While it may be an off year for the Nevada Legislature, lawmakers passed plenty of bills in the 2017 session that took effect Jan. 1.
Domestic violence victims to get leave
Senate Bill 361 requires employers to grant up to 160 hours of leave per year to employees who are victims of domestic violence or have family members who are victims.
Child care facility employee training
SB189 requires employees to complete at least two hours of training in the recognition and reporting of abuse or neglect of a child within 90 days of employment and at least once every five years. In addition, employees must complete 24 hours of training devoted to the care, education and safety of children specific to the age group served by the child care facility.
Conversion therapy ban
SB201 prohibits mental health professionals from conducting therapy on minors that seeks to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
Contraceptives now covered under state law
Assembly Bill 249 and SB233 require private and state insurance plans to provide coverage for reproductive health and other preventive health care services for women. This includes contraceptive coverage without any copay, coinsurance or higher deductible along with certain screenings, vaccines and mammograms. This was originally under the Affordable Care Act and is now part of Nevada law.
Opioid data collection
SB474 enacts a new prescription medication registry designed to fast-track information collection about opioid deaths and identify excess dispensing of powerful painkillers.
Mopeds must be in right lane
AB 335 requires a person driving a moped to drive in the right lane of the highway unless the person is turning left, it's unsafe or under the direction of a police officer.
Criminal history not main factor in government hiring
AB384 says that unless a person is disqualified from employment because of a particular aspect of their criminal history, the applicant's criminal history should not be considered until the final interview, a conditional offer of employment or if applicable, the applicant has been certified by the administrator.
