Assemblymember Howard Watts presented Assembly Bill 442 as a multi-part effort to improve administration of state grants to nonprofits by promoting advance payments to improve cash flow and requiring prompt reporting when payments exceed a 30-day timeline. Watts said the draft originally included an interest penalty for late payments but that the amendment removes penalties and instead requires reporting to the Governor's Finance Office and the Interim Finance Committee.

Watts told the committee the amendment also directs the Office of Federal Assistance to provide technical assistance on advance payments rather than imposing a requirement, and that the change removed many agency fiscal concerns. Several agencies — including the Nevada Department of Education (Steve Cambe r), Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (James Settlemeier), Division of Emergency Management, Housing Division, OSIT, SPCSA, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Department of Public Safety — provided written or oral testimony that the amendment would remove their fiscal notes. Steve Cambe r said the Department of Education has removed its fiscal note; the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources confirmed the amendment reduced its fiscal note by eliminating an audit-team staffing expectation.

Supporters at the table included the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, the Vegas Chamber, United Way Northern Nevada and the Sierra, and nonprofit representatives who emphasized improved cash flow for partner organizations. No callers opposed. The sponsor asked agencies to submit updated fiscal emails for the record.