Synopsis: The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline (Commission) was created by constitutional amendment on November 2, 1976, and charged with the responsibility of investigating allegations of misconduct, violations of the code of judicial conduct, or disability of judges. The seven-member Commission receives and investigates complaints against full-time and part-time judges, judicial officers and aspirants to judicial office. For a time, the Commission's proceedings were governed by administrative and procedural rules of the Nevada Supreme Court. However, on February 21, 2003, the Nevada Supreme Court repealed Part VII of its rules, and the Commission has since adopted its own procedural rules to govern its proceedings. Constitutional Authority: Nevada Constitution, Art. 6, Section 21. The Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics (Standing Committee) was created in 1998 by Supreme Court Rule to resolve ethical disputes arising in the course of campaigns for judicial office. It also provides judges and aspirants to judicial office advisory opinions regarding ethical matters that may arise in the ordinary course of judicial service or in the elective or appointment process. In 2011, the Nevada Supreme Court repealed a section of the rule and eliminated the need for the Standing Committee to resolve ethical disputes arising in the course of campaigns for judicial office. The Standing Committee continues to consider opinion requests regarding ethical matters that may arise in the ordinary course of judicial service or in the elective or appointment process. The Standing Committee also assists the Nevada Supreme Court by studying and recommending additions to, amendments to, or repeal of provisions of the Revised Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct or other laws governing the conduct of judges and judicial candidates. Statutory Authority: NRS 1.425 to 1.4695, inclusive. Rule Authority: Nevada Supreme Court's Inherent Power to Make Rules.

Synopsis: The Department of Veterans Services is responsible for advocating for and providing superior service to Nevada veterans and their families and to provide community partners the opportunity to contribute to these endeavors. Through four major programs, the department assists veterans in preparing and submitting claims for benefits, provides skilled nursing care, provides dignified burial support, and helps veterans successfully integrate into Nevada communities. Statutory Authority: NRS 417.

Synopsis: The Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) is a 180-bed state-skilled nursing care facility. SNSVH, dedicated on June 28, 2002, admitted its first residents on August 12, 2002. SNSVH provides 24-hour skilled nursing care to eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and Gold Star Parents who had a child who died while in military service. A minimum of 75% of the SNSVH residents must be veterans. The facility consists of three 60-bed wings and is located on 50 acres in Boulder City. One of the three wings houses a secured care unit intended for residents with severe dementia. SNSVH is certified by Medicaid, Medicare, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. SNSVH provides a full range of services including physicians; laboratory; pharmacy; physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy; dental, social, and spiritual services; medical records; activities; transportation; maintenance; dietary; barber; laundry; housekeeping; and financial services. SNSVH's primary mission is "Caring for Nevada's Heroes". Statutory Authority: NRS Chapter 417.

Synopsis: The Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) is a 96-bed state-skilled nursing care facility consisting of 12 eight-bed clustered residential units in three 32-room neighborhoods. It includes facilities for administrative offices, receiving/storage, nursing offices, and other support operations. Also included is an exciting town center with physical therapy; dining hall; beauty and barber shop; store; coffee shop; chapel; and activity center. NNSVH provides 24-hour skilled nursing care to eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and Gold Star Parents who had a child who died while in military service. Statutory Authority: NRS 417.

Synopsis: The Education Stabilization Account was established in the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature by SB 458 Section 19 for the purpose of supporting the operation of the public schools in the State of Nevada, in the event of economic uncertainty or due to slow revenue flow into the State Education Fund. Statutory authority: NRS 387.1213.

Synopsis: The Pupil Centered Funding Plan was implemented during the 81st Legislative session. The Legislature declared that the proper objective of state financial aid to public education is to ensure each Nevada child a reasonably equal educational opportunity. Recognizing wide local variations in wealth and costs per pupil, this state should supplement local financial ability to whatever extent necessary in each school district to provide programs of instruction in both compulsory and elective subjects that offer full opportunity for every Nevada child to receive the benefit of the purposes for which public schools are maintained. Therefore, the quintessence of the state's financial obligation for such programs is now expressed in a formula that provides a certain basic and level of support to each pupil in this state, adjusted to account for variation in the local costs to provide a reasonably equal educational opportunity to pupils and for the costs of providing a reasonably equal educational opportunity to pupils with certain additional educational needs. NRS 387.1212; NRS 387.1214 to NRS 387.12468.

