NevadaSB46083rd Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to education; revising provisions governing plans to improve academic achievement; providing for the waiver of certain reporting requirements; revising provisions governing the annual report of accountability for a school district; revising the duties of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education; providing for the impaneling of a Public Education Oversight Board; revising provisions governing boards of trustees of certain school districts; establishing certain measures for the designation of focus and priority school districts, sponsors of charter schools and public schools; revising provisions governing the Commission on School Funding; revising provisions governing the Early Childhood Literacy and Readiness Account; revising provisions governing prekindergarten programs; revising provisions governing assessments used to assess the literacy of certain pupils; revising provisions governing membership of the State Public Charter School Authority; revising provisions governing the formation of charter schools, the termination and amendment of charter contracts and the employment of teachers by charter schools; revising provisions governing the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program; revising certain provisions governing instruction in English language arts; creating the Commission on Recruitment and Retention; revising provisions relating to the Commission on Professional Standards in Education; revising provisions governing background investigations of applicants for certain licenses; establishing requirements governing the hiring of a superintendent of schools; revising provisions governing certain evaluations; requiring the creation of a differential pay scale for certain teachers and administrators; creating the Education Service Center; establishing certain requirements for the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada; creating certain accounts and programs concerning teacher apprenticeships; making appropriations; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Sponsored By: Julie Pazina (Democratic), Marilyn Dondero Loop (Democratic), Nicole J. Cannizzaro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

BDR 34-16

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Bill Overview

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90 provisions identified: 45 benefits, 1 costs, 44 mixed.

Required K–3 literacy training and endorsement

Beginning July 1, 2028, you must earn a foundational literacy endorsement to teach kindergarten through grade 3 by completing a Commission‑approved course. New K–3 teachers must finish the course or free regional training to get licensed. The Department posts approved courses and, by November 1 each year, reports how many people in each district and charter completed the training. Districts and charters must keep completion records and give them to the state on request. The Board of Regents may require Nevada colleges to add this course so graduates qualify to teach K–3.

Stronger evaluations and probation for educators

Districts can place postprobationary teachers on a two‑year probation with a performance‑improvement plan. Two straight years rated “ineffective” during that period can lead to non‑reemployment or dismissal. Similar probation and dismissal rules apply to administrators. Evaluations use a 1–5 points scale for pupil growth, and teachers with class sizes above the State Board’s recommended ratio get extra weight on certain criteria (capped at the “highly effective” maximum).

Smaller K–3 classes, with variance rules

Class sizes in kindergarten and grades 1–2 are capped at 16 students per licensed teacher, and grade 3 at 18, in core classes. If a school goes over the limit, the district must request a variance for the next year and outline a plan to reduce class size. The State Board may grant a variance for good cause, including lack of dedicated funding. The Board must report yearly and every odd-numbered year on variances. The Department must verify district data, review variance requests, and set procedures to distribute class-size reduction funds and monitor results.

More grants for early childhood and pre-K

The state funds more early childhood and pre‑K help. It provides $4 million in FY 2025–2026 and $5 million in FY 2026–2027 to expand early childhood classrooms in areas with limited access. The state pays up to $150,000 for each 800 square feet of new space. Providers must offer free or low‑cost programs in underserved communities. Unspent money goes back by September 18, 2026 and September 17, 2027. The law also puts $12 million in FY 2026–2027 into the Early Childhood Literacy and Readiness Account for grants. It creates and expands grants for pre‑K and early literacy, adding Nevada colleges as eligible partners. Grants depend on available funds.

Differential pay at high-vacancy Title I schools

Large districts must negotiate extra pay for licensed staff at Title I schools with vacancy rates of at least 7% for two straight years. Districts must reserve enough money each year to fund the differential pay scale. The law does not set the dollar amounts.

Faster teacher pathways and on-the-job training

Paraprofessionals in teacher programs can complete accelerated student teaching while staying employed. School psychology support staff enrolled in a qualifying program can complete their internship while working. When a shortage is declared and approved, licensed teachers without a subject endorsement may teach that subject for up to three school years.

More help for students: tutors, counselors, rides

The state funds $1 million in FY 2025–26 and $1 million in FY 2026–27 for K–5 literacy interventionists and on‑campus tutoring, prioritizing 1‑star and Focus/Center Focus/Priority Growth schools. In counties with 100,000 or more people, every public school must offer a counselor or an equivalent service. The state provides $7 million in FY 2026–27 for transportation for pupils who attend school outside their zone and show financial need; unspent money reverts by September 17, 2027.

