Revises provisions relating to periods of observance. (BDR 19-803)
Summary
SB297 adds a new state observance to Nevada law by designating October of each year as “Menopause Awareness Month.” The bill amends Chapter 236 of NRS, which governs official days, weeks, and months of observance, and directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month.
The proclamation is required to encourage public observance and to call on news media, health care providers, educators, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and other public and private entities to share factual information and educational programming about menopause. It also asks those entities to promote access to quality health care during menopause in support of the health and well-being of Nevadans. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill has a limited but direct impact on Nevada statutes by adding menopause awareness to the list of officially recognized observances in NRS Chapter 236. It does not create a regulatory program, mandate benefits, or impose enforcement duties, but it does require an annual gubernatorial proclamation and encourages coordinated public education and health-care outreach around menopause.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally favorable and noncontroversial in the Legislature, passing the Senate 19-2 and the Assembly 29-13. The vote totals suggest broad support for the concept of public awareness and health education, though not unanimous support. No committee transcript was provided, so the record does not show detailed debate or amendments.
Contention
The main point of possible contention is the use of state recognition for a specific health-related observance, which some lawmakers may have viewed as outside the core scope of government observance designations or as too narrow a use of legislative attention. The recorded votes indicate some opposition in both chambers, but no specific objections, fiscal concerns, or policy disputes are documented in the provided materials.