Last night, Nevada lawmakers delivered a bipartisan win for Silver State families. A universal intradistrict open enrollment bill is on its way to the governor’s desk—and it’s expected to take effect immediately.
Why it matters:
For the first time, every family in Nevada will have the right to request enrollment in a public school outside their assigned zone, so long as there’s space.
Nevadans overwhelmingly support this policy change—a recent poll found 87% of Nevada K-12 families support open enrollment.
What we’re saying:
Halli Faulkner, senior legislative director, yes. every kid.:
“This bill removes artificial barriers that have held students back for too long by putting students first—not school boundaries. Every child deserves the chance to attend a school that meets their needs, and this bill makes that possible. yes. every kid. is grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Gov. Joe Lombardo and the original bill sponsor Assemblymember Selena Torres-Fossett, who fought to make this policy a reality for Nevada families.”
The details:
- Empowers all K-12 children to enroll in any public school with capacity within their respective school district. Approximately 70% of the state’s population resides in the Clark County School District, making this law especially meaningful for families.
- If a student is denied access, families can appeal the denial directly to the superintendent.
- Districts must regularly publish enrollment vacancies at each grade level in each public school and annually report their open enrollment data.
- Prioritizes students from low-performing schools when demand exceeds available seats, and requires districts to provide transportation for those students using open enrollment.
- Enables parents to find the best-fit public school—without moving homes.
Bottom line:
This is what putting students first looks like. Nevada families now have more freedom to pursue the education that works best for them.
###
