AB153 would expand access to FAFSA/Pell eligibility and encourage FAFSA events inside Nevada correctional facilities

Assemblymember Bridal Miller told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Assembly Bill 153 would encourage correctional facilities to offer at least two FAFSA assistance events each year, provide career planning and coordinate with colleges, libraries and community partners so incarcerated people can apply for federal student aid and enroll in approved education and training programs.

Miller said recent federal policy changes have reopened pathways for incarcerated students enrolled in approved prison education programs to receive federal Pell Grant funding and that AB153 would help Nevada facilities and higher‑education institutions organize applications and supporting documentation. She described the measure as permissive — requiring the Department of Corrections to offer information and assistance but not requiring individual participation — and said institutions already offering prison education would be models for expansion.

Why it matters: Supporters said enabling incarcerated people to access financial aid for tuition, fees, books and course materials can increase educational attainment, reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes. Witnesses from higher education, prison‑education advocates and civil‑rights organizations told the committee that navigating FAFSA is complex and on‑site assistance would increase takeup.

Testimony from college and program representatives described existing efforts. Doug Unger of the Nevada Prison Education Project said Western Nevada College, College of Southern Nevada and other institutions already provide classes in some facilities and need coordinated support to expand enrollment and FAFSA completion. Western Nevada College president Kyle Dalpe explained that incarcerated students frequently rely on scholarships, family funding or state appropriations and that federal aid could supplement those resources; he noted FAFSA must be renewed annually.

Supporters and civil‑rights groups, including the ACLU of Nevada, the Nevada Prison Education Project, the Fines and Fees Justice Center and public‑defense staff, testified in favor. They emphasized program administration details: Pell Grants for incarcerated students cover tuition and course costs, not living expenses; financial‑aid awards for incarcerated students are paid to the school and any refunds are returned to the U.S. Department of Education in accordance with federal rules; students remain ineligible for federal student loans while incarcerated.

Committee members asked whether the requirement is mandatory at facility level and how Pell funds operate after release. Miller said the bill requires corrections to offer events and report on them but does not compel individual participation; upon release, students may apply for broader aid consistent with federal rules and FAFSA renewal requirements.

No committee vote was recorded. Sponsors said they would coordinate with the Department of Corrections, institutions of higher education and the Department of Education on implementation details and reporting requirements before the bill returns to committee.