Rep. Venise Karris

Maddy summaryAB 414 requires employers at qualifying "large hybrid environment facilities" (defined as 10,000+ square feet where workers face outdoor elements >50% of shifts) with over 15 employees to add specific air quality protections to their written safety programs. Key provisions mandate turning off vehicle engines during loading/unloading (except refrigerated units), monitoring air quality every 4 hours, and implementing ventilation if unsafe levels are detected. Exemptions cover law enforcement, emergency responders, waste management, towing services, and state agencies. The bill was passed by both chambers in June 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on June 11, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryAB 304 requires Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services to create a pilot program studying electromagnetic brain pulse treatment - a noninvasive, non-drug therapy using magnetic pulses to address brainwave abnormalities. The program must identify treatment best practices, analyze patient risks, examine existing research data, and assess barriers to adopting this treatment in medical care. The department must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Health and Human Services committee by July 1, 2027. This bill directly affects the department’s operations and future healthcare policy decisions regarding this specific treatment method.

Maddy summaryAB 428 requires most health insurance plans in Nevada to cover fertility preservation services for individuals diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer who face infertility from the cancer or its treatment. This coverage must include medically necessary procedures as defined by established medical guidelines, such as egg or sperm freezing before cancer treatment begins. Insurers affiliated with religious organizations may exclude this coverage if they provide written notice to insureds about the exemption. The law applies to private health plans, Medicaid, and state/local government employee health insurance, with enforcement by the Insurance Commissioner for non-compliance.

Maddy summarySB 262 transfers administration of Nevada’s Graduate Medical Education Grant Program from the Office of Science to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS). It requires medical institutions receiving grants to obtain DHS approval before eliminating or reducing residency training programs, with criteria including demonstrating reduced patient need and no negative impact on healthcare provider availability. The bill expands grant eligibility to include programs exceeding Medicare-funded resident slots and allows DHS to provide limited grants for new program development and staffing. It also directs DHS to explore using Medicaid funding to support residency programs, effective as of its passage and signing into law on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 388 revises paid family leave provisions for state employees and private employers with 50+ staff. It reduces the required employment duration from 12 months to 90 days, increases leave entitlement from 8 to 12 weeks, and expands eligible reasons to include bonding with foster children, pregnancy-related conditions, and domestic violence situations. Employers must provide 100% pay for employees earning up to 110% of the state average wage, and 60% pay for higher earners. The bill also requires employers to establish clear procedures and provide written notices about leave eligibility.

Maddy summaryAB 405 requires Nevada's State Department of Agriculture Director to establish a program supporting community gardens and urban farms in areas with high food insecurity (including designated food deserts). This program will help residents in underserved communities access fresh food by expanding local food production. The bill authorizes the Director to accept gifts, donations, grants, or other funding to support this initiative. It directly affects communities facing food access challenges and the state agency managing agricultural programs.

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 summaryAB 454 requires all public and private high schools in Nevada to maintain accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during school days and athletic activities, and mandates that coaches, managers, and other staff associated with school sports complete training on AED operation. It also requires schools to develop specific emergency action plans for responding to serious athletic injuries, including identifying responsible personnel, medical providers, and emergency procedures. Additionally, the bill expands existing requirements to mandate CPR certification and first-aid training for all coaches and staff involved in school athletic activities. These provisions directly affect every high school in Nevada, aiming to improve emergency response during sports events.

Maddy summarySB 367 establishes a Rural and Community Media Program within the Department of Administration to improve state government outreach to rural and historically underrepresented communities. It requires state agencies spending on public outreach, marketing, or advertising to prioritize contracts with designated rural/community media outlets (defined as local nonprofits or small businesses serving specific communities) and report annually on their usage and spending. The program director must maintain a statewide media database, provide agency training on inclusive outreach strategies, and submit annual reports to the legislature detailing contracts and language accessibility. This policy directly affects all state departments and agencies conducting public engagement, mandating a shift in media spending practices to better serve underrepresented communities.

Maddy summaryAB 115 allows Nevada's Capitol Building Administrator, in coordination with the State Museum Director, to rent or lease rooms for events. It requires charging fees for these rentals, with all revenue deposited into the State General Fund specifically for Capitol Building maintenance - this money cannot revert to the general fund annually. The bill also creates an exception to the existing liquor ban (NRS 331.190), permitting alcohol sales at events held under this new provision. These changes directly affect Capitol Building management and event organizers seeking to use state-owned space.