Nevada lawmakers debate Assembly Bill 328 establishing Juneteenth commission and education study
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 328, which aims to establish a Juneteenth commission and an interim study focused on the legacy of slavery in Nevada. This bill has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and community members, highlighting the ongoing conversation about historical injustices and their implications today.
A key point of discussion was the structure of the proposed commission. The bill seeks to replace a smaller commission under the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) with a larger, ten-member subcommittee that includes four legislators. This change raised questions about funding and the potential costs associated with the new commission, as concerns were voiced regarding the absence of a fiscal note to outline these expenses.
Supporters of the bill, including Doug Unger, president of the UNLV chapter of the Nevada Faculty Alliance, emphasized the importance of educating the public about the historical significance of slavery and its lasting impact on African American communities. Unger argued that the bill represents a necessary effort to preserve truth in education, especially in light of recent trends to censor historical narratives.
Conversely, opposition to the bill was voiced by Jim Degraffenreid, a representative of the Nevada Republican Party, who argued that the commission's focus on slavery is unnecessary given that slavery has never been legally practiced in Nevada. He criticized the bill for potentially misallocating taxpayer funds and for proposing restitution recommendations that he believes are unjust.
The committee also addressed logistical questions regarding compensation for commission members, ensuring that both legislative and non-legislative members would receive per diem payments for their service.
As the meeting concluded, the committee did not receive additional public testimony in support or opposition to the bill, leaving the future of Assembly Bill 328 uncertain. The discussions reflect broader community concerns about how history is taught and acknowledged, as well as the financial implications of such educational initiatives. The outcomes of this bill could significantly influence how Nevada addresses its historical narratives and the ongoing effects of systemic discrimination.
A key point of discussion was the structure of the proposed commission. The bill seeks to replace a smaller commission under the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) with a larger, ten-member subcommittee that includes four legislators. This change raised questions about funding and the potential costs associated with the new commission, as concerns were voiced regarding the absence of a fiscal note to outline these expenses.
Supporters of the bill, including Doug Unger, president of the UNLV chapter of the Nevada Faculty Alliance, emphasized the importance of educating the public about the historical significance of slavery and its lasting impact on African American communities. Unger argued that the bill represents a necessary effort to preserve truth in education, especially in light of recent trends to censor historical narratives.
Conversely, opposition to the bill was voiced by Jim Degraffenreid, a representative of the Nevada Republican Party, who argued that the commission's focus on slavery is unnecessary given that slavery has never been legally practiced in Nevada. He criticized the bill for potentially misallocating taxpayer funds and for proposing restitution recommendations that he believes are unjust.
The committee also addressed logistical questions regarding compensation for commission members, ensuring that both legislative and non-legislative members would receive per diem payments for their service.
As the meeting concluded, the committee did not receive additional public testimony in support or opposition to the bill, leaving the future of Assembly Bill 328 uncertain. The discussions reflect broader community concerns about how history is taught and acknowledged, as well as the financial implications of such educational initiatives. The outcomes of this bill could significantly influence how Nevada addresses its historical narratives and the ongoing effects of systemic discrimination.
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