The 2025 Nevada Legislative Session, running from February 3 to June 2, 2025, has brought forward several education-related bills that could influence our freedom to homeschool. At the Nevada Homeschool Network, we’re committed to keeping you informed and empowered to protect your rights. Here’s a brief analysis of key bills, their potential impact on homeschoolers, their current status, chances of passing, and how you can get involved.
Key Education Bills and Their Impact on Homeschoolers
AB 584: Promoting School Choice
- What It Does: AB 584 revises education provisions to expand school choice, allowing students in underperforming schools to access alternative educational options, such as charter schools or private institutions. It emphasizes parental choice, which aligns in some respects with the flexibility homeschoolers value, though it does come with strings attached.
- Impact on Homeschoolers: While not directly targeting homeschooling, this bill reinforces the principle of parental control over education, which could bolster public support for homeschooling as a legitimate option. The inspiring testimony of 9-year-old homeschooler Juliette Leong, who highlighted her ability to excel in math beyond her grade level, underscores how school choice supports tailored education—a cornerstone of homeschooling.
- Status: Introduced on May 15, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means with a notice of exemption, meaning it’s still active past the April 25 deadline for committee passage.
- Chances of Passing: Moderate to high. The bill’s exemption and public support for school choice (evident in X posts and advocacy) give it momentum, though budget constraints could pose challenges in Ways and Means.
- Homeschooling Takeaway: This bill indirectly strengthens our freedom in education by normalizing different educational pathways. However, we should be careful to ensure any choice initiatives don’t introduce oversight that could encroach on homeschooling autonomy.
SB 252: Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
- What It Does: SB 252 aimed to revive Nevada’s ESA program, allowing parents to use public funds for private education or homeschooling expenses, such as curriculum or extracurricular activities.
- Impact on Homeschoolers: ESAs could provide financial support for homeschooling families, but the Nevada Homeschool Network has historically cautioned against “strings attached” funding, as it often comes with increased state oversight, potentially compromising our independence.
- Status: Failed to pass the April 12, 2025, deadline for bills to move out of committee and is no longer active.
- Chances of Passing: None, as the bill is dead for this session. Similar proposals may resurface in future sessions.
- Homeschooling Takeaway: The failure of SB 252 preserves homeschooling freedom from potential government overreach tied to funding. We’ll continue advocating for support without sacrificing autonomy.
Early Childhood Education Proposals
- What They Do: Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro’s proposal seeks to expand pre-K access to all 4-year-olds, beyond the current limit for low-income families. Other bills focus on child care and family support.
- Impact on Homeschoolers: Expanded pre-K could draw some families away from homeschooling young children, but it may also offer optional resources for homeschoolers who choose to participate. However, participation might involve state imposed standards, which many homeschoolers prefer to avoid. Family support programs could ease financial burdens, allowing more time for homeschooling.
- Status: Pre-K expansion is under discussion, with some bills still active as of May 31, 2025, pending final votes before the June 2 deadline.
- Chances of Passing: High for pre-K expansion, given strong legislative support, though funding debates may delay implementation.
- Homeschooling Takeaway: These proposals offer potential resources but call for extra caution to ensure they don’t impose regulations on homeschoolers opting in.
AB 166: Employment of Minors (Tangential Impact)
- What It Does: AB 166 proposed restricting work hours for minors under 18 (e.g., no work before 5:00 a.m. on school days or after 10:00 p.m. on nights before school days).
- Impact on Homeschoolers: This could have limited flexibility for homeschooled teens balancing work and education, a common practice in our community. Also would severely limit the ability of homeschool families to teach their children through employment opportunities.
- Status: Failed to pass the April 12, 2025, deadline and is no longer active.
- Chances of Passing: None for this session.
- Homeschooling Takeaway: The bill’s failure preserves flexibility for homeschooled teens, but similar proposals could return, requiring ongoing advocacy.
Why This Matters
Nevada’s homeschooling laws (NRS 388D.020, NRS 392.070) remain a model of freedom, requiring only a one-time Notice of Intent and plan of instruction in core subjects without mandated assessments. However, education bills can indirectly shape our environment—whether by supporting choice (AB 584), introducing potential oversight (SB 252), or affecting family resources. All Nevada homeschooling families should remain proactive to protect our rights and ensure homeschooling remains free from unnecessary regulation.
How Homeschoolers Can Get Involved
With the session nearing its June 2, 2025, end, your voice is critical. Here’s how you can act:
- Track Bills: Visit www.leg.state.nv.us to follow AB 584 and other active bills.
- Contact Legislators: Email or call your Nevada Senators and Assembly members to share how bills like AB 584 support homeschooling freedom. Personal stories, like Juliette’s, make a difference!
- Testify at Hearings: Attend legislative hearings in Carson City or via videoconference to advocate for homeschooling. Check the Nevada Legislature’s website for schedules.
- Stay Connected: Join the Nevada Homeschool Network (nevadahomeschoolnetwork.com) and HSLDA (hslda.org) for action alerts and advocacy resources. Follow us on social media for real-time updates.