Synopsis: The Educator Effectiveness budget account provides resources for the Department of Education, local school districts, and charter schools to attract, prepare, train, recruit, develop, and retain teachers, principals, and other school leaders to ensure that all students have access to effective, high-quality, and experienced educators. Federal dollars support allowable activities as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and General Fund appropriations are used for review and evaluation of traditional and alternative routes to licensure preparation programs as well as development, implementation, and monitoring of the statewide performance evaluation system known as the Nevada Educator Performance Framework in accordance with state law. This budget also supports teacher recognition programs such as The Milken Educator Awards and Nevada Teacher of the Year. Additionally, this budget supports National Board Certification and military Purple Star School recognitions, and the Superintendent's Principal Advisory and Teacher Advisory Cabinets. The Teachers and Leaders Council and the Nevada State Teacher and Educational Support Personnel Recruitment and Retention Advisory Task force are also included in this budget account. Authority: NRS 391.038 and 391.039, NRS 391.450 - 391.485, 20 USC 2101 - 2103 et seq. NRS 391.490-391.496.

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Synopsis: The Grant Fund for Incentives for Licensed Educational Personnel is administered by the department. The Board of Trustees of each school district in Nevada is required to establish a program of incentive pay for licensed teachers, school psychologists, school librarians, school counselors, and administrators employed at the school level, which are designed to attract and retain those employees. This budget contains the funding for remaining provisions of the 1/5th retirement credit purchase program. Personnel participating in the 1/5th purchase program in fiscal year 2007 could elect to continue until they had received five 1/5th credit purchases, at which time they would be eligible to participate in the incentive program previously mentioned. NRS 391.A, previously NRS 391.165.

Synopsis: This program provides funding, as recommended by the Statewide Council for the Coordination of Regional Training Programs, to the three regional training programs established by NRS 391A.100-391A.205 and charged with the professional development of teachers and administrators. Funds are distributed to each program's fiscal agent - a local school district in the region served. Statutory Authority: NRS 391A.120-391A.205.

Synopsis: The Contingency Account for Special Education Services allows the state to reimburse school districts and charter schools for extraordinary program expenses and related services which are not ordinarily present in the typical special education service and delivery system at a public school, are associated with the implementation of an individualized education program of a pupil with significant disabilities, and the costs of which exceed the total funding available to the school district or charter school for the pupil. Statutory authority: NRS 388.5243.

Synopsis: The Early Childhood Literacy and Readiness Account plays a crucial role in supporting early childhood education initiatives in Nevada by providing funding to two main programs: the Nevada Ready! State Pre-Kindergarten (NR!PK) program and the Early Childhood Innovative Literacy Program (ECILP) grants. The funding allows the Department to allocate resources strategically to enhance early childhood education and literacy, thereby aiming to improve educational outcomes and developmental opportunities for young children across the state. The NR!PK program aims to enhance early childhood education by increasing access to pre-kindergarten for three-year-olds and expanding eligibility for four-year-olds and their families. By expanding access to pre-K education, the program seeks to improve school readiness and educational outcomes for children across Nevada. ECILP grants are designed to fund innovative new programs or expand existing early literacy initiatives that cater to children under the age of six, their families, and early childhood professionals. These grants support various aspects of early literacy, such as literacy development strategies, parent and caregiver engagement in literacy activities, professional development for early childhood educators, and the integration of literacy into early childhood settings. These initiatives not only aim to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond but also strive to build a strong foundation in literacy that supports lifelong learning and success.

Synopsis: The Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship provides scholarship assistance to in-service educators, who have taught in a Nevada public school for at least two years and are taking graduate coursework at a Nevada university or college that results in a master's degree in education or related field.

Synopsis: The Account for Alternative Schools provides leadership, support, and monitoring of private schools in Nevada to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in NRS 394 and NAC 394. This includes provisions related to initial private school licensure and license renewal, annual documentation related to enrollment, staffing, Opportunity Scholarships, and emergency plans for private schools across the state.

Synopsis: The Office of the Superintendent is responsible for the administration of the provisions of law relating to the jurisdiction, duties, and functions of the Department of Education and leads the system of PreK-12 public education in the state. This includes collaborating with the Nevada State Board of Education to lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Statewide Plan for Improvement of Pupils, as well as preparing an annual report of the state of public education in Nevada. NRS 385; NRS 385.010; NRS 385.175; NRS 385.230

Synopsis: The department must establish and maintain standards for the core academic content areas, and the performance indicators and possible courses of study. Department staff coordinates the monitoring and technical support of school districts and the regional professional development programs implementation of the standards through the approval of primary instructional materials that align and support the standards and are approved by the Nevada State Board of Education. Statutory Authority: NRS 389.0185, NRS 389.520, and NRS 390.140.

