STATE LEGISLATION
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How to Testify at a Hearing
Hearings are open to the public. You can attend, even if you don't plan on testifying (speaking/voicing your opinion) on a bill. If you do plan on speaking on a bill, you will be asked to "sign in" on a sheet of paper located at the entrance of the room. Once you have signed in, you'll take a seat until the legislators are ready to hear public testimony. Once they are ready for public comment, they will open up the microphone, at which point everyone who plans on speaking will get in line to give comment. When it is your turn, you will approach the microphone, give your comments, then return to your seat. You are welcome to leave the hearing at any time.
Here are some tips on making your testimony effective:
Your legislator will respect you, if you respect them!
Here are some tips on making your testimony effective:
- Plan on speaking for two minutes. If there are a lot of people the chair of the committee hearing may ask you to limit your comments to 1 minute. Respect the time limit. You will hurt yourself if you try to push for more time. If the chair asks you to wrap up your testimony, finish promptly.
- Be kind and courteous! The legislator is not your enemy. They are there to do their job of listening to their constituents. Don't be afraid to share your personal opinions, but do not make your comments about the legislator and do not attack them personally. You will hurt your cause more than help.
- Keep your comments factual and about the specific bill. If you start to wander off topic, you will lose credibility.
Your legislator will respect you, if you respect them!
The 2019 Legislative Session Recap - impact on parental rights.
Dear Powerful Parents,
The 80th Legislative session has come to an end and our team worked tirelessly to cross the finish line with our parental rights intact and strengthened.
There were a number of bills brought by this legislature that would have diminished your right to parent your children and I am pleased to report that we have been successful in amending or killing many of these bad bills.
AB295- A comprehensive sexuality education bill intended to force every district in Nevada to adopt an expansive and graphic sex ed curriculum and mandate ‘opt-out’, which eliminates express parental permission before teaching lessons.
This bill died without receiving a hearing, we believe based on a number of factors including CCSD opposition based on 2015 parents surveyed and decidedly voted to maintain ‘opt-in’. See CCSD statement here.
AB430- Could have allowed the Division of Child and Family Services to establish a family home visiting system by governmental entities to visit the homes of children during early childhood.
After working with the bill sponsor, the bill was heavily amended to remove any of the mandates and will only exist as a study of potential benefits for certain underserved populations.
AB123- This bill expanded reporting requirements for children exempt from vaccines for religious or medical reasons, to the Department of Health and Human Services as well as the trustee of that district.
A large number of engaged parents contacted their legislators and met with committee members and bill sponsors to influence an amendment that served as a sufficient compromise through the remainder of this session. The amendment to the bill did pass its last committee hearing but the bill ultimately died without receiving a full house vote.
SB179- This bill eliminated parental notification requirements that are in Nevada State Statute. It decriminalized every aspect of abortion and It also eliminates important informed consent requirements like asking a woman her age and verifying she is not under coercion.
This bill was amended to keep parental notification in Nevada State Statute. This will allow us to potentially pass legislation down the road that will fix this law and allow Nevada, once again, to protect girls through parental notification requirements.
AB156- Appoints Educational Guardians for children who are in need of help.
We worked with legislators to clarify the language to confirm this bill applies only to children taken into custody of Child Protective Services and CAN include the parent if possible.
SB287- Power2Parent was proud to join a broad, bipartisan Right to Know Nevada coalition. This bill requires government agencies to comply with the law and fulfill reasonable records requests.
This bill was passed in the final hours of the session, and even though amended will aid organizations like Power2Parent to keep government agencies accountable to taxpayers.
SB551- A payroll tax that adds approximately $9.5 million to the Opportunity Scholarship, bringing the amount of money for the program to approximately $10 million a year, however it also eliminates from statute Nevada's ESA (education savings accounts) Program.
Although funding was added, the Opportunity Scholarship program has been capped. No new funding will be allowed and no additional students will be admitted into the program, or allowed to access the funds. Democrats removed the Educational Savings Account language, further displaying their anti-parental choice bias.
We are grateful for all the support of parents and community members who engaged this legislative process by calling, emailing, and forwarding our information to other concerned citizens.
Power2Parent is a non-partisan group who represents parents and families in Nevada. We support legislation that seeks to strengthen families and we support legislators who support parents and strengthening the family. We will continue to monitor legislation for issues that impact parents and families.
