The Senate Committee on Finance convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss key educational legislation impacting Nevada's school districts. The meeting featured a range of discussions focused on professional development for teachers, particularly in the area of applied behavioral analysis.

The session began with Hilary Freeman from Freeman Law Offices addressing the committee. She highlighted a partnership with Brett DeNovi and Associates, a behavioral agency willing to provide training to Nevada school districts at no cost. Freeman noted that while some representatives from the districts were aware of this offer, the logistics of scheduling such training during professional development days remained a concern. Committee members expressed skepticism about the feasibility of teachers participating in training outside of regular working hours, emphasizing the need for careful planning to avoid overburdening educators.

Daniel Stewart, a committee member, clarified that the intention of the proposed amendments was not to mandate training but to require districts to report on the professional development opportunities they provide. This led to a discussion about the implications of reporting zero training, which some members feared could unfairly reflect on teachers' performance.

The meeting also included testimony from various stakeholders in support of the bill. Marie Niesis, president of the Clark County Education Association, and Maurice Washington from Americans for Prosperity both expressed their support, emphasizing the importance of addressing educational needs. However, concerns were raised about the lack of a fiscal note, which could hinder the implementation of the proposed training initiatives, particularly in rural communities.

Jan Crandy, a former chair of the Autism Commission, praised the bill for its focus on autism and the need for additional classroom aides. Michelle Scott Lewing from the Autism Coalition of Nevada echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of transparency in reporting training efforts and the necessity of adequate funding to support these initiatives.

The committee concluded the session without opposition testimony, indicating a general consensus on the need for the proposed legislation, albeit with calls for clearer fiscal planning and accountability measures. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by educators in Nevada and the critical need for effective training and support systems to enhance educational outcomes for students.