With the election of the first African American Assembly Speaker joining African American Senate Majority Leader in controlling both houses, Black Nevadans have a tremendous interest in this legislative session and hopes for advancements of a community often marginalized in policy decisions. This session is gearing up to deliver on much needed social justice concerns. Each session, Clark County Black Caucus adopts a Legislative Black Agenda. Go to www.CCBlackCaucus.com to see additional bills you should be aware of and the legislative agenda. I’ve attempted to highlight a few bills addressing issues Black Nevadans have expressed interest in over the years below.
Call your State Representative and ask them to support the following bills:
SB373 – Requires appointment of a Minority Affairs Analyst Manager (passed 1st committee)
AB303 – Ban private prisons (passed 1st committee)
AB384 – Ban the box (passed 1st committee)
SB516 – Apprenticeship programs & career and technical training in CCSD (passed 1st committee) Note: Lack of CTA programs in high schools with high Black student populations must be addressed in CCSD if they are to have the same opportunities as peers.
AB181 – Restoration of civil rights (passed 1st committee)
AB180 – Juvenile Justice Bill of Rights (passed Assembly with constitutional majority and headed to the Senate)
SB306 – Pilot training program for offenders and access to telecommunication and education (passed 1st committee)
SB126 – Small business loan program (passed 1st committee)
AB186 – Pre-K program in every school (passed 1st committee) Note: Unfunded Mandate. Funding is not included in Governor’s budget, and therefore legislature will have to determine how they will pay for it.
AB70 – Redevelopment funds (passed by Assembly with a constitutional majority and moves to Senate)
AB196 – Certified cultural competency for educators (passed Assembly floor vote and moves to Senate)
AB275 – Requires the establishment of a protocol for student success (passed 1st committee)
AB316 – Medication services to offenders prior to release (passed 1st committee)
SB368 – Search and seizure property provisions (waiver granted)
AB259 – Vacating certain judgements (pass 1st committee)
AB144 - Creates Nevada Advisory Commission on Mentoring (passed 1st committee)
SB132 – Assists credit deficient students with additional time to graduate (waiver granted)
AB482 – Career and Technical Education Programs Grant (passed Assembly with constitutional majority)
Ask your State Representative to amend the following bills:
SB178 – NV Education Funding Formula (waiver granted) Note: Asking for an additional funding designation to include “lowest proficient students” and provide additional resources they need. Currently, proposed amendments include long term English Second Language Learners and Gifted & Talented students. Nevada cannot ignore the needs of our least proficient students and take seriously the proficiency gap.
AB447 - Victory Schools (passed 1st committee) Note: CCBC is asking for additional funding for students in poverty comparable to ZOOM Schools funding currently proposed at $80Million (Victory) vs $142Million (ZOOM)
AB409 – Removing requirement students read by grade 3 (passed 1st committee) Note: CCBC does not support extending the mandate to fifth grade.
SB441 – Workforce development grants (Passed 1st committee) Note: CCBC recommends adding language “Compliance with U.S. Department of Labor C.F.R. Sec 30.29 and 30.30”
SB357 – Apprenticeship requirements on public works (passed 1st committee) Note: CCBC recommends adding language “Compliance with U.S. Department of Labor C.F.R. Sec 30.29 and 30.30”
Yvette Williams is a community advocate and Chair/Founder of the Clark County Black Caucus, a non-partisan community organization driven 100% by volunteer members registered to vote. Follow her on twitter @YvetteBWilliams or contact her at ClarkCountyBlackCaucus@gmail.com for more information.