More teacher pathways and apprenticeship support

The Commission creates alternative licensure routes and accepts out‑of‑state or foreign student teaching that meets Nevada standards. If you fail a basic skills test, you can meet it with approved remedial coursework (grade B or better). Provisional licenses are allowed for registered apprentices and for qualified candidates awaiting degree conferment or on an alternative route, but you must finish full requirements within 3 years. A state grant program supports approved teacher apprenticeships, up to $4,000 per participant per year for up to two years, with no more than 5% of a grant for admin/facilities, and a dedicated state account funds these grants. NSHE may pilot alternative competency assessments, and the state funds a $500,000 portal that tracks teacher supply, class sizes, experience, substitute use, and hiring from Nevada programs.

Stronger student rights at charter schools

Charter schools must follow the same state rules for suspensions and expulsions as district schools. Parents receive notice of charges, an explanation of evidence, and a chance for a hearing. Students keep attending and receive appropriate education during appeals. Charter truancy rules cannot be stricter than district school rules.

Teacher apprenticeships and licensure pilot funding

The state creates a Teacher Apprenticeship Support Program and account. Grants require wrap‑around services, goal‑setting with the State Apprenticeship Director, and semester reports. Funding is $1 million in FY 2025–26 and $1 million in FY 2026–27, with unused funds reverting by set September 2026 and 2027 dates. NSHE pilots may use alternative assessments for up to 100 participants a year, with 25 mentors, at least 10 PD sessions, monthly meetings, and two effective ratings to complete. The Department extends provisional test deadlines by 24 months and removes a specified test requirement when a participant completes the pilot.

New model curricula and updated standards

The State Board creates model English and math curricula for grades K–12 and shares them statewide. K–3 English standards must use phonics-based, explicit, and systematic instruction and include age‑appropriate STEM texts. Computer education must teach safe and ethical tech use, including internet safety, privacy, passwords, and cyberbullying. Social studies must include multicultural history and community input, and health standards must cover mental health and its link to physical health.

State Education Service Center created

The state creates a statewide Education Service Center to support schools and regional training programs under federal rules. The Center provides services and help to improve teaching and learning across Nevada.

State funding for education programs

Nevada provides money for the education programs named in the law. Funds must be used as the law directs. These appropriations support activities tied to school improvement, accountability, and staffing.

Statewide education plan and data upgrades

The Department of Education writes the statewide improvement plan each year by March 31 after consulting named groups. It sets goals and benchmarks for proficiency, graduation, and postsecondary readiness and reviews progress yearly. The Department and State Board issue an annual public education report with accountability, staffing, retention, and discipline data. The Commission on Innovation and Excellence reviews school progress, builds a central report hub, and sends recommendations each year by June 30. The Commission on School Funding reviews how Nevada counts at-risk pupils and hires a third party to verify methods. Annual accountability reports must include updated items, and the Department may pause ratings if federal law is waived.

Statewide ratings and clear reports

Nevada uses one uniform system to rate every district and charter sponsor each year. The system sets targets for the whole district and for student groups, and tracks progress in annual reports. Preliminary ratings are due by the third Friday in August; final ratings are posted online by the third Friday in September. Ratings use only students enrolled a full school year, protect very small groups from unfair use, and explain any test irregularities. Schools and districts must also report how much class time is used for testing, and the annual accountability report must show progress on plan goals.

K-3 reading course and PD days

K–3 teachers, K–3 school leaders, and K–3 paraprofessionals must finish a state‑approved science‑of‑reading course. The course is provided at no cost to employees and may be offered by districts, colleges, or regional training programs. Staff hired before August 1, 2025 must finish by the end of the 2027–28 school year. Staff hired on or after August 1, 2025 must finish within three years of their start date. Every elementary school year must also include at least four staff professional‑development days focused on required topics.

New rules for private school scholarships

Parents can apply directly to scholarship organizations. To qualify, household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline; a one-time $25 family fee is allowed. Returning students get first priority, then siblings, then others by application date; tie-breakers favor lower income, then students from lower-rated public schools, then random. Schools that receive scholarship funds must give all required state exams or an approved national test (and the English learner test when needed) and report results by student group; noncompliant schools are ineligible the next year. Schools must also report by July 1 which scholarship students left and why; the state publishes combined results every two years on January 1 of even-numbered years. Scholarship groups must register and meet nonprofit and governance rules, file quarterly pupil lists (Oct 15, Jan 15, Mar 15, Jun 15), and submit annual CPA financials. They must notify the Department of Taxation within 10 days of each tax-credited donation, and donations cannot be carried more than five years. The state keeps an online directory, sends quarterly lists to Taxation (Sep 30, Dec 30, Mar 30, Jun 30), and issues an annual summary by March 30.

