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AB539 would authorize career‑coaching pilot for middle and high school students; Workforce office says it can implement via existing resources
Summary
AB539 would direct Nevada’s Office of Workforce Innovation (DETR offices) to develop a career‑coaching program for middle and high school students, prioritizing disconnected youth; departmental testimony said the program could be implemented using existing agency resources and partnerships if funding is available.
Assemblymember Shay Backus (R–Assembly District 37) presented AB539, a bill developed by the joint interim committee on revenue to target disconnected youth with career development supports in middle and high schools.
Backus said the bill draws on models from Maryland and Mississippi and that the joint committee recommended development of a middle‑school focused career‑coaching approach to raise student awareness of high‑school and post‑secondary career pathways. The sponsor indicated the bill language would prioritize implementation where funding exists and that a conceptual amendment would make the program permissive rather than mandatory.
Chris Sewell, director at the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), testified the amended language moves oversight from a single DETR division to the agency as a whole and that DETR can use existing divisions and community partners to implement the program and braid funding. Sewell said the agency believes it can implement the program without seeking general‑fund appropriations, depending on available funds, and that partnering with nonprofits and school districts would be part of implementation.
Supporters on the record included the Vegas Chamber and the Nevada Association of School Superintendents. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing.
What’s next: Sponsor and DETR said they would pursue implementation based on available resources and partnerships; the bill proceeds for committee consideration and possible amendment to clarify funding and oversight.
