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Bill to formalize open‑enrollment policy for Nevada public schools draws mixed questions on transportation and special education
Summary
AB 533 would create an open enrollment framework for school districts, require public reporting of vacancies and transfers, and authorize a state transportation grant; sponsors and districts said the reprint removes the fiscal note unless funding is appropriated.
Assembly Bill 533 would establish a statewide framework for open enrollment in public schools while preserving district flexibility, require school‑level reporting on vacancies and transfers, and authorize a discretionary state grant for transportation, Assemblymember Selena Torres Faucette told the Senate Finance Committee on June 1.
"This piece of legislation establishes an open enrollment policy," Torres Faucette said, explaining the third reprint directs the Nevada Department of Education to create guidelines and review processes while allowing school districts to set capacity and selection methods such as lotteries. The bill exempts magnet, career technical and dual‑enrollment high schools because they may have GPA or other admission standards.
Torres Faucette said the third reprint includes priority for students zoned to 1‑ or 2‑star schools and that, as written, "there is no fiscal note," though she confirmed an appropriation would be needed if the committee wanted a transportation grant funded. Clark County School District and other supporters told the committee they already operate similar processes and supported statewide transparency. "We want to express our support for this bill," Nathaniel Wall of CCSD said.
Senators pressed the sponsor on transportation logistics and on whether special‑education transportation and Individualized Education Program (IEP) transportation needs were addressed; a caller noted section 2.5 appeared not to address transportation needs for students with disabilities. Nevada Department of Education staff said the department planned to absorb reporting duties by reallocating an existing position because other reporting burdens were being reduced in the same session.
Supporters included school boards, superintendents, CCSD and the Vegas Chamber. Callers expressed both support and neutrality; some civic callers said the bill was a limited form of school choice and urged broader reforms. The committee closed the hearing with no recorded action.