New teacher and administrator improvement rules

If a postprobationary teacher or administrator is rated ineffective or minimally effective for two straight years, a performance improvement plan is required. The plan must set clear goals, include training, and assign a mentor or coach, with quarterly reviews. Superintendents or charter leaders may place that employee on a two‑year probation with written notice and supports. During probation, transfers are limited to enrollment drops, program cuts, or systemwide needs. When probation ends, it can be removed, extended one year with support, or lead to non‑reemployment or dismissal steps.

New teacher licensure and background rules

Teachers who give classroom instruction at charter schools must hold a Nevada teaching license. For non-core subjects at charters, an industry certificate can count instead of an endorsement. Initial license applicants are fingerprinted. For renewals, the state uses FBI Rap Back with your consent, so no routine re-fingerprinting. Current licensees give fingerprints at their first renewal after Rap Back starts. All applicants must allow checks of the Statewide Central Registry and similar registries from the last 5 years. Districts cannot require new fingerprints to return from approved leave in good standing. Renewal fees no longer bundle fingerprint-processing charges; the FBI portion goes to Public Safety and the rest to Education. Licensed teachers with 3 years’ experience do not have to repeat student teaching to add a license or endorsement. When a shortage waiver is granted, the Commission reviews endorsement rules.

Restart or close chronically failing charters

If a charter earns the lowest rating in three of any three straight school years, the sponsor must terminate the charter or restart the school under a new contract. Restarted schools must re-enroll prior students before others. The sponsor must report the action within 10 days. Sponsors can instead remove failing campuses if the rest stay financially viable, and close-call or sharply improving ratings can avoid termination.

Safer staffing checks using abuse registry

Districts, charter schools, and the gifted school may use substantiated child‑abuse registry reports when assigning, disciplining, or terminating staff. Any contract terms that block this use are void.

Staff changes at struggling schools

If an elementary school misses its plan goals for three years, the superintendent or sponsor must add supports and review the principal, and remove the principal if ineffective. When the Oversight Board approves replacing leadership, a new principal is chosen with school input and Superintendent approval. New leadership may reassign or replace staff with written reasons, legal protections, and help finding other roles. Staff rated effective or highly effective must be moved to jobs with equal pay and duties or returned to their role. Districts may offer approved pay incentives and supports to keep staff. In turnaround schools, leaders may reassign staff and any contract terms that block needed moves are void. If a charter’s board is reconstituted, the new board may terminate staff, and clauses that prevent this are void.

Stronger checks on educator evaluations

The Department now requires annual teacher‑level evaluation data and will certify which administrators may conduct evaluations. The state provides $400,000 for training on the statewide evaluation system. Each year, leaders must audit at least 3% of evaluations and report findings by May 15; bad evaluations trigger a re‑review of all evaluations by that evaluator. District‑level administrators who both supervise a principal and also serve as superintendent are exempt from the statewide system.

Superintendent hiring and removal rules

In counties with 100,000 or more people, a superintendent must qualify through one of three paths: graduate degree plus at least 6 years teaching and 3 years supervisory work; or served as a financial administrator or CEO of an entity with a budget of at least $275 million; or a graduate degree in business, finance, or management plus at least 4 years relevant experience. Boards must dismiss a superintendent for cause, including failing annual evaluation standards or not following the law.

Teacher evaluations and observations updated

Pupil growth counts for 15% of evaluations for staff who directly teach students. State exams must measure growth in English language arts, science, and math; other subjects may use aligned or course-based tests. The state changes how student growth is calculated. Evaluations must consider oversized classes and include peer observations with pre- and post-conferences. Some staff are evaluated on how they engage families. Probationary teachers get three observation cycles: within 30 days after school starts, between days 75–105, and in the last 40 days. Teachers set “educational growth” goals for each pupil.

Union pay talks in emergencies

Local governments can reopen union contracts to negotiate pay and money benefits during a fiscal emergency. Talks must start within 21 days after notice. A fiscal emergency exists if general fund revenue falls 5% or more year‑over‑year (excluding one‑time sources), or if budgeted reserves are 4% or less of last year’s spending and the government explains this in writing to the Department of Taxation.

New precinct budgeting and hiring voice

Every public school in a large district is a local school precinct, but the old rule letting precincts take over some district duties is removed. If a precinct’s carryforward tops 5% of last year’s spending, the extra must be spent within 24 months—first on tutoring and supplemental academics, then other listed supports—or it goes to the Education Stabilization Account. The superintendent sets when precincts get allocation estimates, updates them by November 1 based on actual counts, and there are no longer fixed 80%/85% shares to precincts. School organizational teams help define desired principal qualifications, may join interviews, and must give a written preference within 15 school days. By October 1 each year, the superintendent sends state leaders a report on precinct performance and operations using two-year-old data.

