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Bill would halt reversion, fund shortfall in adoption savings program and require audit of liability
Summary
AB515 would prevent reversion of funds for Nevada’s adoption savings program, appropriate about $7.98 million across child-welfare entities to address a growing liability, and require an audit and plan to address the outstanding shortfall.
The Senate Finance Committee considered Assembly Bill 515 June 1, a bill addressing an unfunded liability tied to Nevada’s adoption savings program and the state’s use of Title IV‑E federal funding.
Cadence Matejevich, representing Washoe County, told the committee AB515 would do three things: (1) remove reversion language so funds appropriated to the adoption savings program do not revert to the general fund (the federal program imposes no spending deadline), (2) appropriate approximately $7,983,892 across Clark, Washoe and the Division of Child and Family Services over the upcoming biennium to reduce an existing liability, and (3) require DCFS, the Governor's Finance Office and counties to audit the actual unfunded liability and prepare a funding plan to submit to the Interim Finance Committee by Feb. 1, 2026.
Matejevich said the unfunded liability has been growing as federal eligibility expanded to younger cohorts; she warned that failure to address the liability could trigger federal scrutiny and jeopardize Title IV‑E funding. Joanna Jacob, representing Clark County, said the reprint was a collaborative product worked out with assembly ways and means, the governor's finance office, LCB fiscal staff and DCFS.
Senators asked for clarification on how the funds can be used. Matejevich said the adoption savings program is flexible and can pay for items ranging from utilities, gas and transportation to respite care, tutoring and other services for families that adopt or provide guardianship to children. She described the program as a support resource to stabilize families who take in vulnerable children.
The committee received no opposition testimony during the hearing and closed consideration after staff and sponsoring jurisdictions explained the appropriation and audit requirements.
