As the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session races toward its June 2, 2025, deadline, we’re reflecting on bills that could have impacted our homeschooling families, including AB 166. This bill, though no longer active, proposed changes to how minors work, which could have affected our teens’ ability to balance education and employment.
What AB 166 Proposed
AB 166 aimed to revise Nevada’s labor laws for minors under 18, imposing stricter limits on work hours to protect young workers. Key provisions included prohibiting work before 5:00 a.m. on school days and after 10:00 p.m. on nights before school days, with additional restrictions on weekly hours during the school year (e.g., no more than 20 hours per week for those under 16). The bill defined “school days” based on public school schedules, creating potential challenges for homeschoolers with flexible routines. It also required employers to verify school attendance, which could complicate matters for homeschooled teens as well as making it more onerous to employ teens in general.
Who Was Behind the Bill
Sponsored by Assembly members with support from labor advocates and child welfare groups, AB 166 was ostensibly driven by concerns about teen exploitation in workplaces, particularly in industries like retail and hospitality. The Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics backed similar measures, citing studies showing that excessive work hours can harm academic performance and well-being. However, the bill faced opposition from business groups and some families who valued the flexibility of teen employment.
What People Are Saying
Public reactions, as seen on X, were mixed. Child welfare advocates praised AB 166, with posts bemoaning how late-night shifts can exhaust teens, citing data that 30% of working teens report academic stress. Conversely, small business owners and parents argued the restrictions were too rigid, with one X user calling it “a one-size-fits-all rule that ignores family needs.” Homeschoolers on X expressed concerns that the bill’s school-day definitions didn’t account for their non-traditional schedules, potentially limiting teens’ ability to work during daytime hours when public schools are in session.
Homeschooling Impact Analysis
For homeschooling families, AB 166 could have disrupted the unique flexibility we cherish under NRS 388D.020 and NRS 392.070. Many homeschoolers integrate part-time work into their teens’ education, whether for financial support, vocational training, or real-world experience. For example, a homeschooled teen might work mornings at a family business while studying in the afternoons, a schedule that AB 166’s rigid hours would have restricted. The bill’s reliance on public school calendars and attendance verification also conflicted with homeschooling’s individualized approach, potentially requiring families to submit additional documentation to employers.
The bill’s failure to pass the April 12, 2025, deadline is a win for homeschooling autonomy. However, similar proposals could resurface, as child labor reforms remain a priority for some legislators.