaries, requiring the Commission to file initial and subsequent schedules by January 1, 2029, and every odd-numbered year thereafter. This change directly affects the compensation structure for these elected officials without altering existing fiscal impacts on state or local government.

Maddy summaryAB 81 exempts Nevada from federal law requiring seasonal time changes (daylight saving time). If enacted, Nevada would observe Pacific Standard Time year-round instead of switching clocks twice annually. This applies to all state agencies and local governments across Nevada. The exemption would take effect on July 1, 2025, under federal law (15 U.S.C. § 260a).

Maddy summarySCR 4 declares April 2025 as Financial Literacy Month in Nevada to raise public awareness about financial capability. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or programs; it simply recognizes the importance of financial literacy for Nevada residents. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit it to state officials, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and financial industry groups. It follows Nevada's prior legislative efforts to support financial education in schools but has no direct policy impact on individuals or institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 425 grants teachers sole authority to determine student grades and grading components (like assignment weights) for all courses, overriding state or school district policies that interfere with this judgment. It prohibits school boards, administrators, parents, or others from pressuring teachers to change grades or grading methods, with penalties for intimidation (misdemeanor charges for threatening teachers). The bill also eliminates requirements for teachers to develop learning goals for student evaluations, removing related provisions from existing law. These changes directly affect teachers, school administrators, and parents in Nevada public schools.

Maddy summaryAB 382 requires health insurers in Nevada to cover biomarker testing for the diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of *any* medical condition or disease when supported by medical evidence - expanding coverage beyond the previous limitation to cancer-related testing. It removes the prior requirement that coverage be deemed "medically necessary" and mandates insurers to: (1) cover such testing without prior authorization delays (24 hours for urgent requests, 72 hours otherwise), (2) establish clear appeal processes for denied coverage, and (3) publish these processes online. The bill directly affects all public and private health plans (including Medicaid and state employee plans) and their insured patients seeking biomarker testing for non-cancer conditions. Coverage remains limited to tests supported by evidence like FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or national coverage determinations, excluding screening or tests outside a provider’s scope.

Maddy summaryAB 252 creates a new Office of Ombudsman for Legislative Employees within Nevada's Legislative Counsel Bureau. This office directly assists state legislators' staff by helping them understand workplace rights, mediating conflicts (including equity issues), and providing information about support services - all while strictly protecting employee confidentiality. The bill requires the Legislative Commission to appoint an ombudsman who cannot serve as Deputy Director or disclose employee identities without permission. It also prohibits the ombudsman from lobbying or opposing legislation, ensuring neutrality in workplace support.

Maddy summaryAB 255 prohibits private employers in Nevada from including clauses in employment or service contracts that require workers (employees or independent contractors) to pay back money if they leave before a set period - covering any "reimbursement," "training costs," or similar fees. It bans employers from requesting, requiring, enforcing, or seeking waivers of such clauses, and makes these provisions void and unenforceable. Workers can sue for actual damages, $5,000 per violation, and attorney fees, while the Labor Commissioner or Attorney General can impose fines up to $5,000 per violation. The law applies to all contracts entered into before, on, or after October 1, 2025, with an exception for repayment of cash advances or prepayments.

Maddy summaryAB 292 requires Nevada school districts to include a designated space for prekindergarten programs in every elementary school building designed, constructed, or altered on or after July 1, 2025. This applies specifically to buildings used primarily for student instruction, directly affecting school districts planning new construction or renovations after that date. The bill amends existing law (NRS 393.110) to add this requirement while maintaining other existing standards for accessibility and building reviews. It does not change current disability access requirements or building department procedures, focusing solely on the prekindergarten space mandate.

Maddy summaryAB 109 revises Nevada's water laws to require geothermal developers to obtain water appropriation permits from the State Engineer for most water uses, replacing previous exemptions. It clarifies that underground waters used for geothermal development belong to the public (not private property owners) and must follow standard water rights procedures. The bill adds new requirements: geothermal drillers must get water permits before operating, and the State Engineer must review applications for mineral exploration wells to ensure they don’t harm existing water rights. This directly affects geothermal companies, mineral explorers, and water management agencies by integrating geothermal water use into existing state water appropriation rules.

Maddy summaryAB 166 revises Nevada's minor employment laws by expanding restrictions to cover all minors under 18 (previously under 16) and reducing the maximum weekly work hours from 48 to 40. It prohibits minors enrolled in public or private school from working before 5 a.m. on school days or after 10 p.m. the night before a school day. Exceptions for farm work and motion picture performances remain unchanged. The bill directly affects employers of minors under 18 and aims to protect students' health and education by limiting work schedules during school periods.