(Anahit Baghshetsyan | Nevada Policy) – As the legislative session progresses, several key education bills are under discussion. In this update, we’re breaking down the bills we support, those we oppose, and a few lighthearted proposals to round things out. Plus, check out our featured research and a chance to learn how to testify effectively!
✅ Bills We Support
AB 214 – Expanding Educational Choice Scholarships – This bill would significantly increase funding for the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program, raising the cap on tax credits for donations from $6.6 million to $30 million, with a 10% annual increase. It also expands eligibility to more students, including those with special needs and military families.
SB 224 – Department Charter Schools – Proposes converting persistently underperforming public schools into Department-run charter schools with independent management and state oversight. These schools would remain free to families and aim to improve academic outcomes while offering alternative instructional models.
AB 24 – Competency-Based Education – This bill replaces the pilot program for competency-based education with a permanent framework, letting schools apply to offer students progression based on mastery rather than seat time. With more flexibility in curriculum we can ensure that each student is getting the best available option.
❌ Bills We Oppose
SB 161 – Legalizing Teacher Union Strikes – This bill allows teacher unions to petition for court-approved strikes, despite having already negotiated their contracts through binding arbitration. Unions should not be able to walk away from agreements they lawfully accepted, disrupting students’ education in the process.
AB 155 – Mandatory Clauses in Collective Bargaining – This bill makes class size and support staff ratios mandatory subjects of collective bargaining, allowing unions to negotiate ratios that may override state recommendations. This opens the door for increased spending on ineffective programs like class size reduction, without guaranteeing better student outcomes.
Relevant Research: How School Choice Impacts Student Outcomes
Curious about how education policy shapes our state? Read our most recent research outlining 30 ways to improve Nevadan education system without spending more money.
Learn How to Testify!
Want to make your voice heard? Our free course on “How to Testify at the Legislature” walks you through the process of advocating for or against bills effectively. Sign up here and maximize your advocacy efforts.
A Lighthearted Look at Education Policy
Not all bills are high-stakes battles—some are just fun to watch. Here are a couple of interesting proposals:
SB 248 – This bill ensures parents no longer have to rely on their kids’ vague book descriptions like “It had a dragon… or maybe a spaceship?” Schools will be required to maintain an online list of all library books and instructional materials, complete with ISBNs, titles, and authors. Now, keeping up with what’s actually on the shelves won’t require a scavenger hunt!
AB 289 – This bill makes sure college graduates know the difference between a credit score and a golf score before they toss their caps. It authorizes the Board of Regents to create a financial literacy course, requiring students to pass an exam before receiving their diploma—because knowing how to budget is just as important as knowing Pythagoras’ theorem (if not more!).
That’s it for this week! Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s continue working toward better education policies in Nevada.
