Assembly Bill No. 376-Assemblymen Giunchigliani, Arberry, Goldwater, Herrera, Ohrenschall, Krenzer, Parks, Koivisto, Collins, Bache, Buckley, Amodei, Freeman, Tiffany, Anderson, Lee, Perkins, de Braga, Neighbors, Williams, Manendo, Price and Segerblom
April 17, 1997
____________
Referred to Concurrent Committees on Education and
Ways and Means
SUMMARY--Makes various changes relating to children. (BDR 34-149)
FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: Yes.
Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: Contains Appropriation not included in Executive Budget.
EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.
AN ACT relating to children; making various changes relating to the education of children in the public schools; revising provisions governing school-based decision making; requiring the boards of trustees of school districts to set aside money for certain schools; revising provisions governing the distribution of money to school districts; revising provisions governing the truancy of pupils; increasing the fee for filing an action for divorce to pay for certain truancy programs and court-ordered health treatments; increasing the fee for a record of birth to pay in part for certain programs for children; establishing certain task forces relating to education; making an appropriation; providing penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Whereas, An effective public school system which produces active and informed residents is essential for a free, democratic society; and
Whereas, The legislature seeks to balance its respect for local autonomy with the need for uniform standards in the public schools of the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, The legislature believes that to perpetuate an effective public school system in Nevada, as well as ensure accessibility and accountability to the public school system for parents and their children, the boards of trustees of the school districts in the State of Nevada should:
1. Discourage mandatory year-round scheduling at middle and high schools, unless the year-round scheduling is a complement to traditional 9-month scheduling or is necessitated by an emergency;
2. Offer in the schools, in addition to a traditional 9-month schedule, scheduling variations, including, without limitation, those scheduling plans commonly referred to as single track, multiple track, double session, block time and staggered day schedules;
3. Ensure that during year-round scheduling or other scheduling variations, teachers are afforded adequate time to prepare their classrooms, thereby minimizing any potential disruption such preparation may cause to classroom instruction;
4. Arrange a planning conference yearly for all personnel in the district to share ideas and experiences and discuss, debate and establish uniform goals and standards;
5. Establish a uniform schedule throughout each school district for conducting standardized tests;
6. Enforce truancy laws, attendance requirements and any other applicable laws or regulations in a uniform and consistent manner; and
7. Review the current method of financing schools that allocates money based on the number of pupils and the grade levels served at a school, and propose an alternative method of financing schools that allocates money based on a recognition of the special needs of each school; now, therefore,
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 NRS 385.347 is hereby amended to read as follows:
385.3471. The board of trustees of each school district in this state, in cooperation with associations recognized by the state board as representing licensed personnel in education in the district, shall adopt a program providing for the accountability of the school district to the residents of the district and to the state board for the quality of the schools and the educational achievement of the pupils in the district.
2. The board of trustees of each school district shall, on or before March 31 of each year, report to the residents of the district concerning:
(a) The educational goals and objectives of the school district.
(b) Pupil achievement for grades 4, 8 and 11 for each school in the district and the district as a whole. Unless otherwise directed by the department, the board of trustees of the district shall base its report on the results of the examinations administered pursuant to NRS 389.015 and shall compare the results of those examinations for the current school year with those of previous school years. In addition, the board shall also report the results of [other] the examinations of pupil achievement [administered to each pupil in the school district in grades other than 4, 8 and 11.] prescribed by the board of trustees of each school district pursuant to section 11 of this act. The results of these examinations for the current school year must be compared with those of previous school years.
(c) The ratio of pupils to teachers in kindergarten and at each grade level for each elementary school in the district and the district as a whole, the average class size for each required course of study for each secondary school in the district and the district as a whole, and other data concerning licensed and unlicensed employees of the school district.
(d) A comparison of the types of classes that each teacher has been assigned to teach with the qualifications and licensure of the teacher, for each school in the district and the district as a whole.
(e) The total expenditure per pupil for each school in the district and the district as a whole.
(f) The curriculum used by the school district, including any special programs for pupils at an individual school.
(g) [Records] The annual rate of the attendance and truancy of pupils in all grades, for each school in the district and the district as a whole.
(h) The annual rate of pupils who drop out of school in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, for each such grade, for each school in the district and for the district as a whole.
(i) Efforts made by the school district and by each school in the district to increase communication with the parents of pupils in the district.
(j) Records of incidents involving weapons or violence for each school in the district.
(k) Records of the suspension and expulsion of pupils required or authorized pursuant to NRS 392.466 and 392.467.
(l) The transiency rate of pupils for each school in the district and the district as a whole.
(m) Each source of funding for the school district.
(n) Such other information as is directed by the superintendent of public instruction.
3. The superintendent of public instruction shall:
(a) Prescribe forms for the reports required pursuant to subsection 2 and provide the forms to the respective school districts.
(b) Provide statistical information and technical assistance to the school districts to ensure that the reports provide comparable information with respect to each school in each district and among the districts.
(c) Consult with a representative of:
(1) The Nevada State Education Association;
(2) The Nevada Association of School Boards;
(3) The Nevada Association of School Administrators; and
(4) The Nevada Parent Teachers Association,
concerning the program and consider any advice or recommendations submitted by the representatives with respect to the program.
4. On or before April 15 of each year, the board of trustees of each school district shall submit to the state board and the department the report made pursuant to subsection 2. On or before April 15 of each year, the board of trustees of each school district shall submit to the council to review the truancy of pupils created in the county pursuant to section 23 of this act the information required in paragraph (g) of subsection 2. On or before June 15 of each year, the board of trustees of each school district shall submit to the state board [:] and the department:
(a) A separate report summarizing the effectiveness of the district's program of accountability during the school year; and
(b) A description of the efforts the district has made to correct deficiencies identified in the report submitted pursuant to paragraph (a).
5. The department shall maintain a record of the annual rate of attendance and truancy of pupils that it receives pursuant to paragraph (g) of subsection 2 in such a manner as will allow the department to create for each school a yearly record of the rate of attendance and truancy of pupils. The record must be used to determine whether the calculation of basic support for a school must be based on the average daily attendance of pupils who are enrolled in the school pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 387.1233.
6. On or before February 1 of each year, the superintendent of public instruction shall analyze the information submitted to the state board and report to the legislature concerning the effectiveness of the programs of accountability adopted pursuant to this section. In even-numbered years, the report must be submitted to the legislative commission.
Sec. 2 Chapter 386 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
1. A school council created pursuant to NRS 386.4154 shall, in consultation with organizations and associations that represent licensed educational personnel and other personnel of the school:
(a) Adopt a statement of the mission of the school, including, without limitation, the establishment of goals and standards for the school and the desired level of achievement of those goals and standards;
(b) Identify the financial resources and other resources that the school requires to meet the goals and standards established;
(c) Prescribe the manner by which the school council will determine the progress of the school in meeting the goals and standards;
(d) Establish a program to identify the needs of pupils who are enrolled in the school and the manner in which the school will address those needs;
(e) Consider the feasibility of offering and negotiating flexible hours of employment for all persons who are employed at the school; and
(f) Require the parent or legal guardian of each pupil enrolled in the school to:
(1) Participate in activities relating to the school; and
(2) Volunteer at least 1 hour of service annually to the school,
unless the parent or legal guardian provides proof satisfactory to the school council that such participation or volunteering is not feasible.
2. In addition to the duties described in subsection 1, a school council shall develop a written agreement between the school and each parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is enrolled in the school. The school shall ensure that each parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is enrolled in the school receives two copies of the written agreement and returns one copy containing the signature of the parent or legal guardian. The written agreement must inform each parent or legal guardian of a pupil that:
(a) If the pupil is absent from school, the parent or legal guardian must provide notice pursuant to NRS 392.130;
(b) If the pupil is a habitual disciplinary problem as set forth in section 22 of this act, he will be suspended or expelled from school pursuant to NRS 392.466 for at least a period equal to one semester for that school;
(c) A pupil who is suspended or expelled from school is ineligible to attend the school during the time of suspension or expulsion;
(d) The parent or legal guardian and the pupil are required to comply with the provisions governing the attendance and truancy of pupils set forth in NRS 392.040 to 392.160, inclusive, and sections 22 to 27, inclusive, of this act, and any other rules concerning attendance and truancy adopted by the board of trustees of the school district; and
(e) The parent or legal guardian is required to:
(1) Participate in activities relating to the school, unless the parent or legal guardian provides proof satisfactory to the school council that such participation is not feasible; and
(2) Volunteer at least 1 hour of service annually to the school, unless the parent or legal guardian provides proof satisfactory to the school council that volunteering such service is not feasible.