Pilot 'innovation schools' with staff vote

Starting July 1, 2026, districts and the state charter authority may label a few schools innovation schools. At least 25% of staff must show interest and over 50% must vote yes; unions and contracts still apply. Each school submits an innovation plan asking for specific freedoms in curriculum, staffing, schedule, budget, and training, with goals and measures. Schools report progress each year, and the state may revoke the label if goals or laws are not met. Caps apply: up to 3 per large county and 1 per small county.

Private schools must report scholarship results

Schools that enroll students with Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship grants must send an annual report by August 1. It lists each pupil’s name and grade, academic results, discipline actions, and year-to-year comparisons when available, signed under penalty of perjury. The Department anonymizes the data and, by February 1, sends a summary and recommendations to state leaders. Schools that do not comply can be suspended or disqualified from receiving scholarship grants.

Probation and fixes for failing districts

When the Superintendent labels a district or charter sponsor underperforming, they go on probation for up to 2 school years. Within 90 days they must submit improvement plans; the Superintendent approves or denies in 30 days, with 30 days to revise if denied, and work starts right away. Plans and quarterly updates must be posted online in the five most common non‑English languages, and boards must hold public meetings. The Department monitors with quarterly reports and on‑site reviews, and the Superintendent may appoint a state monitor that the district or sponsor must pay at a state‑set rate. If ‘adequate progress’ (set by regulation) is met, probation ends; if not, any targeted oversight—joining decisions, setting mandates, or appointing a monitor—must be approved by the Oversight Board, which can use local board powers and access facilities when impaneled.

State can step in on districts

If a district or charter sponsor misses targets or earns a bottom rating, the Superintendent must label it low-performing and may escalate to underperforming based on repeated results or added risk factors. The Superintendent proposes tiered fixes, but big changes must be approved by a Public Education Oversight Board. A state of emergency can be declared after a written complaint, a 60‑day failed fix, and a vote to impanel the Board. The first Board meeting must be within 30 days; emergencies end within 90 days unless extended once for 90 days. The five‑member Oversight Board, chaired by the Governor, can act to remedy the problems identified.

State control for chronic district failure

If progress still lags after 2 school years, the Superintendent can replace leaders, shift resources, or take over key functions, and must create a recovery plan with benchmarks. If a district or sponsor stays underperforming for five straight years, the Oversight Board may approve stronger steps, such as reassigning board powers, adding trustees, or installing a state management team. When state oversight begins, the Governor may appoint a state monitor within 30 days. A state management team runs finances, operations, and programs under the Superintendent, with yearly evaluations, possible extensions up to 3 years, phased return when sustained progress is shown, and 3 years of monitoring after control returns. The Department must report intervention actions and results to the Governor, the Oversight Board, and legislative committees, and post them online.

Stronger K-3 reading checks and grants

The Department may set rules and approve courses and providers for science-of-reading training. If a district or charter leaves out a statewide reading test in its literacy plan, the Department assigns one. If a district uses an approved local reading test with a state score match, the Department pays a grant equal to its testing cost savings, capped at the statewide test’s per-pupil cost. If funds are available, the state runs a K-3 pilot that blends STEM into reading; grantees report results by June 1 the next year for the State Board to review.

Stronger state oversight of struggling schools

The Superintendent can now label a district or charter sponsor as low-performing for serious issues like leadership turmoil, multiple board vacancies, severe money trouble, or systemic inequity. When a Public Education Oversight Board is impaneled, local boards and charter leaders cannot take actions that interfere with it. If the Department asks for extra oversight or resources for a low-performing district, sponsor, or school, the Interim Finance Committee sets and transfers money from the Education Stabilization Account to pay for it.

Tighter charter growth and sponsor reporting

Cities and counties may only sponsor charters fully inside their own city or county areas, and a 7% cap on city/county‑sponsored charter enrollment limits new growth unless serving low-performing or overcrowded zones in a low-performing district. Before approving any charter, sponsors must study local student needs with the Department and, when possible, the district and other sponsors. The state charter authority must hear applications within 120 days (with written decisions within 30 days); meetings for large-county schools must occur in that county. Big charter contract changes need a public hearing, and sponsors must deny added facilities or consolidation if the school fails the performance framework or lacks a feasible plan. Sponsors must file detailed annual reports to the Department by February 15; the Department sends them to the State Board by April 1.

Tighter charter school oversight and reports

The state changes who sits on the Charter School Authority. Charter applications and public meeting steps are strengthened. Sponsors must report each charter’s revenues and spending. If a charter earns certain low ratings three years in a row, the sponsor must terminate or restart it under a new contract. Until October 1, 2027, a temporary exception applies under stated improvement conditions.

