Maddy summarySB 277 requires every public school (including charter schools) to employ a full-time school social worker when funding is available, and prohibits schools from contracting with outside providers for these services when feasible. The bill also updates licensing rules to allow current school social workers or counselors to complete required internship hours while employed, rather than needing to leave their positions. This directly affects public schools, their staffing decisions, and the licensing process for school support staff. The policy changes aim to increase in-school mental health support by mandating dedicated staff and streamlining credentialing.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryAB 289 authorizes Nevada's Board of Regents to establish a required financial literacy course within the Nevada System of Higher Education, which includes the University of Nevada. This bill directly affects public universities in Nevada by giving the Board of Regents the authority to create such a course of study. The key provision adds language to Nevada law allowing the Board to prescribe financial literacy as part of the curriculum. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on June 5, 2025, and became Chapter 284.
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 185 prevents homeowners' associations in residential communities (like condos) from banning licensed child care facilities operated by unit owners or tenants, unless lease terms prohibit it. It requires cities and counties to allow child care facilities in residential zoning districts without extra permits or stricter rules than those for homes. The bill also stops licensing standards from requiring outdoor play space for facilities in multi-unit buildings if they’re within one mile of a public park, school, or recreation area. These changes directly affect child care providers, homeowners' associations, and local governments managing zoning and licensing.
Maddy summaryAB 378 creates a pilot program allowing patients diagnosed with mental health conditions to access psychedelic therapy (using psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, ibogaine, or mescaline) under medical supervision in approved clinics. The Division of Public and Behavioral Health administers the program, requiring clinics to operate under strict medical oversight and participant approval. The bill includes confidentiality protections for patient data, liability immunity for program participants, and mandates annual reporting to the legislature. It also establishes an advisory committee and requires compliance with federal controlled substance regulations during the pilot phase.
Maddy summaryAB 453 imposes a new tax on digital products (such as software, e-books, and streaming services) sold to Nevada residents, requiring online retailers and platforms with over $100,000 in Nevada sales or 200+ transactions to collect and remit the tax at the local sales rate. It lowers Nevada’s commerce tax threshold from $4 million to $3.5 million in annual revenue, expanding the number of businesses subject to this tax. The bill also removes an exemption for professional sports events, meaning venues hosting such games must now pay Nevada’s live entertainment tax. These changes directly affect digital sellers, larger Nevada-based businesses, and sports venues.
Maddy summaryAB 191 authorizes collective bargaining for professional employees of state professional employers (such as the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada with 400+ professional staff) who are in unclassified service or paid outside standard classified pay plans. It establishes new procedures for recognizing professional organizations as exclusive bargaining representatives, requires state employers to negotiate within 60 days of notice, and allows salary deductions for union dues. The bill also grants professional employees the right to representation during disciplinary actions and mandates annual reporting to the Government Employee-Management Relations Board. This directly affects state professional employers and their employees, creating a structured framework for collective bargaining previously limited to other state employee groups.
Maddy summarySB 229 lowers the grade point average requirement for Nevada students to earn a high school diploma with a "State Seal of Financial Literacy" from 3.25 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. It expands the age range for required financial literacy instruction from grades 3-12 to include kindergarten through grade 12. The bill also revises how students demonstrate proficiency, allowing options like scoring 85% on a state assessment or completing approved career-technical exams instead of the previous ACT certificate requirement. These changes directly affect all Nevada public school students in grades K-12 and require school districts and charter schools to implement updated curriculum and professional development.
Maddy summarySB 245 creates the Advisory Council on Civics Education within Nevada's Department of Education to help develop and implement the State Seal of Civics Program. The Council, composed of educators, administrators, and civic engagement staff, will establish program criteria and assist the Superintendent in recognizing high school students who demonstrate civics proficiency through revised GPA and examination requirements. The bill appropriates $1.5 million to the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement to raise awareness of civics education and create related awards. This directly affects Nevada high school students, teachers, and schools participating in the civics recognition program.
Maddy summaryAB 278 designates the month of July each year as "Muslim American Heritage Month" in Nevada. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance, urging media, schools, businesses, and community organizations to highlight Muslim Americans' contributions to Nevada and U.S. society. It directly affects Nevada residents by formally recognizing this heritage month through state action. The bill does not create new programs or funding but establishes a recurring official designation and proclamation process.