The Assembly Committee on Government Affairs convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 161, which aims to reform the arbitration process for teacher contracts in Nevada. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Nevada Resort Association, all expressing support for the bill.

Marie Nysus, president of the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), emphasized the need for a solution rather than a strike, highlighting the importance of timely contract negotiations for the 18,000 educators represented by the union. She noted that public testimony had been submitted by several educators, underscoring the collective concern for a stable educational environment.

Virginia Valentine, representing the Nevada Resort Association, pointed out that the resort industry employs over 40,000 Nevadans and is significantly affected by uncertainties in the school system. She praised SB 161 for establishing an expedited arbitration process that would minimize disruptions to school schedules, benefiting both families and the workforce.

Angie Joy, a first-grade teacher and CCEA executive board member, shared her experiences with the current negotiation process, which she described as lengthy and often detrimental to staffing levels in schools. She argued that SB 161 would ensure timely contract agreements and improve the overall educational environment by addressing the challenges faced by educators and students alike.

The committee also opened the floor for opposition testimony, with Jim Degraffenreid from the Republican National Committee expressing his dissent against the bill. However, no further details were provided regarding the opposition's arguments.

The discussions highlighted the critical need for reform in the arbitration process to foster a more effective and responsive educational system in Nevada. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the bill and its implications for educators and students across the state.