Turnaround rules for low-performing schools

When a public school is labeled low‑performing, it goes on probation the next school year and stays on until its rating improves. Within 60 days, the principal must submit a school improvement plan; the Superintendent reviews in 30 days, and approved plans must be posted online. The Superintendent may appoint an independent improvement official with no conflicts; the school, district, or sponsor must pay at a state‑set rate. After up to 2 years, if targets are missed, the school is labeled persistently underperforming and, by December 31, must either replace the principal and key staff or move to direct Department management, as approved by the Oversight Board. Corrective measures run six years with monitoring, support, and grants; reviews may renew up to 10 years, extend indefinitely with five‑year evaluations, modify, or return the school to its original governance. If a new principal identifies critical costs, the district or sponsor must prioritize and fund them when resources are or can be made available. Under direct management, a turnaround director has full control, and the Department provides coaching, consultants, and funding support. The Department must report progress to the Governor, the Oversight Board, and legislators.

Legal protection when staff stop fights

School and private school employees who, in good faith, intervene in a fight or urgent safety risk have civil and criminal immunity if they act within job duties and follow laws and policies. Immunity does not cover intentional, grossly negligent, or reckless acts. Staff must report the incident, and schools must keep records to improve training and policies.

Differential pay must be bargained

The new differential pay program for professional growth is a mandatory topic in collective bargaining. Districts and unions must negotiate it for licensed staff. The law does not set the pay amounts.

Districts must budget for differential pay

School boards must set aside funds each year to cover salary increases from the new differential pay scale for licensed teachers, principals, and administrators, to the extent money is available.

Legal shield for school staff stopping fights

If you are a public school employee and you act in good faith to stop a fight or another imminent safety risk, the law gives you civil and criminal immunity. You must act within your job and follow state, federal, and local rules and school policies. Immunity does not apply for willful, intentional, grossly negligent, or reckless acts, or flagrant indifference. You must report the incident to school leaders as soon as possible. Schools must keep a record and use it only to plan training, support, or policy changes to improve safety.

New coursework on family engagement

The Commission sets required coursework on parental involvement and family engagement and standards for professional development that may meet this requirement. This helps teachers build stronger partnerships with families.

Stronger school plans and parent notice

Every elementary school files a three-year improvement plan with yearly goals and remedial help in English, math, and science for grades 1–5. Goals must track student growth and proficiency. The Department must meaningfully consult parents when it sets accountability targets and ratings. When final ratings post, the state and each affected district or sponsor must post the list of low-performing schools. If your child’s school is labeled low-performing, the principal must notify families, explain the data and supports, share the improvement plan with timelines, and explain transfer and other options.

Charter applicants get fix-and-appeal window

If the charter authority denies or fails to act on your application for missing legal requirements, it must list the reasons and meet with you. You have 30 days to correct and resubmit. If denied again, you may appeal to district court within 30 days of the final notice.

E‑filing relief for small local governments

The state may allow an exception to electronic fiscal filing for local governments that cannot afford the required method. Rules must spell out how a local government qualifies for this exception.

Annual reports on pupil-centered funding

Each district and charter school must send one report each year explaining how pupil-centered funds were used to raise student results. The Commission reviews these reports and forwards them with comments to the Governor and legislative committees. The Commission also works with the Department, districts, charters, and boards to study the return on investment of how these dollars are spent.

Clearer school ratings and parent notices

The state sets clear school performance metrics for each grade, including reading, math, and science. Elementary goals now include early reading proficiency and progress. All public schools get annual ratings, and schools with the two lowest ratings can get grants if money is available. Districts and charters must post metrics online and give notice each August when accountability reports are ready. Parents get a standard notice when a school or district is low-performing, including any approved interventions. Districts may ask to use a different staff evaluation system if it matches state standards.

Clearer statewide school reports and labels

The statewide accountability report now includes each school and district’s plans to improve student learning. State law also replaces the labels “low-performing” with “focus” and “underperforming” with “priority” to match the new system. The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education has updated duties to support the statewide plan for better schools.

Commission to recruit teachers

Nevada creates a Commission on Recruitment and Retention. It studies how to bring in and keep educators and makes policy recommendations. This helps guide future pay, support, and pipeline ideas for schools.

Education Service Center support

The law creates an Education Service Center. It helps low‑performing schools and districts with technical support, guidance, and resources. The goal is to improve student results.

Help and consequences by rating

District and sponsor ratings now trigger clear responses. The state links ratings to consequences, rewards, supports, or interventions focused on closing gaps. The two lowest-rated groups can receive grants or other resources if money is available. The Department must also give technical help and guidance to fix problems.

Limits on testing time and exams

Testing and test prep time is capped at 2% of a student’s required annual attendance minutes. Allowed minutes = annual minutes × 2%. Exceptions cover federal rules, AP/IB/CTE, certain literacy work, and special‑needs screening. Districts or charters that need more must ask the State Board for a waiver. The Department also limits how many exams schools can give each year.

