Bill would bar most high‑school students from working 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on school nights after student plea

Assembly Bill 215 would bar most children who are enrolled in high school, are at least 16 years old and under 19 years of age from working between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on any night preceding a school day, supporters told the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. The measure grew from student requests and classroom testimony at Shadow Ridge High School, sponsors said.

The bill includes limited exemptions: performers in motion‑picture or theatrical productions, certain farm work, lifeguards at pools and employees at arcades. Section 1 also requires the Nevada Labor Commissioner to publish an abstract of child‑employment rules online — including a QR code or other machine‑readable barcode — and to furnish the abstract to every employer in the state.

Why it matters: sponsors and students said late‑night shifts harm educational outcomes and safety. A video shown to the committee featured students who described falling asleep in class, dropping coursework and feeling unsafe driving home late at night. Assemblymember Danielle Monroe Moreno said the idea originated with students who reported managers scheduling them late on school nights.

Assemblymember Cynthia Moore and Assemblymember Brian Hibbetts joined Monroe Moreno as co‑sponsors and described outreach to the students and school staff. Monroe Moreno said the measure applies only during the school year and that districts or juvenile courts may grant exemptions where it is in a child's best interest.

Committee members pressed sponsors on technical points. Senator Flores asked how the exemption process would apply to 18‑year‑old students who attend college courses or have nonstandard schedules; sponsors said the regulation process could address those particulars. Senator Daley asked whether federal child‑labor rules (which govern 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds) or state enforcement would create gaps; sponsors noted federal rules remain in effect and that the bill targets older teen workers.

Legal counsel Jeff Koulame answered a question about curfew enforcement: a peace officer may not stop a vehicle solely to determine whether a young person is violating curfew and may not issue a citation if the driver provides satisfactory evidence that they are operating the vehicle to or from a scheduled event. Sponsors said the policy intent is to protect student learning and safety while allowing reasonable employment and farm/entertainment exceptions.

Support at the hearing included the Vegas Chamber, the Nevada Resort Association and the City of North Las Vegas. No recorded opposition testified at the committee hearing; sponsors said they will continue to work with employers and local school districts during rulemaking to address edge cases and implementation.