Sec. 3 NRS 386.4154 is hereby amended to read as follows:
386.4154The board of trustees of a school district [may] shall prescribe rules [relating to the creation and administration of] requiring each school in the district to adopt a program of school-based decision making . [for the public schools within the district.] The rules must provide:
1. For the creation of a school council [;] for school-based decision making;
2. For training of the members of the school council in the skills required for school-based decision making;
3. For the involvement of parents and other members of the community on and with the school council;
[3.] 4. The requirements for recordkeeping by the school council;
[4.] 5. The procedure for appealing a decision of the school council;
[5.] 6. The procedure for a school to obtain a waiver of the requirements of regulations of the board of trustees or the state board;
[6.] 7. A method for determining the progress of a pupil in a program of school-based decision making;
[7.] 8. A method for reporting the progress of a pupil to the pupil, his parents or guardians, the board of trustees and the state board;
[8.] 9. Plans for improving the schools within the district;
[9.] 10. A method for allocating money to schools that have adopted a program of school-based decision making and for the administration of the budget of the school district; and
[10.] 11. The procedure which a school council or board of trustees may use to withdraw from a program of school-based decision making.
Sec. 4 Chapter 387 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
1. In a county whose population is 100,000 or more, the board of trustees of a school district shall establish a program by which a school within the district may apply for a grant of money for the additional financial needs of the school. The board of trustees of such a school district shall set aside not less than $1,000,000 and not more than $5,000,000 of the money in the school district's general fund and account separately for the money. The money that is set aside must not be used to pay any portion of the salaries or benefits of the personnel of the school district.
2. In a county whose population is less than 100,000, the board of trustees of a school district shall establish a program by which a school within the district may apply for a grant of money for the additional financial needs of the school. The board of trustees of such a school district shall set aside not less than $25,000 and not more than $100,000 of the money in the school district's general fund and account separately for the money. The money that is set aside must not be used to pay any portion of the salaries or benefits of the personnel of the school district.
3. When establishing a program pursuant to subsection 1 or 2, the board of trustees of each school district shall adopt rules that prescribe the manner by which a school in the school district may apply for such a grant of money. The board of trustees shall give priority of eligibility to an applicant if it provides proof satisfactory to the board of trustees that:
(a) The number of pupils who are enrolled in the school is more than the number of pupils that the school is reasonably designed to accommodate;
(b) The annual rate of truancy of pupils who are enrolled in the school has increased each of the immediately preceding 2 years and the school has taken steps to address the increase in the rate of truancy, including, without limitation, adoption of the program to reduce the rate of truancy of pupils established by the council to review the truancy of pupils pursuant to section 25 of this act;
(c) More than 25 percent of the pupils who are enrolled in the school participate in a program of nutrition pursuant to the provisions of NRS 387.070 to 387.105, inclusive;
(d) More than 25 percent of the pupils who are enrolled in the school participate in a program to teach the English language pursuant to NRS 388.405; or
(e) Less than 50 percent of the pupils who are enrolled in the school who took the examinations conducted pursuant to NRS 389.015 received scores that were at least equal to the average score of the national reference group of pupils to which the results were compared.
Sec. 5 NRS 387.1233 is hereby amended to read as follows:
387.12331. Except as otherwise provided in [subsection 2,] subsections 2 and 3, basic support of each school district must be computed by:
(a) Multiplying the basic support guarantee per pupil established for that school district for that school year by the sum of:
(1) Six-tenths the count of pupils enrolled in the kindergarten department on the last day of the first school month of the school year.
(2) The count of pupils enrolled in grades 1 to 12, inclusive, on the last day of the first school month of the school year.
(3) The count of pupils not included under subparagraph (1) or (2) who are receiving special education pursuant to the provisions of NRS 388.440 to 388.520, inclusive, on the last day of the first school month of the school year, excluding the count of pupils who have not attained the age of 5 years and who are receiving special education pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 388.490 on that day.
(4) Six-tenths the count of pupils who have not attained the age of 5 years and who are receiving special education pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 388.490 on the last day of the first school month of the school year.
(5) The count of children detained in detention homes, alternative programs and juvenile forestry camps receiving instruction pursuant to the provisions of NRS 388.550, 388.560 and 388.570 on the last day of the first school month of the school year.
(6) The average daily attendance of pupils who are enrolled in an alternative program for the education of pupils at risk of dropping out of high school pursuant to NRS 388.537.
(b) Multiplying the number of special education program units maintained and operated by the amount per program established for that school year.
(c) Adding the amounts computed in paragraphs (a) and (b).
2. If the sum of the counts prescribed in paragraph (a) of subsection 1 is less than the sum similarly obtained for the immediately preceding school year, the larger sum must be used in computing basic support.
3. If, based upon the records of attendance and truancy submitted pursuant to paragraph (g) of subsection 2 of NRS 385.347, the annual rate of attendance of pupils who are enrolled in a school has cumulatively declined by 5 percent or more for 2 or more consecutive years, the yearly apportionment for that school must be calculated based on the average daily attendance of pupils who are enrolled in the school, not on the actual count of pupils. This method of calculation must be used for each year until the annual rate of attendance of pupils who are enrolled in the school has increased by 5 percent or more in 1 year.
4. Pupils who are excused from attendance at examinations or have completed their work in accordance with the rules of the board of trustees must be credited with attendance during that period.
[4.] 5. Pupils who are incarcerated in a facility or institution operated by the department of prisons must not be counted for the purpose of computing basic support pursuant to this section. The average daily attendance for such pupils must be reported to the department of education.
[5.] 6. Part-time pupils who are enrolled in courses which are approved by the department as meeting the requirements for an adult to earn a high school diploma must not be counted for the purpose of computing basic support pursuant to this section. The average daily attendance for such pupils must be reported to the department.
Sec. 6 NRS 387.1243 is hereby amended to read as follows:
387.12431. The first apportionment based on an estimated number of pupils and special education program units and succeeding apportionments are subject to adjustment from time to time as the need therefor may appear.
2. A final adjustment must be computed as soon as practicable following the close of the school year, but not later than August 25. The final computation must be based upon the actual counts of pupils required to be made for the computation of basic support and the limits upon the support of special education programs, except that for any year when the total enrollment of pupils and children described in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of subsection 1 of NRS 387.123 is greater on the last day of any school month after the second school month and the increase in enrollment shows at least:
(a) A 2 percent gain in an elementary school or a 3 percent gain [,] in a secondary school, basic support as computed from first month enrollment must be increased by 2 percent.
(b) A 6 percent gain [,] in an elementary or secondary school, basic support as computed from first month enrollment must be increased by an additional 2 percent.
3. If the final computation of apportionment for any school district exceeds the actual amount paid to the school district during the school year, the additional amount due must be paid before September 1. If the final computation of apportionment for any school district is less than the actual amount paid to the school district during the school year, the difference must be repaid to the state distributive school account in the state general fund by the school district before September 25.
Sec. 7 Chapter 388 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
On or before July 1, 2007, each public elementary, junior high and middle school shall ensure that the school is accredited by the Commission on Schools of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or its successor organization.
Sec. 8 NRS 388.368 is hereby amended to read as follows:
388.3681. The state board [of education] shall adopt a comprehensive program to provide pupils with the skills to make the transition from school to work. The state board [of education] shall develop, implement and review the program with the assistance of the assisting agencies and the business community that will be included in the partnerships established pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 3.
2. The program to provide pupils with the skills to make the transition from school to work must be designed to achieve the following objectives:
(a) To provide all pupils with an equal opportunity to learn about and explore various career options before the completion of middle school.
(b) To provide career counseling for all pupils during the 9th and 10th grades.
(c) To provide all pupils with an equal opportunity to achieve high academic standards and to obtain training in occupations that earn high wages.
(d) To strengthen and expand existing technical and vocational education programs adopted pursuant to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. §§ 2301 et seq.).
(e) To adopt a system for issuing certificates of technical or vocational proficiency.
(f) To adopt a curriculum and a system to allow pupils and students to participate in educational activities in the workplace.
(g) To provide all pupils with programs of job training and placement or programs for preparation for postsecondary education during the 12th grade.
(h) To strengthen the relationship between the business community and school districts to promote job training and internships.
(i) To encourage statewide participation in the program.
(j) To meet the continuing educational and developmental needs of teachers and employees of the school district.
(k) To adopt a process to evaluate the program and to integrate improvements into the program.
3. To be eligible to receive funding for and to participate in the program established pursuant to this section, a school district or a community college must submit to the state board [of education] an application that includes:
(a) A description of the partnership between the school district or community college and the business community that will be established to carry out the program adopted pursuant to this section. The partnership must consist of employers, representatives of local educational agencies, local postsecondary educational institutions, representatives of labor organizations, pupils, parents and persons representing rehabilitation, employment and training services.
(b) A plan that describes how the partnership will carry out the objectives of the program, including specific requirements for periodic review and approval by the members of the partnership representing the business community of the means of obtaining those objectives. The members of the partnership who perform the periodic review shall make a determination of whether the program is actually improving the participants' skills to make the transition from school to work. The members of the partnership who perform the periodic review must include employers who are likely to hire pupils who complete the program as well as other employers who are active in the establishment of programs for job training and placement.
(c) A description of an annual evaluation to be conducted by the partnership and used to measure the success of the program. The results of the evaluation must be submitted to the state board of education and contain specific comments from the members of the partnership representing the business community regarding the effectiveness of the program in producing pupils who are ready for employment in the workplace.
(d) Other information the state board [of education] may require to determine the eligibility of the school district to participate in the program.
4. The state board , [of education,] after consultation with the assisting agencies, shall submit a report containing its findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding the program adopted pursuant to this section to each session of the legislature.