Your financial support continues to propel Power2Parent into a position to defend your right to parent your children. Please consider partnering with Power2Parent by making a $25 donation that will help us continue to defend parental rights.
Respectfully,
Erin Phillips
The 80th Legislative session has come to an end and our team worked tirelessly to cross the finish line with our parental rights intact and strengthened.
There were a number of bills brought by this legislature that would have diminished your right to parent your children and I am pleased to report that we have been successful in amending or killing many of these bad bills.
AB295- A comprehensive sexuality education bill intended to force every district in Nevada to adopt an expansive and graphic sex ed curriculum and mandate ‘opt-out’, which eliminates express parental permission before teaching lessons.
This bill died without receiving a hearing, we believe based on a number of factors including CCSD opposition based on 2015 parents surveyed and decidedly voted to maintain ‘opt-in’. See CCSD statement here.
AB430- Could have allowed the Division of Child and Family Services to establish a family home visiting system by governmental entities to visit the homes of children during early childhood.
After working with the bill sponsor, the bill was heavily amended to remove any of the mandates and will only exist as a study of potential benefits for certain underserved populations.
AB123- This bill expanded reporting requirements for children exempt from vaccines for religious or medical reasons, to the Department of Health and Human Services as well as the trustee of that district.
A large number of engaged parents contacted their legislators and met with committee members and bill sponsors to influence an amendment that served as a sufficient compromise through the remainder of this session. The amendment to the bill did pass its last committee hearing but the bill ultimately died without receiving a full house vote.
SB179- This bill eliminated parental notification requirements that are in Nevada State Statute. It decriminalized every aspect of abortion and It also eliminates important informed consent requirements like asking a woman her age and verifying she is not under coercion.
This bill was amended to keep parental notification in Nevada State Statute. This will allow us to potentially pass legislation down the road that will fix this law and allow Nevada, once again, to protect girls through parental notification requirements.
AB156- Appoints Educational Guardians for children who are in need of help.
We worked with legislators to clarify the language to confirm this bill applies only to children taken into custody of Child Protective Services and CAN include the parent if possible.
SB287- Power2Parent was proud to join a broad, bipartisan Right to Know Nevada coalition. This bill requires government agencies to comply with the law and fulfill reasonable records requests.
This bill was passed in the final hours of the session, and even though amended will aid organizations like Power2Parent to keep government agencies accountable to taxpayers.
SB551- A payroll tax that adds approximately $9.5 million to the Opportunity Scholarship, bringing the amount of money for the program to approximately $10 million a year, however it also eliminates from statute Nevada's ESA (education savings accounts) Program.
Although funding was added, the Opportunity Scholarship program has been capped. No new funding will be allowed and no additional students will be admitted into the program, or allowed to access the funds. Democrats removed the Educational Savings Account language, further displaying their anti-parental choice bias.
We are grateful for all the support of parents and community members who engaged this legislative process by calling, emailing, and forwarding our information to other concerned citizens.
Power2Parent is a non-partisan group who represents parents and families in Nevada. We support legislation that seeks to strengthen families and we support legislators who support parents and strengthening the family. We will continue to monitor legislation for issues that impact parents and families.
Your financial support continues to propel Power2Parent into a position to defend your right to parent your children. Please consider partnering with Power2Parent by making a $25 donation that will help us continue to defend parental rights.
Respectfully,
Erin Phillips
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05/27/19
www.righttoknownevada.com
Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro must ensure government transparency bill receives a vote
The Right to Know Nevada coalition is calling on Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and Assistant Majority Leader Julia Ratti to allow a vote on SB287, which would increase transparency in government by strengthening Nevada’s Public Records Act.
The coalition is among the most ideologically diverse in Nevada history, and includes groups like the ACLU of Nevada, the League of Women Voters of Nevada, the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as the Nevada Press Association, the Nevada Policy Research Institute, Power2Parent, and media organizations across the state.
SB287 also enjoys broad bipartisan support among lawmakers and is sponsored by Sens. David Parks (D-7), Pat Spearman (D-1) and Ira Hansen (R-14).
