Nevada Assembly Bill AB353

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Failed: 6/2/25
• Failed: 6/3/25

Caption

Makes an appropriation to the University of Nevada, Reno, for a technology initiative for certain students. (BDR S-79)

Summary

AB 353 appropriates $2.4 million from the State General Fund to the University of Nevada, Reno for a technology initiative aimed at certain students during the 2025-2027 biennium. The money is specifically for the purchase, distribution, and maintenance of tablet computers for UNR students who are enrolled during that biennium and who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant. The bill ties eligibility to federal Pell Grant rules in effect on December 31, 2024, with adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for the relevant fiscal years. The measure also requires UNR to report on the initiative’s participation, academic effectiveness, technology usage, and spending. A report is due by February 1, 2027, to the Legislature, and a separate expenditure report is due to the Interim Finance Committee by September 17, 2027. Any unspent funds must be reverted to the State General Fund by that date. The bill becomes effective upon passage and approval.

Impact

AB 353 would create a one-time state appropriation and impose reporting and reversion requirements on the University of Nevada, Reno. It does not amend existing program statutes broadly, but it directs state funds to a targeted higher-education technology program for Pell-eligible students and establishes accountability conditions for how the money is spent and documented. The bill affects the State General Fund, UNR, and the subset of students who qualify under the bill’s eligibility criteria.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a supportive student-access and technology initiative rather than a controversial policy change. The stated purpose suggests a generally positive orientation toward improving academic support for low-income students. No formal opposition, amendments, or recorded vote patterns are available in the provided materials to indicate broader sentiment.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is fiscal: the bill contains a $2.4 million General Fund appropriation that is not included in the Executive Budget, which may raise budgetary scrutiny in the Ways and Means process. Another possible issue is the narrow targeting of benefits to Pell Grant-eligible students at UNR, which could prompt questions about equity, program effectiveness, or whether similar support should be extended to other campuses or student groups. The reporting requirements and sunset/reversion provisions appear designed to address accountability concerns.