Asm. Selena Torres-Fossett

Maddy summarySB 257 updates Nevada's autism healthcare regulations to improve access to diagnosis and treatment. It removes specific requirements for autism assessments, replacing them with a flexible standard that allows any healthcare provider within their scope of practice to conduct direct observation and assessment for diagnosis. The bill also changes insurance coverage rules: insurers must cover autism diagnosis and treatment performed by any qualified provider (not limited to physicians or psychologists) and must accept any diagnosis meeting the new statewide standard. This affects individuals with autism spectrum disorders, healthcare providers, and insurers by streamlining access to care.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Nevada's high school sports regulations by prohibiting the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) from retaliating against schools or individuals advocating for policies. It bans athletic recruitment (e.g., schools recruiting students specifically for sports) and requires the NIAA to investigate violations, making recruited students ineligible to compete for a season. The bill also updates eligibility rules: students transferring due to military status, lottery school enrollment, or pre-10th grade transfers gain immediate eligibility, while schools cannot impose stricter rules than NIAA regulations. Finally, it clarifies appeal processes for disputes over eligibility or decisions.

Maddy summaryAB 139 appropriates $15 million from the State General Fund to Nevada's Department of Education to fund dual credit programs for eligible high school students. It provides grants covering student fees and instructional materials for pupils facing financial hardship - including first-generation college students, those from underserved communities, or households receiving public assistance or free/reduced lunch. The bill prohibits restrictions on program locations, subject areas, or instructor choices, requiring schools to report on expenditures, student enrollment, graduation rates, and college enrollment by 2026-2027. Funds must be spent by June 30, 2027, with unspent balances reverted to the state by September 17, 2027. This directly supports low-income high school students in accessing college courses while enrolled in public schools.

Maddy summaryAB 403 proposes that if approved by Nevada voters in 2026, retailers would not charge sales tax on the value of a used portable electronic (like a phone or tablet) traded in for a new one. This exemption would apply only when the trade-in value is clearly stated on the sales receipt and the trade-in occurs during the same transaction as the new purchase. If enacted, the tax exemption would take effect January 1, 2027, and expire December 31, 2050. The bill directly affects consumers purchasing new electronics through trade-ins and retailers handling such transactions.

Maddy summaryAB 133 requires counties to set aside 5% of excess proceeds from property sales due to unpaid taxes into a dedicated fund for technology upgrades in county treasurer offices. It revises deadlines for tax notices (changing from "5 p.m." to "close of business") and modifies procedures for property reconveyance, sale notices, and handling of unclaimed funds. The bill also updates fee limits for claim assistance, capping at 10% regardless of whether the property was a primary residence, and replaces hearing requirements with interpleader actions for disputed claims. These changes directly affect county treasurers, taxpayers facing delinquent taxes, and claimants seeking unclaimed property sale proceeds.

Maddy summaryAB 402 creates a pilot program allowing automated cameras to enforce speed limits in temporary road construction zones (like work sites). It permits the Department of Transportation, local authorities, or transportation commissions to install these systems, but requires an officer to review evidence before issuing a speeding ticket. Violations detected this way are treated as civil penalties (not moving violations), so they don’t add demerit points to a driver’s license. The bill also establishes that the vehicle’s registered owner is presumed to be the driver, but they can contest this presumption. This directly affects drivers traveling through temporary road work zones in Nevada.

Maddy summaryAB 371 enacts the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, allowing cosmetologists licensed in one participating state to practice across other compact states without obtaining separate licenses. It requires applicants to hold an unencumbered license in their primary residence state, pay fees, and follow each state’s practice rules. The bill establishes a joint commission to manage the compact, create a shared data system for licensing information, and ensures cosmetologists practicing under the compact have the same legal rights and protections as locally licensed professionals in Nevada. This directly affects licensed cosmetologists seeking mobility across participating states, reducing barriers to interstate practice while maintaining public safety standards.

Maddy summaryAB 137 changes how storage facility owners must advertise sales of occupants' personal property to cover unpaid rent or fees. It requires advertising in a newspaper published in the *county* (not judicial district) where the sale occurs, or alternatively, using a public online property sale website for 10 consecutive days. The bill also removes the requirement to include a general description of the property in the advertisement. These changes directly affect storage facility owners and occupants whose property may be sold under lien laws.

Maddy summaryAB 389 revises Nevada’s education reporting requirements to reduce administrative burden. It removes the current requirement for school districts to submit quarterly data to the Commission on School Funding, replacing it with an annual review by the Commission using existing data already reported to the Superintendent or Department of Education. The bill also clarifies that school districts must maintain standardized electronic data systems for pupil performance, repeals the requirement for the Department to recommend minimum textbook spending, and directs the Commission to review reporting requirements for redundancy, recommending eliminations or improvements. These changes primarily affect school districts, the Commission on School Funding, and the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Right to Reproductive Health Care Act," prohibiting Nevada governmental entities (including state agencies and local governments) from imposing restrictions that substantially burden access to reproductive health care services. It directly affects patients seeking services like contraception, pregnancy care, or abortion, and healthcare providers offering such services. The law allows affected individuals or providers to sue government entities for violations and seek court-ordered remedies, including attorney fees. It applies broadly to all existing and future state and local laws (except specific exemptions), requiring governments to prove any restriction serves a compelling interest through the least restrictive means.