Synopsis: The Department of Education administers career and technical education programs that meet the requirements of the Nevada State Plan for Career and Technical Education (CTE). The plan is based on the needs of students within the state and serves as the application for the federal funds authorized by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The primary mission of the federal program is to develop and improve CTE programs, focusing on high quality programs aligned to economic and workforce development priorities of the state. Authority: NRS 388.340, 388.360(3), Perkins V.

Synopsis: The Nevada State Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) (NVGU) application is a collaborative effort among the Nevada Department of Education (NDE), Office of the Governor, Office of the State Treasurer, and diverse stakeholders, including parents/families, students, agency representatives, businesses and non-profit organizations. As lead agency and fiscal agent, the NDE will direct the project implementation with its partners, including the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), Nevada School Districts and the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships. NVGU programming empowers low-income and historically underrepresented students to do well academically in middle and high school, enroll in rigorous and relevant classes, graduate high school and enter college as a natural extension of their education. Activities for students include mentoring; tutoring; career exploration, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities and enrichment; educational field trips; financial literacy/financial aid workshops; and parent/family involvement. NVGU will develop a framework and strategies in GEAR UP middle and high schools for the implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act based on best practices and Nevada College Readiness Standards. During the 2020-2026 grant period, NVGU will serve approximately 4,631 students per year and will operate statewide in eleven middle schools and nine high schools located in northern and southern Nevada school districts, as well as in academic outreach programs located at Nevada's two universities. The program will serve students beginning in the sixth grade through their first year in college at the seven NSHE Public Institutions of Higher Learning. The program schools are located in four of the 17 Nevada school districts.

Synopsis: The Continuing Education account is funded through the federal Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The purpose of the act is to provide adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) services in order to assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; to assist adults in the completion of secondary school education; and to assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the education of their children. Funds are granted to eligible educational and community-based organizations on a competitive basis to carry out the purpose of the act. Students enrolled in the programs must be over 16 years of age and must be withdrawn from high school and not required to be in a school. A federally required 25% match is partially met by state funding for instruction; the local instructional programs contribute the balance of the match. Authority: P.L. 105-220. Workforce Investment Act, Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act; NRS 387.1233.

Synopsis: Assessments and Accountability funds several testing programs, each described below, mandated by the Legislature and administered by the Department of Education. The budget account is primarily funded by General Fund appropriations. The 2001 Legislature provided funds to support a contract with a nationally recognized testing company for the development, printing, scoring, and reporting of the Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRTs) in grades 3-8 (NRS 390.105). Using the CRT program for purposes of school accountability is required for Federal Title I compliance and by NRS 385. Pursuant to NRS 390.105 and US PL 114-95, examinations measuring proficiency and achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics are to be administered in grades 3-8. These same laws require administration of examinations measuring proficiency and achievement in science in grades 5, 8, and high school prior to grade 11. Pursuant to NRS 390.610, a College and Career Readiness assessment is required. This assessment also fulfills the requirement of US PL 114-95 to measure proficiency and achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics in high school. Established in the 2015 Legislative session and updated in 2019, NRS 388.157 requires the assessment of all kindergarten through third grade students reading ability via a valid and reliable assessment selected by the State Board of Education. This assessment is to be developed, scored, and reported by a nationally recognized testing company according to NRS 390.105. The Academic Standards Council provides funding to support operational costs in support of the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools. The Academic Standards Council has been designated through NRS 390.115 as the sole entity within the state responsible for the establishment, periodic review, and prioritization of content and performance standards in the subject areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, computer and technology education, health, and physical education. Funding for the Student Accountability Information in Nevada data system and the public facing Report Card required by NRS 385 are part of this budget account. This state reporting system captures students via unique identifications and tracks their progress through the education system, including their test results on the above-mentioned tests. Statutory authority: NRS Chapter 387, NRS Chapter 390; 2001 17th Special Session Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 13.