5. A parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is 17 years of age or younger and participating in the program, or a pupil who is 18 years of age and participating in the program, may, upon the request of an employer who is participating in the program, provide the employer with a copy of the pupil's report card or other report of progress. If a parent or legal guardian of a pupil or a pupil declines such a request, the employer shall not refuse to employ or reemploy the pupil on the basis of the denial.
6. As used in this section, "assisting agencies" means the commission on economic development, the department of employment, training and rehabilitation, the welfare division of the department of human resources, the department of information services, the state industrial insurance system, the division of state library and archives of the department of museums, library and arts and the University and Community College System of Nevada.
Sec. 9 NRS 388.537 is hereby amended to read as follows:
388.5371. The board of trustees of a school district may, subject to the approval of the state board, operate an alternative program for the education of pupils at risk of dropping out of high school, including pupils who:
(a) Because of extenuating circumstances, such as their being pregnant, parents, chronically ill or self-supporting, are not able to attend the classes of instruction regularly provided in high school;
(b) Are deficient in the amount of academic credit necessary to graduate with pupils their same age;
(c) Are chronically absent from high school; or
(d) Require instruction on a more personal basis than that regularly provided in high school.
2. The school district shall report to the department the average daily attendance of pupils in the alternative program.
3. An alternative program must include an opportunity for pupils to attend classes of instruction during any part of the calendar year.
4. An alternative program may include:
(a) A shorter school day, and an opportunity for pupils to attend a longer school day, than that regularly provided in high school.
(b) [An opportunity for pupils to attend classes of instruction during any part of the calendar year.
(c)] A comprehensive curriculum that includes elective classes of instruction and occupational education.
[(d)] (c) An opportunity for pupils to obtain academic credit through experience gained at work or while engaged in other activities.
[(e)] (d) An opportunity for pupils to satisfy either:
(1) The requirements for a regular high school diploma; or
(2) The requirements for a high school diploma for adults.
[(f)] (e) The provision of child care for the children of pupils.
[(g)] (f) The transportation of pupils to and from classes of instruction.
[(h)] (g) The temporary placement of pupils for independent study, if there are extenuating circumstances which prevent those pupils from attending the alternative program on a daily basis.
Sec. 10 NRS 388.700 is hereby amended to read as follows:
388.7001. Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2 and 3, after the last day of the first month of the school year, the ratio in each school district of pupils per class in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3 per licensed teacher designated to teach those classes full time must not exceed 15 to 1 in classes where core curriculum is taught. In determining this ratio [, all] :
(a) All licensed educational personnel who teach kindergarten or grade 1, 2 or 3 must be counted except teachers of art, music, physical education or special education, counselors, librarians, administrators, deans and specialists.
(b) Pupils with disabilities who are enrolled in a regular classroom and receiving special education must be counted 1.5 times.
2. A school district may, within the limits of any plan adopted pursuant to NRS 388.720, assign a pupil whose enrollment in a grade occurs after the last day of the first month of the school year to any existing class regardless of the number of pupils in the class.
3. The state board may grant to a school district a variance from the limitation on the number of pupils per class set forth in subsection 1 for good cause, including the lack of available financial support specifically set aside for the reduction of pupil-teacher ratios.
4. The state board shall, on or before February 1 of each odd-numbered year, report to the legislature on:
(a) Each variance granted by it during the preceding biennium, including the specific justification for the variance.
(b) The data reported to it by the various school districts pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 388.710, including an explanation of that data, and the current pupil-teacher ratios per class in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3.
5. The department shall, on or before December 15 of each year, report to the chief of the budget division of the department of administration and the fiscal analysis division of the legislative counsel bureau:
(a) The number of teachers employed;
(b) The number of teachers employed in order to attain the ratio required by subsection 1;
(c) The number of pupils enrolled; and
(d) The number of teachers assigned to teach in the same classroom with another teacher or in any other arrangement other than one teacher assigned to one classroom of pupils,
during the current school year in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3 for each school district.
Sec. 11 Chapter 389 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
The department shall adopt regulations requiring the board of trustees of each school district to prescribe examinations that measure the achievement and proficiency of pupils in the specific curriculum used by the schools in the school district. The results of these examinations must be reported to the state board pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 385.347.
Sec. 12 Chapter 391 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
The board of trustees of each school district shall, in consultation with each organization or association that represents licensed educational personnel in the school district, authorize licensed educational personnel to be absent from employment with pay for 1 day of each school year. The day of excused absence must be used to:
1. Visit the home of a parent or legal guardian of a pupil to discuss the academic progress of the pupil or other circumstances concerning the pupil;
2. Visit the place of employment of a parent or legal guardian of a pupil, with the approval of the employer, to discuss the academic progress of the pupil or other circumstances concerning the pupil;
3. Prepare the contents and presentation of courses of study for pupils;
4. Observe the educational programs and courses of study offered by other public schools;
5. Develop new educational programs;
6. Meet with persons who represent private industry to develop the school to work program established pursuant to NRS 388.368 and other similar programs; or
7. Develop the professional skills that are required of licensed educational personnel.
Sec. 13 Chapter 392 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 14 to 27, inclusive, of this act.
Sec. 14 1. A pupil must complete at least 20 1/2 units of credit to receive a diploma evidencing his graduation from high school. The board of trustees of each school district shall prescribe the courses of study which are required for graduation from high school and the elective courses of study that may fulfill the total credit required for graduation. The state board shall adopt regulations which prescribe the minimum standards that must be considered by the boards of trustees of the school districts in determining the courses of study required for graduation and the elective courses of study which may fulfill the total credit required for graduation.
2. The board of trustees of each school district shall:
(a) Accept full credit for courses of study completed by a pupil who transfers to a high school from another high school in this state.
(b) Adopt a method for each high school to assign units of credit to courses of study completed by a pupil who transfers to a high school from a school outside of this state.
Sec. 15 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a pupil who is enrolled in a junior high or middle school must complete at least 15 units of credit to be promoted to a high school. The state board shall adopt regulations which prescribe the courses of study required for promotion to high school and the elective courses of study that may fulfill the total credit required for promotion to high school.
2. The board of trustees of a school district may adopt written rules that authorize a pupil who is enrolled in a junior high or middle school to apply for a reduction of the total units of credit required for promotion to high school if the pupil has fewer than three absences in each year that he is enrolled in junior high or middle school. The board of trustees may reduce the total units of credit required for promotion to high school pursuant to this subsection by not less than 1/2 of the total units of credit required for promotion.
3. The board of trustees of a school district shall not promote a pupil to high school if the pupil does not complete the total units of credit required for promotion. The board of trustees of the school district in which the pupil is enrolled shall ensure that the pupil has the opportunity to attend summer school or another special program to complete the courses of study required for promotion to high school.
4. The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt a method for each junior high or middle school to assign credits to courses of study completed by a pupil who transfers to a junior high or middle school from a junior high or middle school in this state or from a school outside of this state.
Sec. 16 1. The board of trustees of each school district shall prescribe a minimum number of days that a pupil who is enrolled in a school in the district must be in attendance for the pupil to be promoted to the next higher grade. The minimum number of days prescribed by the board of trustees must not be less than 75 percent of the days of school scheduled for that school pursuant to NRS 388.090. The board of trustees shall include exceptions for the physical or mental illness of a pupil or other emergencies that warrant exception from the minimum number of days required for promotion.
2. A pupil who is not in attendance for the minimum number of days prescribed by the board of trustees and who does not qualify for an exception may be retained one time in the same grade rather than be promoted to the next higher grade in accordance with the provisions of NRS 392.125.
Sec. 17 1. A person who:
(a) Is 16 years of age or older;
(b) Has not graduated from a high school in the United States that is accredited by a regional association;
(c) Is not currently enrolled in a high school; and
(d) Satisfies any other requirements prescribed by the state board,
may take the tests of general educational development prescribed by the state board.
2. The state board may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
3. As used in this section, "tests of general educational development" means examinations which enable persons who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate that they have achieved an educational level which is an acceptable substitute for completing a high school education.
Sec. 18 1. The board of trustees of each school district shall, in consultation with the schools within the district, parents and legal guardians of pupils who are enrolled in the district, and associations and organizations representing licensed educational personnel within the district, establish a policy that requires pupils to wear school uniforms.
2. The policy must:
(a) Describe the uniforms;
(b) Designate which pupils must wear the uniforms; and
(c) Designate the hours or events during which the uniforms must be worn.
3. The board of trustees of each school district shall facilitate the acquisition of school uniforms for pupils whose parents or legal guardians request financial assistance to purchase the uniforms.
Sec. 19 The board of trustees of each school district shall, in consultation with the secondary schools within the district and parents and legal guardians of pupils who are enrolled in secondary schools in the district, establish a policy that requires each pupil enrolled in a secondary school to carry, during regular school hours, a card that identifies the name of the pupil and the school in which the pupil is enrolled.
Sec. 20 The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt rules that require each public school in the district to include the rate of attendance, truancy and tardiness of a pupil on each report card or other report of progress of the pupil. The report card or other report of progress must indicate the number of absences which were excused, if any, and the number of absences which were not excused, if any, for the period covered by the report card or other report of progress.
