The Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 353, which aims to enhance access to mental and behavioral health services for children and families in Nevada. The meeting featured strong support from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Nevada System of Higher Education and the Children's Advocacy Alliance.

Chancellor Patricia Charlton expressed gratitude to the bill's sponsor and urged the committee to pass the legislation. Carissa Pierce from the Children's Advocacy Alliance emphasized the bill's importance in improving mental health service access and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for mental health professionals. Sheila Bray from the University of Nevada, Reno, and Donald Benavides from UNLV also voiced their support, highlighting the bill's innovative approach to expanding mental health practice scopes.

The committee did not receive any opposition to the bill during the meeting, and no neutral testimonies were presented. The absence of dissenting voices indicates a strong consensus among stakeholders regarding the necessity of SB 353.

As the committee moves forward, the support from educational institutions and advocacy groups underscores the potential impact of the bill on mental health services in Nevada, particularly for vulnerable populations. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting on the bill in upcoming sessions.