Assembly Bill 345 advances higher education with transparency and food insecurity studies
May 20, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing education and supporting local businesses in Nevada.
A key focus of the meeting was Assembly Bill 345, a comprehensive higher education bill introduced by Assemblymember Erica Mosca. This bill aims to improve access, equity, and transparency in higher education. It mandates collaboration between the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) to develop a transparent data system that tracks student outcomes over time. The bill also includes studies on open educational resources, food insecurity among students, and policies to facilitate students' return to school even if they owe fees.
Notably, the fiscal impact of the bill was adjusted to zero after amendments were made, indicating that the initiatives align with existing efforts by NSHE. This change was welcomed by committee members and stakeholders, who emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity and educational access for underserved communities.
Support for AB 345 was robust, with testimonies from various educational institutions and organizations, including the Nevada Faculty Alliance and the Vegas Chamber of Commerce. They highlighted the bill's potential to gather crucial data that can inform future educational policies and improve student success rates.
The committee also reviewed Assembly Bill 352, which seeks to revise provisions related to cottage food operations. This bill proposes to raise the gross sales limit for cottage food producers from $35,000 to $100,000, allowing more individuals to participate in this growing sector. Additionally, it aims to streamline the licensing process by transferring oversight from local health departments to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, which is expected to enhance regulatory consistency and support local entrepreneurs.
Both bills reflect a commitment to fostering educational equity and supporting local economies in Nevada. As the legislative session progresses, these measures are poised to make a significant impact on the state's educational landscape and small business environment.
A key focus of the meeting was Assembly Bill 345, a comprehensive higher education bill introduced by Assemblymember Erica Mosca. This bill aims to improve access, equity, and transparency in higher education. It mandates collaboration between the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) to develop a transparent data system that tracks student outcomes over time. The bill also includes studies on open educational resources, food insecurity among students, and policies to facilitate students' return to school even if they owe fees.
Notably, the fiscal impact of the bill was adjusted to zero after amendments were made, indicating that the initiatives align with existing efforts by NSHE. This change was welcomed by committee members and stakeholders, who emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity and educational access for underserved communities.
Support for AB 345 was robust, with testimonies from various educational institutions and organizations, including the Nevada Faculty Alliance and the Vegas Chamber of Commerce. They highlighted the bill's potential to gather crucial data that can inform future educational policies and improve student success rates.
The committee also reviewed Assembly Bill 352, which seeks to revise provisions related to cottage food operations. This bill proposes to raise the gross sales limit for cottage food producers from $35,000 to $100,000, allowing more individuals to participate in this growing sector. Additionally, it aims to streamline the licensing process by transferring oversight from local health departments to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, which is expected to enhance regulatory consistency and support local entrepreneurs.
Both bills reflect a commitment to fostering educational equity and supporting local economies in Nevada. As the legislative session progresses, these measures are poised to make a significant impact on the state's educational landscape and small business environment.
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