Synopsis: This program provides categorical educational funding as follows: 13 INCENTIVIZING PATHWAYS TO TEACHING - Provides stipends to support pre-service educators as they complete coursework or student teaching 25 JOBS FOR AMERICA'S GRADUATES - Helps students graduate, teaches workplace readiness skills, provides employment support services, and assists enrollment in post-secondary education or the military for high school graduates. 44 PUBLIC BROADCASTING - Subgranted to public broadcasting stations to promote educational, informational, and cultural needs of Nevada communities. 49 EDUCATION LEADERSHIP - Funds leadership personnel development to prepare school leaders to be successful in their expanded management duties. 78 AB580-SEC 82-CTE PROGRAMS - Subgranted to school districts and charter schools to support Career and Technical Education programs. 80 ADULT EDUCATION - Subgranted to school districts to support adult standard high school diploma courses of study.

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Synopsis: The Educator Licensure budget is fully fee-funded, provides for all activities of the Offices of Educator Licensure, and includes the budget for the Commission on Professional Standards in Education. This budget account also funds the fingerprint clearance and background check processes; investigation of public and employer complaints of misconduct; and the statutorily mandated tracking, facilitation, and reporting of the licensure discipline process by the State Board of Education. Additionally, the Online Portal for Applications and Licensure (OPAL) is supported by this budget. OPAL will also allow for adherence to mandated data collection and reporting regarding the inequitable distribution of fully certified, experienced, and effective educators serving all students in accordance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Authority: NRS 391.031 - NRS 391.051; NRS 391.053 - NRS 391.059; NRS 391.320 - NRS 391.161; Assembly Bills 7, 77, and 362 (2017) and Senate Bill 287 (2017) NRS 385.175; NRS 385A.430 - NRS 385A.440.

Synopsis: NRS 385.630 establishes the Office of Parental Involvement and Family Engagement in the department; NRS 385.610 establishes the Advisory Council for Family Engagement. This account provides support for the engagement of families and communities in the education process by reviewing, evaluating, and expanding effective practices and programs implemented by the school districts and public schools.

Synopsis: The goal of the Office of Early Learning and Development is to coordinate birth through third grade state level work to improve the access and quality of early childhood education programs across a variety of settings. The focus is building strong connections between learning experiences across these critical years. This approach necessitates that educational standards, curricula, assessment, instruction, and professional development are strongly aligned across programs starting in infancy through third grade. Authority: NRS 387.652 - 387.658 Grants for Prekindergarten Programs 42 USC 9801 et seq. and 9858, et seq., Executive Order #2013-16.

Synopsis: The purpose of the COVID19 Funding Account is to administer funding received in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), and the Education Stabilization Fund Program-Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER).

Synopsis: The programs encompassed under the Student and School Support budget account have been authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as well as state funding, which provides financial assistance to state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools through a myriad of grants intended to bring about supplemental and enriching learning opportunities to students so that all students can learn to their fullest potentials.

Synopsis: Literacy and proficiency in English language arts are key components of public education standards and expectations for all students. This account receives both state dollars for literacy programs and includes staff, programs, and related costs to improve reading proficiency across all grades. Authority: NRS Chapter 389 generally; US FY2005 Appropriations Act under Title I, 42 USC 2701, et seq.

Synopsis: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides funding to states through the United States Department of Education. The grants are designed to assist states to provide Free and Appropriate Public Education, special education, and related services, in the least restrictive environment. The services are provided to improve inclusive practices, use of technology, student performance on statewide assessments including alternate assessments; transition from early intervention programs; behavioral success; graduation and drop-out rates; post-secondary outcomes; recruitment, retention, and professional development of special education personnel. Authority: 20 USC 1400 et seq.

Synopsis: The department maintains an automated system of accountability information and a statewide student information system to provide transparency to the public, make longitudinal analyses, satisfy state and federal reporting requirements, and assist in the improvement of student achievement, classroom instruction, and educator performance. This budget includes funding for staff, vendor services, data system operations, all related system hardware and software, and general administrative expenses. Statutory authority: NRS 386.650.

Synopsis: The Teach Nevada Scholarship Program was created in the 2015 Legislative Session through Senate Bill 511 and modified in 2017 through Senate Bill 544, continuing funding with Senate Bill 555 (2019). The purpose of the program is to provide grants to universities, colleges, and providers of alternative licensure programs to award scholarships to students entering teaching programs. Scholarships may be awarded to a recipient in an amount not to exceed $3,000 per semester or $24,000 in the aggregate. Programs will be awarded 75% of each scholarship granted by the state board and will disburse funds in the amount of student tuition costs at the beginning of each semester. The state board shall hold the remaining 25% in an account for distribution to the recipient upon program completion and after teaching in a Nevada public school for five consecutive years.