Sec. 21 The board of trustees of a school district may, if practicable, cooperate with agencies providing social services to children in the school district to develop uniform standards for reporting the rate of truancy of pupils in the school district, unless the development of such standards would violate any laws relating to the confidentiality of information relating to a child.
Sec. 22 A pupil shall be deemed a habitual disciplinary problem if:
1. The school in which the pupil is enrolled has evidence that the pupil has threatened or extorted, or attempted to threaten or extort another pupil, or a teacher or other personnel employed by the school;
2. The pupil has been suspended for initiating at least two fights on school property; or
3. The pupil has a record of five suspensions from the school for any reason.
Sec. 23 1. There is hereby created in each county a council to review the truancy of pupils. The membership of each such council must consist of six persons:
(a) One probation officer in the county who works on cases relating to juveniles, appointed by the judge or judges of the juvenile court of the county;
(b) One representative of a law enforcement agency in the county who works on cases relating to juveniles, appointed by the judge or judges of the juvenile court of the county;
(c) The superintendent of schools of the school district, or his designee;
(d) One parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is enrolled in a public school in the county, appointed by the president of the board of trustees of the school district;
(e) One member of the board of trustees of the school district, appointed by the president of the board of trustees; and
(f) One school counselor or school teacher employed by the school district, appointed by an organization or association that represents licensed educational personnel in the school district.
2. The members of each such council shall elect a chairman from among their membership.
3. Except for the superintendent of schools, or his designee, each member of such a council must be appointed for a term of 2 years. A vacancy in the membership of the council must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.
4. Each member of such a council serves without compensation, except that, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of the council attends a meeting of the council or is otherwise engaged in the business of the council, he is entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally. The board of trustees of the school district shall pay the per diem allowance and travel expenses from the general fund of the school district.
Sec. 24 1. The board of trustees of each school district shall provide administrative support to the council to review the truancy of pupils created for its county pursuant to section 23 of this act.
2. The division of child and family services of the department of human resources may, upon the request of a council to review the truancy of pupils, provide such advice to the council as it considers necessary.
Sec. 25 1. Each council to review the truancy of pupils created pursuant to section 23 of this act shall:
(a) Review the records of the rate of attendance and truancy of pupils submitted to the council by the board of trustees of the school district pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 385.347;
(b) Identify factors that contribute to the rate of truancy of pupils in the school district;
(c) Establish a program to reduce the rate of truancy of pupils in the school district; and
(d) At least annually, evaluate the effectiveness of that program.
2. A council to review the truancy of pupils created in a county pursuant to section 23 of this act may use the money in the special account in the county general fund established pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 19.033 for the use of programs to reduce the rate of truancy of pupils in the school district.
Sec. 26 If a pupil is a habitual truant, the board of trustees of the school district in which the pupil is enrolled shall refer the pupil to the council to review the truancy of pupils created in the county pursuant to section 23 of this act. The board of trustees of the school district shall provide written notice of the referral to the parents or legal guardian of the pupil, the council and the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled. The written notice must include, without limitation:
1. The name and address of the pupil referred;
2. A written explanation of the reason for the referral;
3. A summary of the provisions of section 27 of this act; and
4. The address and telephone number of the council to review the truancy of pupils.
Sec. 27 1. Not more than 10 days after the referral of a pupil to a council to review the truancy of pupils, the council shall, in cooperation with the parents or legal guardian of the pupil, set a date, time and place for a meeting to identify the factors and problems that have led to the status of the pupil as a habitual truant. The pupil, his parents or legal guardian and the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled shall attend the meeting held by the council.
2. If a council to review the truancy of pupils determines that the status of a pupil as a habitual truant can be adequately addressed if the pupil participates in programs and services available in the community, the council shall order the pupil to participate in such programs and services. The council, the pupil and the parents or legal guardian of the pupil shall enter into a written agreement which:
(a) Sets forth the findings of the council;
(b) Sets forth the terms and conditions of the pupil's participation in the services and programs designated by the council;
(c) Adequately informs the pupil and his parents or legal guardian that if the pupil or his parents or legal guardian do not comply with the terms of the written agreement, the council is legally obligated to file a petition pursuant to NRS 62.130 alleging that the pupil is a child in need of supervision; and
(d) Contains the signature of the chairman of the council, the pupil and the parents or legal guardian of the pupil.
The parents or legal guardian of the pupil shall, upon the request of the council, provide proof satisfactory to the council that the pupil is participating in the services and programs set forth in the written agreement.
3. If a council to review the truancy of pupils determines that the status of a pupil as a habitual truant cannot be adequately addressed by requiring the pupil to participate in services and programs available in the community, or if the pupil or his parents or legal guardian violate the terms of a written agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 2, the council shall file a petition pursuant to NRS 62.130 alleging that the pupil is a child in need of supervision. If a council to review the truancy of pupils files such a petition, the council shall:
(a) Submit to the juvenile court that will hear the case, written documentation of all efforts made by the council to address the status of the pupil as a habitual truant; and
(b) Make recommendations to the juvenile court regarding the appropriate disposition of the case.
Sec. 28 NRS 392.110 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.1101. Any child between the ages of 14 and 17 years who has completed the work of the first eight grades may be excused from full-time school attendance and may be permitted to enter proper employment or apprenticeship [, by the] if:
(a) The parent or legal guardian of the child submits proof satisfactory to the board of trustees of the school district that the circumstances relating to the child warrant an excuse from full-time attendance; and
(b) The board of trustees of the school district provides written authority [of the board of trustees] excusing the child from such attendance. The board's written authority [shall state] must include the reason or reasons for such excuse.
2. In all such cases [no] an employer or other person shall not employ or contract for the services or time of such a child until the child presents a written permit therefor from the attendance officer or board of trustees. The permit [shall] must be kept on file by the employer, and upon the termination of employment [shall] must be returned by the employer to the board of trustees or other authority issuing it.
Sec. 29 NRS 392.130 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.1301. Within the meaning of this chapter, a pupil shall be deemed a truant who is absent from school without [a valid excuse acceptable to] the written approval of his teacher or the principal of the school [.
2. Absence for any part of a day shall be deemed absence for the entire day within the meaning of this section.
3. The] , unless the pupil is physically or mentally unable to attend school. A teacher or principal may give his written approval for a pupil to be absent from school only if an emergency exists or if the pupil is required to leave the county in which the school is located. Not more than 3 days of absence may be approved by a teacher or principal for a pupil during one school year.
2. If a pupil is physically or mentally unable to attend school, the parent or legal guardian or other person having control or charge of the pupil shall, if practicable, notify the teacher or principal of the school orally or in writing within 2 days after the onset of the physical or mental illness.
3. In the event of an unapproved absence, the teacher, attendance officer or other school official shall deliver or cause to be delivered a written notice of truancy to the parent, legal guardian or other person having control or charge of the child. The written notice must be delivered to the parent, legal guardian or other person who has control of the child personally, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by other reasonable means. The written notice must inform the parents or legal guardian of the pupil that:
(a) The pupil is a truant;
(b) Pursuant to NRS 392.040, the parent or legal guardian is legally required to send his child to school;
(c) A parent or legal guardian who, without an excuse from the state board, does not send his child to school is subject to criminal prosecution pursuant to NRS 392.180;
(d) If the board of trustees of the school district operates an alternative program for the education of pupils at risk of dropping out of high school, the alternative program may be available to the pupil if the pupil is enrolled in high school and otherwise eligible to attend the alternative program;
(e) The parent or legal guardian may request a meeting with appropriate persons employed by the school district to identify solutions to the truancy of the pupil;
(f) The parent or legal guardian is encouraged to attend school with his child for at least 1 day; and
(g) If the pupil is truant from school three or more times during one school year:
(1) The pupil shall be deemed a habitual truant pursuant to NRS 392.140;
(2) The board of trustees of the school district will refer the pupil to the council to review the truancy of pupils pursuant to section 26 of this act;
(3) The parents or legal guardian of the pupil may be subject to criminal prosecution or guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to NRS 392.210;
(4) The child may be subject to prosecution; and
(5) Pursuant to NRS 62.211, a juvenile court may, as applicable, suspend the driver's license of the child for 2 years or may prevent the child from applying for a driver's license for 2 years.
4. As used in this section, "physically or mentally unable to attend" does not include a physical or mental condition for which a pupil is excused pursuant to NRS 392.050.
Sec. 30 NRS 392.140 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.1401. Any child [shall] who has been declared a truant three or more times within one school year must be declared [an] a habitual truant . [who shall have been deemed a truant three or more times within the school year.]
2. Any child who has once been declared [an] a habitual truant and who in an immediately succeeding year is absent from school without [a valid excuse] the written:
(a) Approval of his teacher or the principal of the school pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 392.130; or
(b) Notice of his parent or legal guardian or other person who has control or charge over the pupil pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 392.130,
may again be declared [an] a habitual truant.