The bill was introduced because too many Nevada agencies ignore or violate the clear language of the Nevada Public Records Act, which states that the “public books and records” of state and local governments are open for inspection in order “to foster democratic principles.”
“I am immensely proud of the work my colleagues David Parks and Ben Kieckhefer have put in to get SB287 to where it is today,” Sen. Hansen said, “and I look forward to voting to advance the bill out of the Senate as soon as possible.”
Unfortunately, SB287 still hasn’t received a vote in the Senate Finance Committee, even though committee Chairwoman Joyce Woodhouse, Vice Chair David Parks and committee member Mo Denis are all either primary sponsors or co-sponsors of the bill. Additionally, committee member Ben Kieckhefer is a strong supporter of the bill and has worked extensively to produce amended, compromise language that addressed the concerns of all stakeholders.
Such broad, bipartisan support suggests that SB287 would almost certainly pass out of the committee and the Senate as a whole — if only a vote were held.
“Senator Parks has worked tirelessly with legislators from both parties to advance this important legislation,” ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Tod Story said. “The public deserves to know where their representatives stand on the issue of transparency in government, and we call on Senator Cannizzaro and Chair Woodhouse to act immediately to ensure the bill receives a vote.”
The inaction on SB287 by Democratic leadership is even more perplexing because increasing government transparency has long been a priority for Gov. Steve Sisolak as well.
In a recent interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the governor again expressed his support for strengthening Nevada’s Public Records Act, and he specifically highlighted three areas in need of reform, all of which are addressed by SB287: excessive production fees charged to requesters, the lack of penalties for non-compliance, and extended delays in providing access to public records.
“It is my understanding that Republican leadership also supports SB287,” NPRI Policy Director Robert Fellner said. “The governor effectively endorsed every aspect of the bill last month, so it is unclear why Democratic leadership is apparently trying to prevent the bill from ever receiving a vote.”
Sondra Cosgrove, president of the League of Women Voters of Nevada, saidthat ensuring prompt access to public records, as SB287 would do, could “mean the difference between access to food and shelter or a life on the streets” for those with disabilities.
Nevadans deserve a transparent and accountable government. They also deserve to know where their elected officials stand on this issue. The Right to Know Nevada coalition calls on Senators Cannizzaro and Woodhouse to work together to ensure SB287 receives a vote immediately.
For more information, please contact Wesley Juhl at 702-742-3016 or email info@RightToKnowNevada.com.
05/27/19
www.righttoknownevada.com
Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro must ensure government transparency bill receives a vote
The Right to Know Nevada coalition is calling on Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and Assistant Majority Leader Julia Ratti to allow a vote on SB287, which would increase transparency in government by strengthening Nevada’s Public Records Act.
The coalition is among the most ideologically diverse in Nevada history, and includes groups like the ACLU of Nevada, the League of Women Voters of Nevada, the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as the Nevada Press Association, the Nevada Policy Research Institute, Power2Parent, and media organizations across the state.
SB287 also enjoys broad bipartisan support among lawmakers and is sponsored by Sens. David Parks (D-7), Pat Spearman (D-1) and Ira Hansen (R-14).
The bill was introduced because too many Nevada agencies ignore or violate the clear language of the Nevada Public Records Act, which states that the “public books and records” of state and local governments are open for inspection in order “to foster democratic principles.”
“I am immensely proud of the work my colleagues David Parks and Ben Kieckhefer have put in to get SB287 to where it is today,” Sen. Hansen said, “and I look forward to voting to advance the bill out of the Senate as soon as possible.”
Unfortunately, SB287 still hasn’t received a vote in the Senate Finance Committee, even though committee Chairwoman Joyce Woodhouse, Vice Chair David Parks and committee member Mo Denis are all either primary sponsors or co-sponsors of the bill. Additionally, committee member Ben Kieckhefer is a strong supporter of the bill and has worked extensively to produce amended, compromise language that addressed the concerns of all stakeholders.
Such broad, bipartisan support suggests that SB287 would almost certainly pass out of the committee and the Senate as a whole — if only a vote were held.
“Senator Parks has worked tirelessly with legislators from both parties to advance this important legislation,” ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Tod Story said. “The public deserves to know where their representatives stand on the issue of transparency in government, and we call on Senator Cannizzaro and Chair Woodhouse to act immediately to ensure the bill receives a vote.”
