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Bill

AB 539

Authorizes the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation to establish a career coaching program for certain pupils in certain circumstances. (BDR 18-418)

2025 Regular Session

Authorizes DETR to establish a school-based career coaching program for middle/junior high students, prioritizing high-unemployment areas, funded as available and via partnerships.

Chapter 487.
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Bill Summary · AB 539

AB 539 (BDR 18-418) — Summary (2025)

Sponsor: Schiavo
Subject: Authorizes the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation to establish a career coaching program for middle/junior high pupils
Status: Enacted — Chapter 487 (Governor signed June 10, 2025)
Introduced: February 11, 2025

Purpose

AB 539 creates a state-authorized program to place career coaches in middle schools and junior high schools to introduce younger students to career pathways and build early career-readiness skills (including financial literacy), with the goal of strengthening Nevada’s workforce pipeline.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes (not mandates), to the extent money is available, the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) to establish and operate a career coaching program for middle and junior high schools.
  • Program design requirements:
    • Provide students with information and guidance (inside or outside the classroom) on exploring career pathways.
    • Support development of knowledge, training and skills required for career readiness, explicitly including financial literacy and information about opportunities available in high school.
  • Collaboration and partnerships:
    • DETR must collaborate with appropriate entities, including state agencies, school districts/local governments, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, trade associations, and regional development authorities.
  • Targeting and prioritization:
    • To the extent funding is available, placements of career coaches should be prioritized for schools located in ZIP codes with high levels of unemployment.
  • Funding and contracting authority:
    • DETR may apply for and accept gifts, donations, grants, and other funding sources.
    • Within available funds, DETR may enter contracts and award grants to entities with appropriate expertise to implement or support the program.
  • Statutory placement:
    • Adds a new section to Chapter 232 of the Nevada Revised Statutes and amends NRS 232.900 (definitions: “Department” and “Director”).

Who is affected / potential impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries: middle and junior high pupils (early exposure to career options, readiness skills).
  • Schools and districts: may host career coaches and partner with DETR; no direct local mandate or required funding imposed by the law.
  • Employers, chambers, nonprofits, and workforce partners: potential partners and contractors for program services; may receive grants or contracts.
  • Workforce ecosystem: intended to strengthen alignment between K–12 education and local labor market needs over time.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal notes included in reprints indicate: Effect on State: No; Effect on Local Government: No. The program is contingent on available funding.
  • Legislative timeline (selected):
    • Introduced Feb 11, 2025.
    • Amended during session (financial literacy added; Governor’s Office → DETR; prioritization language added).
    • Enrolled June 6, 2025; signed by Governor June 10, 2025; chaptered as Chapter 487 on June 11, 2025.

Support and opposition

  • Support: Business and workforce groups (e.g., Henderson Chamber of Commerce) cited benefits for talent pipelines and public–private partnerships.
  • Opposition / concerns: Some commenters argued middle school may be too early for career counseling and questioned the bill’s value if funding is not provided; suggested focusing on high school or on improving academic performance.

For implementation details (guidance, funding solicitations, program timelines) stakeholders should monitor DETR communications and any administrative rules or program solicitations DETR issues under the new authority.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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