Sen. Julie Pazina

Maddy summarySB 96 designates January 27 of each year as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Nevada, directly affecting all Nevada residents through state recognition. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging observance, specifically directing state entities, schools, and media to promote public awareness about the Holocaust and other historical genocides. Key provisions include formally adding this day to Nevada’s calendar of recognized observances and mandating the Governor’s proclamation to emphasize education and remembrance. The law builds on Nevada’s prior efforts, such as Assembly Bill 231 (2021), to improve genocide education in schools. This is a non-binding observance bill focused on commemoration and education, not regulatory change.

Maddy summarySB 366 requires Nevada's Department of Health and Human Services to request federal approval for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health therapists, physical therapists, and other specific healthcare providers. It would increase payments by 3% for all covered services, with additional 3% increases for services provided in community settings (like homes or schools), in rural counties (population under 100,000), or in areas with healthcare provider shortages. The request must be submitted by October 1, 2025, and must align with federal reimbursement standards. This bill directly affects providers serving vulnerable populations in underserved areas, aiming to improve access to care through updated payment structures.

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 summarySB 272 revises Nevada's rules for student eligibility in school sports after transferring schools. It requires the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association to create a process allowing students to appeal eligibility decisions if they face a hardship, such as emotional distress causing the school change. Students can provide evidence like a signed affidavit or a mental health professional's written testimony to demonstrate this hardship. The bill directly affects transfer students who would otherwise be ineligible for 180 days at their new school. It does not change the 180-day rule but adds a specific hardship exception for emotional distress cases.

Maddy summaryACR 3 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Nevada Legislature to honor the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary. The resolution expresses gratitude for NCSL's role in supporting state legislators, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and strengthening state-federal legislative relationships over five decades. It has no policy impact or direct effect on residents, government operations, or funding. The Nevada Assembly and Senate formally adopted the resolution on March 27, 2025, with a copy to be sent to NCSL's leadership. This is a symbolic gesture, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySCR 1 is a memorial resolution honoring Kathleen "Neena" Laxalt, a longtime Nevada lobbyist and community advocate. It expresses the Nevada Legislature's condolences to her family and commemorates her 25+ years of service in Nevada government, including her work on agriculture, ranching, Native American community issues, and her mentorship of women in advocacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her legacy and contributions. It was formally adopted by both legislative chambers in February 2025.