Sec. 31 NRS 392.170 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.170Upon the written complaint of any person, the board of trustees of a school district shall:
1. Make a full and impartial investigation of all charges against parents, guardians or other persons having control or charge of any child, for violation of any of the provisions of NRS 392.040 to 392.110, inclusive, or 392.130 to 392.160, inclusive, [or 392.040 to 392.110, inclusive.] and sections 22 to 27, inclusive, of this act.
2. Make and file a written report of the investigation and the findings thereof in the records of the board.
Sec. 32 NRS 392.180 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.180If it appears upon investigation that any parent, guardian or other person having control or charge of any child has violated any of the provisions of NRS 392.040 to 392.110, inclusive, or 392.130 to 392.160, inclusive, [or 392.040 to 392.110, inclusive,] and sections 22 to 27, inclusive, of this act, the clerk of the board of trustees, except as otherwise provided in NRS 392.190, shall make and file in the proper court a criminal complaint against the parent, guardian or other person, charging the violation, and shall see that the charge is prosecuted by the proper authority.
Sec. 33 NRS 392.215 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.215Any parent, guardian or other person who, with intent to deceive under NRS 392.040 to 392.110, inclusive, or 392.130 to 392.165, inclusive [:] , and sections 22 to 27, inclusive, of this act:
1. Makes a false statement concerning the age or attendance at school;
2. Presents a false birth certificate or record of attendance at school; or
3. Refuses to furnish a suitable identifying document, record of attendance at school or proof of change of name, upon request by a local law enforcement agency conducting an investigation in response to notification pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 392.165,
of a child under 17 years of age who is under his control or charge, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 34 NRS 392.330 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.3301. In addition to the purposes authorized by NRS 392.320, a board of trustees may use transportation funds of the school district for [arranging] :
(a) Arranging and paying for transportation , in accordance with subsection 2, by motor vehicles or otherwise, by contract or such other arrangement as the board finds most economical, expedient and feasible and for the best interests of the school district.
(b) Purchasing tickets for public buses for use by pupils enrolled in high school to travel to and from school.
2. Such transportation may be arranged and contracted for by a board of trustees with:
(a) Any railroad company, bus company, or other licensed common carrier holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the public service commission of Nevada.
(b) The owners and operators of private automobiles or other private motor vehicles, including parents of pupils who attend school and are entitled to transportation. When required by the board of trustees, every such private automobile or other private motor vehicle regularly transporting pupils [shall] must be insured in the amount required by regulation of the state board [of education] against the loss and damage described in subsection 2 of NRS 392.320.
Sec. 35 NRS 392.466 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.4661. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any pupil who commits a battery which results in the bodily injury of an employee of the school, sells or distributes any controlled substance or is found in possession of a dangerous weapon, while on the premises of any public school, at an activity sponsored by a public school or on any school bus must, for the first occurrence, be suspended or expelled from that school, although he may be placed in another kind of school, for at least a period equal to one semester for that school. For a second occurrence, [he must be] the pupil must:
(a) Be permanently expelled from that school [, but he may be required to attend another kind of school.] ; and
(b) Receive equivalent instruction authorized by the state board pursuant to NRS 392.070.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any pupil who is found in possession of a firearm while on the premises of any public school, at an activity sponsored by a public school or on any school bus must, for the first occurrence, be expelled from the school for a period of not less than 1 year, although he may be placed in another kind of school for a period not to exceed the period of the expulsion. For a second occurrence, [he must be] the pupil must:
(a) Be permanently expelled from the school [, but he may be required to attend another kind of school.] ; and
(b) Receive equivalent instruction authorized by the state board pursuant to NRS 392.070.
The superintendent of schools of a school district may, in a particular case in that school district, allow an exception to the expulsion requirement of this subsection.
3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any pupil who is a habitual disciplinary problem as set forth in section 22 of this act must be suspended or expelled from the school for a period equal to at least one semester for that school. For the period of his suspension or expulsion, the pupil must receive equivalent instruction authorized by the state board pursuant to NRS 392.070.
4. This section does not prohibit a pupil from having in his possession a knife or firearm with the approval of the principal of the school. A principal may grant such approval only in accordance with the policies or regulations adopted by the board of trustees of the school district.
[4.] 5. Any pupil in grades 1 to 6, inclusive, except a pupil who has been found to have possessed a firearm in violation of subsection 2, may be suspended from school or permanently expelled from school pursuant to this section only after the board of trustees of the school district has reviewed the circumstances and approved this action in accordance with the procedural policy adopted by the board for such issues.
[5.] 6. A pupil who is participating in a program of special education pursuant to NRS 388.520, other than a pupil who is gifted and talented, may, in accordance with the procedural policy adopted by the board of trustees of the school district for such matters, be:
(a) Suspended from school pursuant to this section for not more than 10 days. Such a suspension may be imposed pursuant to this paragraph for each occurrence of conduct proscribed by subsection 1.
(b) Suspended from school for more than 10 days or permanently expelled from school pursuant to this section only after the board of trustees of the school district has reviewed the circumstances and determined that the action is in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.).
[6.] 7. As used in this section:
(a) "Battery" has the meaning ascribed to it in paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 200.481.
(b) "Dangerous weapon" includes, without limitation, a blackjack, slung shot, billy, sand-club, sandbag, metal knuckles, dirk or dagger, a nunchaku, switchblade knife or trefoil, as defined in NRS 202.350, a butterfly knife or any other knife described in NRS 202.350, or any other object which is used, or threatened to be used, in such a manner and under such circumstances as to pose a threat of, or cause, bodily injury to a person.
(c) "Firearm" includes, without limitation, any pistol, revolver, shotgun, explosive substance or device, and any other item included within the definition of a "firearm" in 18 U.S.C. § 921, as that section existed on July 1, 1995.
Sec. 36 NRS 392.4675 is hereby amended to read as follows:
392.46751. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a pupil who is suspended or expelled from:
(a) Any public school in this state pursuant to NRS 392.466; or
(b) Any school outside of this state for the commission of any act which, if committed within this state, would be a ground for suspension or expulsion from public school pursuant to NRS 392.466,
is ineligible to attend any public school in this state during the period of that suspension or expulsion.
2. [A] Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a school district may allow a pupil who is ineligible to attend a public school pursuant to this section to enroll in:
(a) An alternative program for the education of pupils at risk of dropping out of high school; or
(b) Any program of instruction offered pursuant to the provisions of NRS 388.550.
A school district may conduct an investigation of the background of any such pupil to determine if the educational needs of the pupil may be satisfied without undue disruption to the program. If an investigation is conducted, the board of trustees of the school district shall, based on the results of the investigation, determine if the pupil will be allowed to enroll in such a program.
3. The provisions of subsection 2 do not authorize the enrollment in such a program of a pupil who is:
(a) Expelled for a second occurrence of a violation pursuant to subsections 1 or 2 of NRS 392.466; or
(b) Suspended or expelled pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 392.466.
Sec. 37 Chapter 393 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 38 and 39 of this act.
Sec. 38 1. The board of trustees of a school district may establish a program for the care of children on the property of a school within the school district.
2. A board of trustees that establishes such a program shall:
(a) Adopt written rules providing for the administration of the program; and
(b) Make the rules available, upon request, for public inspection.
3. All money received by the state treasurer pursuant to NRS 440.690 for use in accordance with the provisions of this section must be accounted for separately and disbursed on warrants of the state controller issued upon the order of the superintendent of public instruction. The superintendent shall distribute the money to each school district that has established a program for the care of children pursuant to subsection 1.
4. The department shall adopt regulations that prescribe the procedure by which a board of trustees of a school district may submit an application to receive money pursuant to this section. The regulations must include standards for the superintendent of public instruction to determine the eligibility of an applicant and the apportionment of money among the eligible applicants.
5. The provisions of NRS 393.071 to 393.0719, inclusive, do not apply to the use of school property by a board of trustees for the operation of a program for the care of children pursuant to this section.
Sec. 39 1. The board of trustees of a school district may:
(a) Establish a program to provide, at various schools in the district, health care and other social services for pupils, family members of pupils and other persons who reside in the district.
(b) To facilitate the establishment of such a program, enter into an interlocal agreement with the board of county commissioners of the county in which the school district is located concerning the provision of health care and other social services.
2. The board of trustees of a school district that establishes a program to provide health care and other social services shall:
(a) Hold at least three public meetings concerning the administration of the program;
(b) Adopt written rules providing for the administration of the program; and
(c) Make the rules available, upon request, for public inspection.
3. A program to provide health care and other social services pursuant to this section must:
(a) Provide for the imposition of reasonable fees for the provision of services and a schedule of alternative fees for those persons who demonstrate that they require financial assistance; and
(b) Include at least one mobile unit that provides health services to persons who reside in rural areas.
4. The provisions of NRS 393.071 to 393.0719, inclusive, do not apply to the use of school property by a board of trustees for the operation of a program to provide health care and other social services pursuant to this section.
5. As used in this section, "social services" includes, without limitation:
(a) Public assistance as that term is defined in NRS 422.050;
(b) Medicaid; and
(c) Services to aging persons as described in chapter 427A of NRS.
