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Senate committee advances bill to require professional development and data reporting on student behavior
Summary
Senate Bill 374 would require districts to provide training on student behavior supports, expand statewide training curricula through the Nevada Department of Education, and increase reporting and data transparency; the committee moved the bill forward unanimously.
Sen. Angie Taylor, sponsor of Senate Bill 374, told the Senate Committee on Education that the bill aims to strengthen prior legislative work on student discipline by focusing on professional development, student behavior supports, and data transparency. "Senate Bill 374 is designed to support and strengthen the intent of [earlier bills] by addressing three critical areas, professional development, student behavior support, and data transparency," Taylor said during the hearing.
Taylor said SB 374 requires each local board of trustees to ensure school staff receive professional development in strategies for addressing student behavior, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), conflict resolution and de-escalation, and classroom management. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE), in coordination with regional training programs, would develop training curricula districts could use to satisfy the requirement, according to the sponsor.
Testimony in support came from a range of K–12 organizations. Susan Kima, executive director of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, testified that the amendments provide the flexibility districts need. Nicole Flangas of the Nevada Association of School Boards said the bill's emphasis on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and wraparound services aligns with the association's priorities. Brian Wallace of the Nevada State Education Association said the bill would help provide resources and training that were lacking in previous restorative justice efforts that were not well implemented.
Dr. Brenda Pearson of the Clark County Education Association emphasized that the bill designates an MTSS district lead, requires an action plan to monitor strategies addressing disparities, and aims to increase accountability through statewide support and data reporting. "Senate Bill 3 74 aims to refine the behavioral supports we give students, increase teacher strategies, and create accountability for what is happening in our schools," Pearson said.
The sponsor acknowledged the bill carries a fiscal note and said the note is available on the legislative information system. Committee staff described two amendments: one to further define the required training and ensure it aligns with prior training enacted by earlier legislation, and a second to define student supports and reference a pilot program previously run by NDE.
After testimony and discussion, the committee moved to amend and do pass SB 374. The motion carried on a recorded voice vote; the committee record shows the motion passed 7 to 0. Chair Taylor indicated she would take the floor statement for the bill.
SB 374 would require districts to implement specified professional development for staff working with students who demonstrate behavior issues, to coordinate curricula with NDE and regional trainers, and to report implementation and outcomes to the Legislature. Supporters said the bill builds on prior legislation and aims to provide clearer guidance, training, and accountability to improve school climate and support both students and educators.
The committee did not receive opposition testimony at the hearing. The bill will proceed to the full Senate with the committee's amended language and the chair's floor statement.