Model classrooms and extra staff training

Regional training programs may run model classrooms and contract with districts to add professional development. Paraprofessionals may get training, and some Department‑run training occurs only if money is available. Added grant duties must be confirmed in writing.

More voting power on big-county boards

In districts with more than 75,000 pupils, appointed trustees become full voting members and may serve as board officers. One trustee is appointed by the county commission and three by the largest city governments. Boards must elect a president and a clerk and set officer terms. When a principal vacancy occurs, the school’s organizational team has defined roles in the process.

New commission to recruit and keep teachers

The law creates a Commission on Recruitment and Retention inside the Education Department. It includes five ex officio members and 17 voting members; members are unpaid but may receive per diem and travel. Legislative leaders must coordinate so two appointees are from business and two from human resources. The Commission studies pay scales with cost-of-living raises, health insurance options, mentorships, scholarships, shortage-area endorsements, and possible loan forgiveness for teachers with five straight years who lack other forgiveness. It files an interim report by November 15 of odd years and a findings-and-recommendations report by November 15 of even years.

New rules for kindergarten and reading checks

The Department sets rules to check kindergarteners’ early learning within the first 45 days of school. It may also set how districts and charters collect and report reading test results.

Pilot: blend STEM into reading

If money is available, schools can compete for pilot grants to add science, technology, engineering, and math into literacy lessons. The State Board must use the pilot’s results to decide whether model early‑grade English curriculum should include phonics and STEM integration. This ties statewide curriculum choices to real pilot results.

School-by-school spending and vacancies posted

By January 15 each year, the superintendent posts average unit costs for each school job and an at-cost district vendor list to help schools budget. The district must also post, for every local school precinct, last year’s per-pupil funding and actual spending, teacher pay and benefits, vacancies and how vacancy funds were used, and spending on other staff.

Share student IDs across systems

The Board of Regents and the Education Department must set up a way to share certain student ID numbers. This helps K–12 and colleges link data to support programs and student transitions. It does not change tuition or aid directly.

State accountability and school interventions

Elementary schools must write plans to improve student learning. The state sets an accountability system for districts and charter sponsors, labels low‑performers, and puts underperformers on probation with required improvement plans. The Superintendent may act if progress is inadequate. The law defines low‑performing schools and requires state intervention for schools that are persistently underperforming.

Stronger reading and teacher training standards

Regional training programs must offer evidence-based training on state standards, culturally relevant teaching, school improvement, computer science, family engagement, and evaluations. Through the Early Literacy Intervention Program, K–3 teachers and literacy staff get training on phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Each region keeps a yearly list of vetted professional-development programs and shares it with districts. Providers must meet new program standards, and English language arts standards and instruction rules change.

Targeted funds for education reforms

The law funds several education efforts this biennium. It provides $500,000 for teacher recruitment and retention studies (money must be committed by June 30, 2027 and revert by September 17, 2027). It provides $1,000,000 in FY 2025–26 and $1,000,000 in FY 2026–27 for the Nevada Institute on Teaching and Educator Preparation (with up to $75,000 per year for admin), with an interim report due December 20, 2026 and a final report due October 1, 2027; unspent funds revert by the listed September dates. It provides $1,000,000 in FY 2025–26 and $1,000,000 in FY 2026–27 to carry out section 33.93, available across either year, with any balance reverting by September 17, 2027. It also provides $400,000 for school-funding analysis, $250,000 to review revenue and tax structures, and $20,000 for meeting and travel costs, all reverting by September 17, 2027 if unused.

Teacher prep reviews and training plans

The Department evaluates each approved teacher- or administrator-prep provider every year and posts results, including how many graduates got licenses and group job performance for those working in Nevada. Each regional training program must create a five‑year plan with a two‑year budget, update it annually, and align training to statewide needs.

Tougher checks for teacher licenses and hires

The state runs criminal-history checks for people who apply for a teaching license, for school jobs or volunteer work, and for current school staff and volunteers. If the check shows certain convictions (listed drug crimes, any felony, or an offense involving moral turpitude), the Division must tell school leaders right away. Information must be sent within 60 days after a court case ends. The Superintendent can deny or not renew a license if a report shows an arrest or charge for a sexual offense involving a minor. The applicant gets written notice and a chance for a hearing. The Board of Regents and the Education Department share NSHE student ID numbers for teacher license applicants to track how many graduates become Nevada teachers.

Track administrator training results

The Education Department must track how well administrator training programs work. It must evaluate results and recommend improvements. This aims to strengthen school leadership over time.