Sec. 40 NRS 393.071 is hereby amended to read as follows:
393.071[The] Except as otherwise provided in sections 38 and 39 of this act, the board of trustees of any school district may grant the use of school buildings or grounds for public, literary, scientific, recreational or educational meetings, or for the discussion of matters of general or public interest upon such terms and conditions as the board deems proper, subject to the limitations, requirements and restrictions set forth in NRS 393.071 to 393.0719, inclusive.
Sec. 41 NRS 19.033 is hereby amended to read as follows:
19.0331. In each county, on the commencement of any action for divorce in the district court, the county clerk shall charge and collect, in addition to the fees required by subsections 3 and 4, and any other fees required by law, a fee of $20. The fee must be paid by the party commencing the action.
2. On or before the first Monday of each month, the county clerk shall pay over to the county treasurer an amount equal to all fees collected by him pursuant to subsection 1, and the county treasurer shall place that amount to the credit of the state general fund. Quarterly, the county treasurer shall remit all money so collected to the state treasurer, who shall place the money in an account in the state general fund for use by the director of the state job training office or, if the office is abolished by executive order, the director of the department of employment, training and rehabilitation to administer the provisions of NRS 388.605 to 388.655, inclusive.
3. [The] In each county, on the commencement of any action for divorce in the district court, the county clerk shall charge and collect, in addition to the fee required by subsections 1 and 4, and any other fees required by law, a fee of $0.50. The fee must be paid by the party commencing the action. On or before the first Monday of each month, the county clerk shall pay over to the county treasurer an amount equal to all fees collected by him pursuant to this subsection for the preceding calendar month. On or before the 15th day of that month, the county treasurer shall deposit the money in the county general fund and account for that money separately. The money in that account may be expended only for costs incurred for programs to reduce the rate of truancy in the public schools of the county.
4. In each county, on the commencement of any action for divorce in the district court, the county clerk shall charge and collect, in addition to the fee required by subsections 1 and 3 and any other fees required by law, a fee of $0.50. The fee must be paid by the party commencing the action. On or before the first Monday of each month, the county clerk shall pay over to the county treasurer an amount equal to all fees collected by him pursuant to this subsection for the preceding calendar month. On or before the 15th day of that month, the county treasurer shall deposit the money in the county general fund and account for that money separately. The money in that account may be used only at the direction of a juvenile court in the county to pay for counseling ordered by the court pursuant to paragraph (e) of subsection 1 of NRS 62.211 if a parent, guardian or custodian of a child demonstrates to the satisfaction of the court that he needs financial assistance to pay for the care and treatment.
5. In addition to the fees required by subsections 1, 3 and 4, the board of county commissioners of any county may impose by ordinance [an additional] a filing fee of not more than $6 to be paid by the defendant in an action for divorce, annulment or separate maintenance. In a county where this fee has been imposed:
(a) On the appearance of a defendant in the action in the district court, the county clerk, in addition to any other fees provided by law, shall charge and collect from the defendant the prescribed fee to be paid upon the filing of the first paper in the action by the defendant.
(b) On or before the fifth day of each month, the county clerk shall account for and pay to the county treasurer all fees collected during the preceding month pursuant to paragraph (a).
Sec. 42 NRS 62.130 is hereby amended to read as follows:
62.1301. A petition alleging that a child is delinquent or a petition for revocation may be signed by any person, including the district attorney, who has knowledge of the facts alleged, or is informed of them and believes that they are true.
2. A petition alleging that a child is in need of supervision may be signed only by:
(a) A representative of a public or private agency licensed or authorized to provide care or supervision of children;
(b) A representative of a public or private agency providing social service for families; [or]
(c) A school officer, law enforcement officer or probation officer [.] ; or
(d) If the child is a habitual truant pursuant to NRS 392.140, a member of the council to review the truancy of pupils created pursuant to section 23 of this act that reviewed the status of the pupil as a habitual truant.
3. The district attorney shall prepare and sign every petition alleging delinquency or need of supervision, and shall represent the petitioner in all proceedings.
4. The petition must be entitled, "In the Matter of ................, a child," and must be verified by the person who signs it.
5. The petition must set forth specifically:
(a) The facts which bring the child within the jurisdiction of the court as indicated in NRS 62.040, and the date when delinquency occurred or need of supervision arose . [;]
(b) The name, date of birth and address of the residence of the child . [;]
(c) The names and address of the residence of his parents, guardian or custodian, and spouse if any. If neither of his parents, guardian or custodian resides or can be found within the state, or if their addresses are unknown, the petition must state the name of any known adult relative residing within the state, or if there is none, the known adult relative residing nearest to the court . [; and]
(d) Whether the child is in custody, and if so, the place of detention and the time he was taken into custody.
6. When any of the facts required by subsection 5 are not known, the petition must so state.
Sec. 43 NRS 62.132 is hereby amended to read as follows:
62.132In addition to the information required pursuant to NRS 62.130, a petition alleging that a child is in need of supervision must contain a list of the local programs to which the child was referred, and other efforts taken in the community, to modify the child's behavior. [No court may decree that a child is in need of supervision unless it expressly finds that reasonable efforts were taken in the community to assist the child in ceasing the behavior for which he is alleged to be in need of supervision.]
Sec. 44 NRS 62.211 is hereby amended to read as follows:
62.2111. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 62.212, if the court finds that a child is within the purview of this chapter it shall so decree and may:
(a) Place the child under supervision in his own home or in the custody of a suitable person elsewhere, upon such conditions as the court may determine. A program of supervision in the home may include electronic surveillance of the child. The legislature declares that a program of supervision that includes electronic surveillance is intended as an alternative to commitment and not as an alternative to probation, informal supervision or a supervision and consent decree.
(b) Commit the child to the custody of a public or private institution or agency authorized to care for children, or place him in a home with a family. In committing a child to a private institution or agency the court shall select one that is required to be licensed by the department of human resources to care for such children, or, if the institution or agency is in another state, by the analogous department of that state. The court shall not commit a female child to a private institution without prior approval of the superintendent of the Caliente youth center, and shall not commit a male child to a private institution without prior approval of the superintendent of the Nevada youth training center.
(c) Order such medical, psychiatric, psychological or other care and treatment as the court deems to be for the best interests of the child, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(d) Order the parent, guardian, custodian or any other person to refrain from continuing the conduct which, in the opinion of the court, has caused or tended to cause the child to come within or remain under the provisions of this chapter.
(e) If the child is less than 17 years of age, order the parent, guardian or custodian of the child, and any brothers, sisters or other persons living in the same household as the child over whom the court has jurisdiction to attend or participate in counseling, alone or together with the child, including, but not limited to, counseling regarding parenting skills, alcohol or substance abuse or techniques of dispute resolution. The court may use the money in the account established pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 19.033 to pay for any counseling ordered by the court pursuant to this paragraph if a parent, guardian or custodian of a child demonstrates to the satisfaction of the court that he needs financial assistance to pay for the care and treatment.
(f) Order the parent or guardian of the child to participate in a program designed to provide restitution to the victim of an act committed by the child or to perform public service.
(g) Order the parent or guardian of the child to pay all or part of the cost of the proceedings, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees, any costs incurred by the court and any costs incurred in the investigation of an act committed by the child and the taking into custody of the child.
(h) Order the suspension of the child's driver's license for not more than 2 years. If the child does not possess a driver's license, the court may prohibit the child from applying for a driver's license for not more than 2 years:
(1) Immediately following the date of the order, if the child is eligible to apply for a driver's license.
(2) After the date he becomes eligible to apply for a driver's license, if the child is not eligible to apply for a license on the date of the order.
If the court issues an order suspending the driver's license of a child pursuant to this paragraph, the judge shall require the child to surrender to the court all driver's licenses then held by the child. The court shall, within 5 days after issuing the order, forward to the department of motor vehicles and public safety the licenses, together with a copy of the order. If, pursuant to this paragraph, the court issues an order delaying the ability of a child to apply for a driver's license, the court shall, within 5 days after issuing the order, forward to the department of motor vehicles and public safety a copy of the order. The department of motor vehicles and public safety shall report a suspension pursuant to this paragraph to an insurance company or its agent inquiring about the child's driving record, but such a suspension must not be considered for the purpose of rating or underwriting. The department of motor vehicles and public safety shall not require the child to submit to the tests and other requirements which are adopted by regulation pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 483.495 as a condition of reinstatement or reissuance after a suspension of his license pursuant to this paragraph, unless the suspension resulted from his poor performance as a driver.
(i) Place the child, when he is not in school, under the supervision of:
(1) A public organization to work on public projects;
(2) A public agency to work on projects to eradicate graffiti; or
(3) A private nonprofit organization to perform other public service.
The person under whose supervision the child is placed shall keep the child busy and well supervised and shall make such reports to the court as it may require. As a condition of such a placement, the court may require the child or his parent or guardian to deposit with the court a reasonable sum of money to pay for the cost of policies of insurance against liability for personal injury and damage to property or for industrial insurance, or both, during those periods in which he performs the work, unless, in the case of industrial insurance, it is provided by the organization or agency for which he performs the work.
