Nevada Youth Legislature board reviews program gains, scholarship funding and elects officers

The Nevada Youth Legislature board on an interim meeting reviewed its program calendar and recent legislative outcomes, discussed scholarship funding and pledged donations, scheduled a May budget review for submission to the Legislature and elected officers for the coming year, Chair Valerie Weiner said.

“We'll call this wonderful meeting of the board … to order,” Weiner said as she opened the session and reviewed the packet of background materials sent to members.

Weiner described how youth legislators develop proposals each term — beginning with roughly 21 individual bills, winnowed through votes and hearings until a final measure is selected — and said the NYL process resulted in a youth proposal that was filed in the Legislature as Senate Bill 254. She said SB 254 passed out of the Senate Education Committee but was later referred to Senate Finance and did not advance to the governor. A separate NYL-related idea from an alum was later introduced by an assembly member as Assembly Bill 167 and “did become law,” Weiner said.

The board also reviewed the program’s training structure: a one-day inaugural session, monthly half-day sessions through the school year, outside assignments that build advocacy and presentation skills, and a deliberate effort to use alumni as mentor-trainers. Weiner said recent gatherings included a January Carson City day where “all five of our Northern youth legislators attended and participated fully,” with alumni and legislators also present.

On scholarships, Weiner said the board consolidated earlier awards into a $1,000 NYL scholarship and reported that the program has awarded $31,000 to 49 former youth legislators since 2013. She said she and other donors have pledged funds for a larger award in 2026 and that $2,000 had been pledged toward reviving a $2,500 scholarship level.

“I give a $1,000 scholarship,” Weiner said, and added she had commitments for additional donor support to reach $2,500 if the board chose to do so.

The board also discussed scheduling for a May meeting to prepare a budget submission for the Legislature’s consideration for the 2027 session. Members tentatively set May 13 for a 3 p.m. meeting so staff can finalize materials in time for legislative budget deadlines.

On procedural business, the board approved minutes from its April 10, 2024 and Jan. 9, 2025 meetings by voice vote; the chair recorded unanimous support among members present. The board then conducted its annual officer elections: retired Senator Valerie Weiner was confirmed as chair; retired Senator Joyce Woodhouse was confirmed as vice chair; Senator John Steinbeck was confirmed as secretary; and Senator Scheibel was confirmed as treasurer. Nominations were made from the board and votes were recorded as unanimous among those present.

Gail Anderson, who identified herself on the phone as the board’s public member, said she had reviewed the materials and planned to attend the February training in Las Vegas. Doctor Zahn Okudolem (board member and alum) praised the program’s continuing impact and the opportunity alumni have to return as mentors and trainers.

The meeting closed with the chair thanking Legislative Counsel Bureau staff and program facilitator Tina Ashdown for ongoing support and noting the program’s resilience and statewide continuity through virtual and in-person activities. The board adjourned with no further action taken.

Votes at a glance: The board approved minutes for 04/10/2024 and 01/09/2025 (voice votes; unanimous among members present). Officer elections (nominations and voice approvals): Chair — Valerie Weiner (approved unanimously); Vice Chair — Joyce Woodhouse (approved unanimously); Secretary — Senator John Steinbeck (approved unanimously); Treasurer — Senator Scheibel (approved unanimously).