Nevada subcommittee approves $903K budget increases for mental health services in 2025-2027

The Joint Meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on April 26, 2025, to discuss budget recommendations for various state services, particularly focusing on mental health and public health funding for the upcoming biennium.

The meeting began with the subcommittee's closing recommendations, which proposed an increase in general fund appropriations of $903,282 for fiscal year 2026 and $436,651 for fiscal year 2027 compared to the governor's recommended budget. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services budget, where the subcommittee approved $17.6 million in general fund appropriations over the 2025-2027 biennium to support the addition of 21 forensic beds and 53 new full-time positions.

However, the subcommittee recommended a reduction in funding for skilled nursing facilities, approving only $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 instead of the $1 million proposed by the governor. They also allocated $1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the same purpose. Additionally, a transfer of $500,000 each year from the Fund for Resilient Nevada to the North Las Vegas Fire Department was approved to enhance mental health and opioid support services.

In terms of staffing, the subcommittee recommended funding for two new psychiatric casework positions while eliminating four existing positions, reflecting a strategic approach to managing resources based on caseload projections. The Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services budget also saw adjustments, with funding for nine new positions and a reduction of $905,585 to eliminate five vacant positions.

The subcommittee addressed the behavioral health prevention and treatment budget, approving the transfer of three positions related to suicide prevention to the crisis response budget. However, they did not support the governor's recommendation for 17 new positions, opting instead to allocate federal grant authority for local agencies to implement federal objectives.

Further discussions included the environmental health services budget, where the subcommittee recommended eliminating the budget account and transferring its functions to the state department of agriculture, contingent upon legislative approval. They also addressed funding for public health improvements, recommending $7.5 million in general fund appropriations each year to support public health districts.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the subcommittee report and technical adjustments, which passed unanimously. The next agenda item involved the Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, indicating a continued focus on state service funding and resource allocation in the upcoming biennium.