(j) Permit the child to reside in a residence without the immediate supervision of an adult, or exempt the child from mandatory attendance at school so that the child may be employed full time, or both, if the child is at least 16 years of age, has demonstrated the capacity to benefit from this placement or exemption and is under the strict supervision of the juvenile division.
(k) Require the child to provide restitution to the victim of the crime which the child has committed.
(l) Impose a fine on the child. If a fine is imposed, the court shall impose an administrative assessment pursuant to NRS 62.223.
2. If the court finds that a child is a habitual truant and imposes a fine pursuant to paragraph (l), the money collected from the fine must be paid by the clerk of the court to the county treasurer on or before the fifth day of each month for the preceding month. The county treasurer shall, on or before the 15th day of that month, deposit the money in the county general fund for credit to the separate account to support programs to reduce the rate of truancy in the public schools of the county established pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 19.033.
3. If the court places a child in need of supervision under formal supervision and the child violates a condition of that formal supervision, the court may detain the child for not more than 30 days.
4. If the court finds that a child who is less than 17 years of age has committed a delinquent act, the court may order the parent or guardian of the child to pay any fines and penalties imposed for the delinquent act. If the parent or guardian is unable to pay the fines and penalties imposed because of financial hardship, the court may require the parent or guardian to perform community service.
[3.] 5. In determining the appropriate disposition of a case concerning a child found to be within the purview of this chapter, the court shall consider whether the act committed by the child involved the use of a firearm or the use or threatened use of force or violence against the victim of the act and whether the child is a serious or chronic offender. If the court finds that the act committed by the child involved the use of a firearm or the use or threatened use of force or violence against the victim or that the child is a serious or chronic offender, the court shall include the finding in its order and may, in addition to the options set forth in subsections 1 and 2 of this section and NRS 62.213:
(a) Commit the child for confinement in a secure facility, including a facility which is secured by its staff.
(b) Impose any other punitive measures the court determines to be in the best interests of the public or the child.
[4.] 6. At any time, either on its own volition or for good cause shown, the court may terminate its jurisdiction concerning the child.
[5.] 7. Whenever the court commits a child to any institution or agency pursuant to this section or NRS 62.213, it shall transmit a summary of its information concerning the child and order the administrator of the school that the child last attended to transmit a copy of the child's educational records to the institution or agency. The institution or agency shall give to the court any information concerning the child that the court may require.
[6.] 8. In determining whether to place a child pursuant to this section in the custody of a person other than his parent, guardian or custodian, preference must be given to any person related within the third degree of consanguinity to the child whom the court finds suitable and able to provide proper care and guidance for the child.
Sec. 45 NRS 62.212 is hereby amended to read as follows:
62.2121. [If] Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, if the court finds that a child is within the purview of paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 62.040 and has not previously been the subject of a complaint under NRS 62.128 before committing the acts for which the petition was filed, the court shall:
(a) Admonish the child to obey the law and to refrain from repeating the acts for which the petition was filed, and maintain a record of the admonition; and
(b) Refer the child, without adjudication, to services available in the community for counseling, behavioral modification and social adjustment.
A child must not be adjudicated to be a child in need of supervision unless a subsequent petition based upon additional facts is filed with the court after admonition and referral pursuant to this subsection.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1, the court may adjudicate a child to be a child in need of supervision if the court expressly finds that reasonable efforts were taken in the community to assist the child in ceasing the behavior for which he is alleged to be in need of supervision. If the court adjudicates a child as a child in need of supervision pursuant to this subsection, the court may impose a fine or require the child to perform community service.
3. A child who is:
(a) Less than 12 years of age must not be committed to or otherwise placed in the Nevada youth training center or the Caliente youth center.
(b) Not adjudicated to be delinquent must not be committed to or otherwise placed in the Nevada youth training center, the Caliente youth center or any other facility that provides correctional care.
Sec. 46 NRS 179.118 is hereby amended to read as follows:
179.1181. The proceeds from any sale or retention of property declared to be forfeited must be applied, first, to the satisfaction of any protected interest established by a claimant in the proceeding, then to the proper expenses of the proceeding for forfeiture and resulting sale, including the expense of effecting the seizure, the expense of maintaining custody, the expense of advertising and costs of suit.
2. Any balance remaining after the distribution required by subsection 1 must be deposited as follows:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the plaintiff seized the property, in the special account established pursuant to NRS 179.1187 by the governing body which controls the plaintiff.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the plaintiff is a metropolitan police department, in the special account established by the metropolitan police committee on fiscal affairs pursuant to NRS 179.1187.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if more than one agency was substantially involved in the seizure, in an equitable manner to be directed by the court hearing the proceeding for forfeiture.
(d) If the property was seized pursuant to NRS 200.760, in the state treasury for credit to the fund for the compensation of victims of crime to be used for the counseling and the medical treatment of victims of crimes committed in violation of NRS 200.366, 200.710, 200.720, 200.730 or 201.230.
(e) If the property was seized as the result of a violation of NRS 202.300, in the general fund of the county in which the complaint for forfeiture was filed, to be used to support programs of counseling of persons ordered by the court to attend counseling pursuant to paragraph [(i)] (e) of subsection 1 of NRS 62.211.
Sec. 47 NRS 440.690 is hereby amended to read as follows:
440.6901. The state registrar shall keep a true and correct account of all fees received under this chapter.
2. The money collected pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 440.700 must be remitted by the state registrar to the state treasurer for credit to the children's trust account . [, and any]
3. The money collected pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 440.700 must be remitted by the state registrar to the state treasurer for use in accordance with the provisions of section 38 of this act.
4. All other proceeds accruing to the State of Nevada under the provisions of this chapter must be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.
[3.] 5. Upon the approval of the state board of examiners and pursuant to its regulations, the health division may maintain a bank account for the purpose of refunding overpayments of fees for vital statistics.
Sec. 48 NRS 440.700 is hereby amended to read as follows:
440.7001. The state registrar shall charge and collect the following fees:
For searching the files for one name, if no copy is made $4
For verifying a vital record 4
For a certified copy of a record of birth [11] 12
For a certified copy of a record of death 8
For correcting a record on file with the state registrar and providing a certified copy of the corrected record 13
For replacing a record on file with the state registrar and providing a certified copy of the new record 13
For filing a delayed certificate of birth and providing a certified copy of the certificate 13
For the services of a notary public, provided by the state registrar 1
For an index of marriage certificates provided on microfiche to a person other than a county recorder of a county of this state 200
For an index of divorce certificates provided on microfiche to a person other than a county recorder of a county in this state 100
2. The fee collected for furnishing a copy of a certificate of birth or death [must include] includes the sum of $3 for credit to the children's trust account.
3. The fee collected for furnishing a certified copy of a record of birth includes the sum of $1 for use in accordance with the provisions of section 38 of this act.
4. Upon the request of any parent or guardian, the state registrar shall supply, without the payment of a fee, a certificate limited to a statement as to the date of birth of any child as disclosed by the record of such birth when the certificate is necessary for admission to school or for securing employment.
[4.] 5. The United States Bureau of the Census may obtain, without expense to the state, transcripts or certified copies of births and deaths without payment of a fee.
Sec. 49 Section 5 of chapter 664, Statutes of Nevada 1993, at page 2887, as amended by section 1 of chapter 343, Statutes of Nevada 1995, at page 862, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5. This act becomes effective on July 1, 1993 . [, and expires by limitation on June 30, 1999.]
Sec. 50 Section 2 of Assembly Bill No. 39 of this session is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 2. NRS 62.211 is hereby amended to read as follows:
62.211
1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 62.212 [,] and section 1 of this act, if the court finds that a child is within the purview of this chapter it shall so decree and may:
(a) Place the child under supervision in his own home or in the custody of a suitable person elsewhere, upon such conditions as the court may determine. A program of supervision in the home may include electronic surveillance of the child. The legislature declares that a program of supervision that includes electronic surveillance is intended as an alternative to commitment and not as an alternative to probation, informal supervision or a supervision and consent decree.
(b) Commit the child to the custody of a public or private institution or agency authorized to care for children, or place him in a home with a family. In committing a child to a private institution or agency the court shall select one that is required to be licensed by the department of human resources to care for such children, or, if the institution or agency is in another state, by the analogous department of that state. The court shall not commit a female child to a private institution without prior approval of the superintendent of the Caliente youth center, and shall not commit a male child to a private institution without prior approval of the superintendent of the Nevada youth training center.
(c) Order such medical, psychiatric, psychological or other care and treatment as the court deems to be for the best interests of the child, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(d) Order the parent, guardian, custodian or any other person to refrain from continuing the conduct which, in the opinion of the court, has caused or tended to cause the child to come within or remain under the provisions of this chapter.
(e) If the child is less than 17 years of age, order the parent, guardian or custodian of the child, and any brothers, sisters or other persons living in the same household as the child over whom the court has jurisdiction to attend or participate in counseling, alone or together with the child, including, but not limited to, counseling regarding parenting skills, alcohol or substance abuse or techniques of dispute resolution. The court may use the money in the account established pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 19.033 to pay for any counseling ordered by the court pursuant to this paragraph if a parent, guardian or custodian of a child demonstrates to the satisfaction of the court that he needs financial assistance to pay for the care and treatment.
