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AB 353

Relating to: price transparency in hospitals, restricting certain debt collection actions against patients, and providing a penalty. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elijah Behnke and 11 co-sponsors

A one-time $2.4 million General Fund appropriation to UNR to purchase and provide tablets to Pell-eligible students (2025–27), with strict reporting and funds revert by 9/17/2027.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 353

AB 353 — Summary (Technology initiative appropriation to University of Nevada, Reno)

Status: No further action taken
As introduced: March 4, 2025 (As-introduced text provided)
Primary subject: Appropriation to University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) for purchase/distribution/maintenance of tablets for eligible students (BDR S-79)

Purpose / Intent

To provide targeted technology access by funding tablet computers for low‑income students at UNR, with the goal of supporting academic participation and outcomes for Pell Grant–eligible students enrolled during the 2025–2027 biennium.

Key provisions

  • Appropriation: $2,400,000 from the State General Fund to the University of Nevada, Reno.
  • Use of funds: Purchase, distribution and maintenance of tablet computers for each student who:
    • Is enrolled at UNR during the 2025–2027 biennium; and
    • Is eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant (per 20 U.S.C. § 1070a, under rules as of Dec 31, 2024, adjusted for CPI changes for FY 2025–26 and FY 2026–27).
  • Reporting requirements:
    • By February 1, 2027: UNR must report to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau (for transmission to the Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways & Means Committee of the 84th Nevada Legislature). The report must include, as of Dec. 31, 2026:
    • Number of participating students.
    • An evaluation of the initiative’s effectiveness in improving academic performance.
    • Usage statistics for the provided technology.
    • Itemized accounting of how the appropriation was used.
    • By September 17, 2027: UNR must report to the Interim Finance Committee detailing each expenditure from receipt through June 30, 2027.
  • Budget controls / reversion:
    • No portion of the appropriation may be committed after June 30, 2027.
    • Any remaining funds must not be spent after September 17, 2027, and must be reverted to the State General Fund by that date.
  • Effective date: Upon passage and approval.

Who is affected

  • Primary direct beneficiaries: UNR students enrolled during the 2025–2027 biennium who are eligible for federal Pell Grants.
  • University of Nevada, Reno: administrative responsibility to implement the program, manage funds, track usage, evaluate outcomes, and file mandated reports.
  • State fiscal impact: One-time $2.4 million General Fund appropriation (contains appropriation not included in Executive Budget).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Program activities and eligibility measurement are tied to the 2025–2027 biennium.
  • Reports are due Feb 1, 2027 (program outcomes and accounting) and Sept 17, 2027 (final expenditures).
  • Remaining funds must revert by Sept 17, 2027.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Short-term expansion of device access for low‑income UNR students, potentially improving remote access to coursework and services.
  • Administrative cost and responsibility lie with UNR to implement, verify Pell eligibility, maintain devices, and evaluate outcomes.
  • Appropriation is time-limited and subject to strict reversion/deadline requirements.

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

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