Track and cut time spent testing

Each school reports by July 1 how much class time it used for test prep and testing. Boards send reports to the state by July 31, and the state sends results to lawmakers by January 1 each year. By January 1, 2027, the Department must set help and corrective plans so testing and prep take no more than 2% of yearly instructional minutes.

Track educator pipelines and support schools

The state builds a data system to track school-administrator training programs, licensure completion, and impact on student growth, and publishes a yearly comparison report with recommendations. The Department helps districts and charters that do not reemploy or dismiss a postprobationary teacher by recruiting strong candidates and offering coaching resources. The State Apprenticeship Director collects data from apprenticeship grantees and sends an annual report by June 30 to the Governor and lawmakers.

When these changes take effect

Many sections take effect on July 1, 2025. Other sections are effective now for rulemaking and preparation, and then become fully effective on July 1, 2026.

Fingerprinting at 2029 license renewal

At your first renewal after July 1, 2029, you must submit fingerprints and written permission for FBI checks and pay processing fees. Total renewal fees are capped so they do not exceed the amount set before July 1, 2026.

Educator licensing: fingerprints, fees, waivers

New and renewal licenses cost at least $100; the initial fee includes fingerprint processing. Applicants must submit fingerprints and consent to state and FBI checks. With consent, the Department may use FBI Rap Back for ongoing checks and must ensure fingerprint records are destroyed when a person is no longer licensed. The Department may waive licensing fees for veterans, active‑duty members, and their spouses.

New endorsements: ASL, culture, finance

The Commission sets rules for cultural‑competency and financial‑literacy endorsements. If you provide ASL instruction and also interpret, you must be registered with the Aging and Disability Services Division. These rules clarify how educators earn or use these credentials.

Charter checks and local options

Local school boards gain the right to object to where a new charter school is placed. Cities and counties may sponsor new, larger, or added‑campus charters when the law’s listed conditions are met. Families may see both local review and, in some cases, more school options.

Charter growth cap and planning help

New or expanding charter schools may grow total enrollment by no more than 15% per approved expansion. School boards, colleges, cities, or counties can get technical help from the State Public Charter School Authority to apply as a sponsor and carry out sponsor duties. By January 31 each year, the Authority, working with the Department and local partners, publishes a statewide look at student demographics and academic needs, including pupils at risk of dropping out.

Fixing low‑performing schools

A school is labeled low‑performing if, in 2 of the last 3 years, it met at least one problem: a bottom‑two rating, bottom 20% in reading and math, a high school graduation rate under 60% (3‑year) or under 70% (5‑year), or for elementary schools, over 50% not reading proficient by grade 3. Schools on an approved alternative framework are excluded. As corrective action, the Department can require replacing the principal and key staff. The Department may also take direct control to run the school and carry out turnaround steps.

Large districts end precinct control

Large districts no longer run schools as local precincts with site-based decision-making. District offices take back those duties.

Limits on bill drafting requests

The Commission on School Funding can ask for only one bill draft each regular session. It must file the request by September 1 and prefile the bill by the third Wednesday in November, or the request is withdrawn. The Legislative Counsel will not draft requests that exceed the allowed number, are unrelated to the requester’s work, change the topic after filing, or combine measures in a way the Constitution forbids.

Local boards can object to charters

After the required public meeting, a local school board has 10 business days to object to a proposed charter by majority vote if it finds the plans do not meet community needs. The board must notify the State Board and the State Public Charter School Authority. The State Authority can make affirmative findings that the board’s assessment is incorrect and still approve the application.

Local fiscal reports and exemptions updated

Local governments must submit fiscal reports electronically to the Department of Taxation. They must also publish a short summary in a newspaper, but school district boards do not have to publish the summary. Extra expenses caused by this law are exempt from NRS 354.599. Any new or changed reports to the Legislature that this law requires are exempt from NRS 218D.380. Section 55 applies to contracts that existed on July 1, 2025 unless a contract term conflicts; if there is a conflict, the contract controls.

New rules for charter teachers and board

Teachers in core subjects at charter schools must hold a Nevada teaching license or endorsement. Charters may hire industry professionals without a teaching license for courses that do not require one if they have field credentials and 2+ years of experience. The State Public Charter School Authority has nine defined members with conflict-of-interest limits, and members may be paid up to $80 per meeting plus standard travel and per diem.

New rules to hire superintendents

District boards in counties with 100,000 or more people must follow new steps when hiring a superintendent. The law adds clear procedures for these major hires. This improves transparency but also adds required process.

Private school scholarship transparency

Schools that take Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship grants must report required student results. Scholarship groups must register with the Education Department, report each pupil they fund, and tell the Tax Department about every donation. Donations cannot sit unused for more than five years. The state keeps a public directory, sends quarterly sponsor lists, and issues an annual summary. These steps add oversight and public information.