(f) Order the parent or guardian of the child to participate in a program designed to provide restitution to the victim of an act committed by the child or to perform public service.
(g) Order the parent or guardian of the child to pay all or part of the cost of the proceedings, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees, any costs incurred by the court and any costs incurred in the investigation of an act committed by the child and the taking into custody of the child.
(h) Order the suspension of the child's driver's license for not more than 2 years. If the child does not possess a driver's license, the court may prohibit the child from applying for a driver's license for not more than 2 years:
(1) Immediately following the date of the order, if the child is eligible to apply for a driver's license.
(2) After the date he becomes eligible to apply for a driver's license, if the child is not eligible to apply for a license on the date of the order.
If the court issues an order suspending the driver's license of a child pursuant to this paragraph, the judge shall require the child to surrender to the court all driver's licenses then held by the child. The court shall, within 5 days after issuing the order, forward to the department of motor vehicles and public safety the licenses, together with a copy of the order. If, pursuant to this paragraph, the court issues an order delaying the ability of a child to apply for a driver's license, the court shall, within 5 days after issuing the order, forward to the department of motor vehicles and public safety a copy of the order. The department of motor vehicles and public safety shall report a suspension pursuant to this paragraph to an insurance company or its agent inquiring about the child's driving record, but such a suspension must not be considered for the purpose of rating or underwriting. The department of motor vehicles and public safety shall not require the child to submit to the tests and other requirements which are adopted by regulation pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 483.495 as a condition of reinstatement or reissuance after a suspension of his license pursuant to this paragraph, unless the suspension resulted from his poor performance as a driver.
(i) Place the child, when he is not in school, under the supervision of:
(1) A public organization to work on public projects;
(2) A public agency to work on projects to eradicate graffiti; or
(3) A private nonprofit organization to perform other public service.
The person under whose supervision the child is placed shall keep the child busy and well supervised and shall make such reports to the court as it may require. As a condition of such a placement, the court may require the child or his parent or guardian to deposit with the court a reasonable sum of money to pay for the cost of policies of insurance against liability for personal injury and damage to property or for industrial insurance, or both, during those periods in which he performs the work, unless, in the case of industrial insurance, it is provided by the organization or agency for which he performs the work.
(j) Permit the child to reside in a residence without the immediate supervision of an adult, or exempt the child from mandatory attendance at school so that the child may be employed full time, or both, if the child is at least 16 years of age, has demonstrated the capacity to benefit from this placement or exemption and is under the strict supervision of the juvenile division.
(k) Require the child to provide restitution to the victim of the crime which the child has committed.
(l) Impose a fine on the child. If a fine is imposed, the court shall impose an administrative assessment pursuant to NRS 62.223.
2. If the court finds that a child is a habitual truant and imposes a fine pursuant to paragraph (l), the money collected from the fine must be paid by the clerk of the court to the county treasurer on or before the 5th day of each month for the preceding month. The county treasurer shall, on or before the 15th day of that month, deposit the money in the county general fund for credit to the separate account to support programs to reduce the rate of truancy in the public schools of the county established pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 19.033.
3. If the court places a child in need of supervision under formal supervision and the child violates a condition of that formal supervision, the court may detain the child for not more than 30 days.
4. If the court finds that a child who is less than 17 years of age has committed a delinquent act, the court may order the parent or guardian of the child to pay any fines and penalties imposed for the delinquent act. If the parent or guardian is unable to pay the fines and penalties imposed because of financial hardship, the court may require the parent or guardian to perform community service.
5. In determining the appropriate disposition of a case concerning a child found to be within the purview of this chapter, the court shall consider whether the act committed by the child involved the use of a firearm or the use or threatened use of force or violence against the victim of the act and whether the child is a serious or chronic offender. If the court finds that the act committed by the child involved the use of a firearm or the use or threatened use of force or violence against the victim or that the child is a serious or chronic offender, the court shall include the finding in its order and may, in addition to the options set forth in subsections 1 and 2 of this section and NRS 62.213:
(a) Commit the child for confinement in a secure facility, including a facility which is secured by its staff.
(b) Impose any other punitive measures the court determines to be in the best interests of the public or the child.
6. At any time, either on its own volition or for good cause shown, the court may terminate its jurisdiction concerning the child.
7. Whenever the court commits a child to any institution or agency pursuant to this section or NRS 62.213, it shall transmit a summary of its information concerning the child and order the administrator of the school that the child last attended to transmit a copy of the child's educational records to the institution or agency. The institution or agency shall give to the court any information concerning the child that the court may require.
8. In determining whether to place a child pursuant to this section in the custody of a person other than his parent, guardian or custodian, preference must be given to any person related within the third degree of consanguinity to the child whom the court finds suitable and able to provide proper care and guidance for the child.
Sec. 51 1. The state board of education shall establish a task force to study the manner in which the curriculum and courses of study used by the public schools in this state may be restructured to enable the schools more effectively to:
(a) Prepare each pupil to develop work and living skills;
(b) Address any special needs of pupils who are from a racial or ethnic minority and pupils who are female; and
(c) Establish interdisciplinary curriculum.
The task force shall establish a plan and set forth goals designed to facilitate the desired restructuring.
2. The task force shall also study alternative methods to train teachers to teach the restructured curriculum and meet the goals set forth in accordance with subsection 1.
3. The state board of education shall appoint to the task force:
(a) Representatives of private business.
(b) Teachers who currently provide instruction in public elementary or secondary schools in:
(1) Computer technology;
(2) Music or art;
(3) Special education;
(4) Occupational education;
(5) Civics or social studies;
(6) Science;
(7) Math; and
(8) English, including, without limitation, composition, language and writing.
The state board of education may appoint such additional members to the task force as it deems necessary.
4. On or before July 1, 1998, the task force shall provide to the state board of education, the board of trustees of each school district and the director of the legislative counsel bureau for transmission to the legislative commission, a report which contains the results of the study of the task force and the recommendations of the task force.
5. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, the state board of education shall ensure that the recommendations of the task force are carried out by the board of trustees of each school district no later than the 1999-2000 school year.
6. If any recommendations of the task force include recommendations for legislation, the state board of education shall, on or before December 31, 1998, submit those recommendations to the director of the legislative counsel bureau for transmission to the appropriate standing committees of the 70th session of the Nevada legislature.
Sec. 52 1. On or before December 31, 1997, the department of education shall enter into a contract with a qualified, independent consultant to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of substance abuse programs which are used in the public schools. The consultant must possess knowledge of substance abuse programs which are effective in the public schools of this state or other states. The evaluation must include, without limitation, a review of the results of all surveys and other information relating to the use of drugs and alcoholic beverages by pupils which has been collected by the public schools in this state during the immediately preceding 5 years. The consultant may only review the information if such a review does not violate any laws relating to the confidentiality of information regarding a child. On or before July 1, 1998, the consultant shall submit to the department of education a written report of his findings and any recommendations for the improvement of the substance abuse programs which are used in the public schools.
2. Upon receipt of the written report from the consultant, the department of education shall, in consultation with educational personnel, school counselors, pupils and parents and legal guardians of pupils, make recommendations concerning the feasibility of eliminating or combining certain substance abuse programs which are currently used in the public schools to create a more effective substance abuse program for use in the public schools of this state.
3. If any recommendations of the department of education include recommendations for legislation, the department shall, on or before December 31, 1998, submit those recommendations to the director of the legislative counsel bureau for transmission to the appropriate standing committees of the 70th session of the Nevada legislature.
Sec. 53 1. A principal or other administrator of a high school in which a pupil is enrolled and attending a course at a community college or university pursuant to NRS 389.160, may apply to the department of education for a grant of money to pay the costs of the pupil to attend the course.
2. The department of education shall, by regulation, establish a program by which a principal or administrator of a high school may apply to the department for a grant of money pursuant to subsection 1. The regulations must set forth, without limitation:
(a) The procedure by which a principal or administrator of a high school may apply for such a grant;
(b) Criteria for determining the eligibility of an applicant to receive such a grant; and
(c) Any conditions which the department of education considers necessary for the acceptance of a grant by a high school, including, without limitation, any conditions under which the recipient of a grant may be required to refund the money to the department of education.
3. As used in this section, "costs" include, without limitation, the costs of:
(a) Registration in a course offered at a community college or university; and
(b) Books and other materials which are required for the course.
Sec. 54 1. There is hereby appropriated from the state general fund to the department of education the sum of $250,000 for distribution by the department of education in accordance with section 53 of this act.
2. Any remaining balance of the appropriation made by subsection 1 must not be committed for expenditure after June 30, 1999, and reverts to the state general fund as soon as all payments of money committed have been made.
Sec. 55 A pupil shall not be deemed a habitual disciplinary problem pursuant to section 22 of this act for any acts committed by him or suspensions on his school record before July 1, 1997.
Sec. 56 The provisions of subsection 1 of NRS 354.599 do not apply to any additional expenses of a local government that are related to the provisions of this act.
Sec. 57 1. This section and sections 1 to 9, inclusive, and 11 to 56, inclusive, of this act become effective on July 1, 1997.
2. Section 10 of this act becomes effective on July 1, 1998.