Synopsis: The District Support Services is designed to fund staff and operating expenditures for the allocation of state and federal funds to the school districts, including those relating to the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan, class-size reduction, full-day kindergarten, and special education. In addition, this budget account includes support for state and federal grant monitoring functions, as well as state auditing functions.

Synopsis: The Department Support Services funds staff and operating expenditures to oversee the development and monitoring of budget accounts that support the department and its programs. In addition, all finance-related duties, including personnel and payroll functions, are supported through this budget account. Staff and operating expenditures for the provision of information technology services to department staff are maintained through this account.

Synopsis: The Office of Safe and Respectful Learning Environments is responsible for monitoring compliance and supporting school districts with applicable school and student safety laws inclusive of behavioral and physical health. This office will establish programs of training to improve school climate and prevent, identify, and report incidents of bullying and cyber-bullying, school safety reporting, suicide prevention, and restorative/discipline practices. In addition, this office will implement and monitor the SafeVoice and Handle with Care Programs, and support districts in their planning for emergency management, social emotional learning, tiered systems of support, and Discipline/Restorative Practices Plans. Statutory authority: NRS 388.121-145 (Climate and School Safety), NRS 388.229-266 (Emergency/Crisis Management), NRS 392.420-455 (Health and Safety) and NRS 392.461-472 (Behavior and Discipline).

Synopsis: The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) establishes and regulates the minimum qualifications, training, and standards for all peace officers in the State of Nevada. POST oversees and tracks the employment, behavior, basic and professional certification, course certification, and training for Nevada's officers. Regularly scheduled public meetings are held around the state to discuss and revise laws and regulations, hear issues regarding the law enforcement community, and render judgment regarding officer behavior, which may result in denial, suspension, or revocation of POST certification. In addition, POST is responsible for establishing standardized performance objectives for all basic training academies. POST also develops and delivers exemplary training (both classroom and online), conducts its basic training academy, and provides professional courses for officers throughout the state. POST performs statewide audits of all 139 agencies and 35 academies, providing guidance and oversight while monitoring compliance with standards set forth in the NRS and NAC. Statutory Authority: NRS 289.

Synopsis: The Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) administers Nevada's legal medical and adult-use cannabis programs, ensuring the protection of public health and safety through a strict and rigorous regulatory system. The CCB's responsibilities include licensing and regulation of Nevada cannabis establishments. The Department of Taxation was assigned responsibility of the adult-use cannabis program with the voter-passed Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in November 2016, which legalized adult-use cannabis in Nevada. The Nevada Legislature transferred responsibility of the state's medical cannabis program from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Taxation on July 1, 2017. The 2019 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 533, creating the Cannabis Compliance Board and transferred the authority to license and regulate persons and establishments relating to cannabis from the Department of Taxation to the Board. The CCB became effective July 1, 2020. The CCB administers six cannabis license types and is responsible for establishing licensing qualifications; determining the need to license additional establishments in the state; reviewing applications for licensure; issuing initial and annual renewal of licenses; tracking licenses; reviewing and making determinations on transfers of ownership; and suspending, revoking and reinstating licenses. The CCB establishes standards and procedures for the cultivation, production, testing, distribution, consumption, and sale of cannabis in Nevada. As a critical part of its regulatory oversight, the CCB inspects cannabis establishments to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations around issues such as public health and safety, security, testing, inventory tracking, and labeling. Additionally, the CCB reviews all proposed cannabis menu items and packaging design for regulatory compliance. There are two tax types specific to cannabis that the Department of Taxation is responsible for administering and collecting: wholesale cannabis tax and retail cannabis tax. Revenues from the wholesale cannabis tax, as well as revenues from fees, penalties, and assessments, will first pay the CCB's administrative and enforcement costs. Five million dollars per year is then distributed to counties, cities, and towns, and the remainder is distributed to the state Distributive School Account. At the end of each calendar quarter, the Department of Taxation calculates and publishes the fair market value at wholesale rates for multiple categories of cannabis product, upon which the wholesale cannabis tax is calculated. The Department of Taxation distributes revenues from the retail cannabis tax to the Account to Stabilize the Operation of State Government. Statutory Authority: NAC 372A.155