Rulemaking shifts and some bodies repealed

The law repeals several listed education statutes and dissolves the state teacher recruitment and retention advisory task force. The State Board can no longer veto rules from the Commission on Professional Standards. The Department, not the State Board, now performs yearly checks of approved training providers. Some teacher-shortage reports to the State Board are eliminated.

State data costs taken from district aid

The Superintendent may deduct money from a district’s or charter school’s state apportionment to pay for the Department’s student and finance data systems. The state also provides $2.5 million in FY 2025–26 and $4 million in FY 2026–27 to run and staff this reform, with unspent amounts reverting by September 18, 2026 and September 17, 2027. This adds state capacity but can reduce local receipts.

Streamlined school data and reporting

Districts and sponsors must use the statewide electronic student records system and share data under state rules. If federally aligned tests are paused, some report items do not apply during the pause. Variance reports on class-size limits shift from quarterly to once a year. By October 1, districts must post K–3 class sizes and any approved variances for each elementary school. Leaders can waive redundant or unused reporting. For staffing reports, a “vacancy” includes jobs filled by substitutes or contractors.

Stronger charter oversight and transparency

Districts that sponsor charters must adopt an accountability program and report each charter school separately. Sponsors must publish annual charter accountability reports by December 31. The Charter Authority must follow set steps to review proposed contract changes. New charter applications must include a full financial plan that shows efficient use of public money, including for construction.

Tighter oversight of boards and leaders

In large counties, before hiring a superintendent or CFO, the board must get a state eligibility letter within 10 days; ineligible candidates cannot be hired. Boards may not limit a trustee’s powers based on whether the trustee was elected or appointed. When a school is labeled low‑performing, the Superintendent must submit a tiered intervention plan, and a Public Education Oversight Board must approve it before it starts.

Use excess school carryover funds

In large districts, if a school precinct’s savings exceed set percentage limits, the district can require the precinct to spend that money for allowed purposes. This moves excess balances back into classrooms sooner. It also limits local discretion to hold large carryovers.

When these education changes take effect

Some parts take effect right away: Sections 86 and 25.3. Other parts start later: Sections 10, 11, 34, 35, 43, 45, 46, 49–52, 60, 61, and 83 on July 1, 2027; Section 25.5 on October 1, 2027; Section 28 on July 1, 2028; and Section 15 on July 1, 2030. Sections 33.93 and 81.5 expire on June 30, 2029.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Angela D. Taylor
Democratic • Senate
Dina Neal
Democratic • Senate
Edgar Flores
Democratic • Senate
Fabian Doñate
Democratic • Senate
James Ohrenschall
Democratic • Senate
Melanie Scheible
Democratic • Senate
Michelee "Shelly" Cruz-Crawford
Democratic • Senate
Roberta Lange
Democratic • Senate
Rochelle T. Nguyen
Democratic • Senate
Skip Daly
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 4

House vote • 6/2/2025

Final Passage - Assembly (1st Reprint)

Yes: 38 • No: 4

Senate vote • 6/1/2025

Final Passage - Senate (As Introduced)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Chapter 506.
6/11/2025legislature
Approved by the Governor.
6/10/2025legislature
Enrolled and delivered to Governor.
6/6/2025legislature
To enrollment.
6/4/2025Senate
Assembly Amendment No. 976 concurred in.
6/2/2025Senate
In Senate.
6/2/2025Senate
To Senate.
6/2/2025House
From printer. To reengrossment. Reengrossed. Second reprint.
6/2/2025House
To printer.
6/2/2025House
Read third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved, as amended. (Yeas: 38, Nays: 4.)
6/2/2025House
Dispensed with reprinting.
6/2/2025House
Read third time. Amended. (Amend. No. 976.)
6/2/2025House
Declared an emergency measure under the Constitution.
6/2/2025House
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended.
6/2/2025House
Rereferred to Committee on Education. To committee.
6/1/2025House
Withdrawn from Committee on Ways and Means.
6/1/2025House
Read first time. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means. To committee.
6/1/2025House
In Assembly.
6/1/2025House
From printer. To engrossment. Engrossed. First reprint. To Assembly.
6/1/2025Senate
Read third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved, as amended. (Yeas: 21, Nays: None.) To printer.
6/1/2025Senate
Reprinting dispensed with.
6/1/2025Senate
Read third time. Amended. (Amend. No. 925.)
6/1/2025Senate
Taken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.
5/31/2025Senate
Read second time.
5/30/2025Senate
Placed on Second Reading File.
5/30/2025Senate

Bill Text

As Enrolled
PDF
As Introduced
PDF
Reprint 1
PDF
Reprint 2
PDF

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