Assembly Bill 397 aims to expand tuition waivers for Native American and homeless students

The Senate Committee on Education convened on June 1, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 397, which aims to expand tuition and fee waivers for specific student populations in Nevada. The meeting featured a series of testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the bill's potential impact on students, particularly those from Native American communities and those who have experienced homelessness.

Chancellor Patricia Charlton of the Nevada System of Higher Education opened the discussion, expressing gratitude to Assembly Member Watts and others for their collaboration on the bill. She emphasized the importance of supporting diverse student populations, including Native American students, and acknowledged ongoing partnerships with tribal leaders and the National Guard to enhance educational access.

Leon Abenevius from UNLV voiced support for the bill, noting its significance for Native American student enrollment. He mentioned the university's commitment to working with tribal communities and highlighted the efforts of the new president, Chris Heavey, to strengthen these relationships.

Kent Irvin from the Nevada Faculty Alliance also expressed support, stressing the need for low tuition and fully funded fee waivers. He raised concerns about the funding mechanisms for these waivers, urging that they be addressed in future budget processes.

Will Adler, representing the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, praised the bill for its compromises and its focus on the needs of border tribes. He highlighted the importance of balancing limited resources with the need for educational support.

Michael Flores from the University of Nevada Reno shared the institution's commitment to improving relations with tribal communities, noting the establishment of an office for indigenous relations and the hosting of a tribal summit.

Clarissa Cota from the College of Southern Nevada reiterated support for the bill, mentioning the incoming president's interest in better supporting tribal communities.

Doug Unger, president of the UNLV chapter of the Nevada Faculty Alliance, provided a personal account of the challenges faced by homeless youth. He emphasized that AB 397 would help recognize and support these vulnerable students, allowing them to pursue education and improve their circumstances.

The committee then opened the floor for public testimony, receiving no opposition or neutral comments regarding the bill. The meeting concluded with no further discussions, and the committee members were invited to provide any closing remarks.

Overall, the session underscored a collective commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved populations in Nevada, with a focus on collaboration and support from various educational institutions and community leaders.