The inaction on SB287 by Democratic leadership is even more perplexing because increasing government transparency has long been a priority for Gov. Steve Sisolak as well.
In a recent interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the governor again expressed his support for strengthening Nevada’s Public Records Act, and he specifically highlighted three areas in need of reform, all of which are addressed by SB287: excessive production fees charged to requesters, the lack of penalties for non-compliance, and extended delays in providing access to public records.
“It is my understanding that Republican leadership also supports SB287,” NPRI Policy Director Robert Fellner said. “The governor effectively endorsed every aspect of the bill last month, so it is unclear why Democratic leadership is apparently trying to prevent the bill from ever receiving a vote.”
Sondra Cosgrove, president of the League of Women Voters of Nevada, saidthat ensuring prompt access to public records, as SB287 would do, could “mean the difference between access to food and shelter or a life on the streets” for those with disabilities.
Nevadans deserve a transparent and accountable government. They also deserve to know where their elected officials stand on this issue. The Right to Know Nevada coalition calls on Senators Cannizzaro and Woodhouse to work together to ensure SB287 receives a vote immediately.
For more information, please contact Wesley Juhl at 702-742-3016 or email info@RightToKnowNevada.com.
Power2Parent Candidate Endorsements 2018
Our endorsement is based on questionnaire responses we received from these candidates and their support for policies that affect parental rights. Their answers reflected a genuine concern for improving education, supporting school choice, and protecting parental rights in Nevada. We are excited to support these candidates and hope you will join with us in supporting them.
-The deadline to register to vote online is October 18th at www.RegisterToVoteNV.gov
-Early Voting: October 20th-November 2nd
-General Election: Tuesday, November 6th
*Don't forget your absentee voters!*
-The deadline to register to vote online is October 18th at www.RegisterToVoteNV.gov
-Early Voting: October 20th-November 2nd
-General Election: Tuesday, November 6th
*Don't forget your absentee voters!*
2017 Legislative Session-SUCCESS!
The 79th Session of the Nevada Legislature 2017 Update:
Governor Sandoval has vetoed AB348, the sex education expansion bill! This is an enormous win for parental rights and local control in education!
We want to thank all of you who showed up to long hearings, emailed, called your representatives, engaged on social media, and petitioned Governor Sandoval. AB348 had the 5th highest number of votes on the legislative opinion poll. Final numbers showed 39% in favor and 61% against AB348. Your efforts and collective voices were invaluable in this fight, and our success would not have been possible without you. We applaud your commitment and sacrifice.
While we are celebrating this victory, we understand that the special interest groups that sponsored this legislation are not going away. Our commitment to protecting our children and families must continue past this legislative season. We anticipate that these well-funded, organizations will soon be ready with proposals that will chip away at parental rights and control over sex education content in local trustee meetings. We know there will be more bills coming forward in the next legislative session that will attempt to undo what we have accomplished. The real work in this important endeavor starts now. We need your financial support to continue the fight against these national and local groups that want influence what our children learn about relationships and sexual matters in school.
Governor Sandoval agrees that children are best served when these decisions remain local, and parents should be involved in every aspect of their child's education.
Governor Sandoval has vetoed AB348, the sex education expansion bill! This is an enormous win for parental rights and local control in education!
We want to thank all of you who showed up to long hearings, emailed, called your representatives, engaged on social media, and petitioned Governor Sandoval. AB348 had the 5th highest number of votes on the legislative opinion poll. Final numbers showed 39% in favor and 61% against AB348. Your efforts and collective voices were invaluable in this fight, and our success would not have been possible without you. We applaud your commitment and sacrifice.
While we are celebrating this victory, we understand that the special interest groups that sponsored this legislation are not going away. Our commitment to protecting our children and families must continue past this legislative season. We anticipate that these well-funded, organizations will soon be ready with proposals that will chip away at parental rights and control over sex education content in local trustee meetings. We know there will be more bills coming forward in the next legislative session that will attempt to undo what we have accomplished. The real work in this important endeavor starts now. We need your financial support to continue the fight against these national and local groups that want influence what our children learn about relationships and sexual matters in school.
Governor Sandoval agrees that children are best served when these decisions remain local, and parents should be involved in every aspect of their child's education.