More than 230 new laws take effect Wednesday

By Cy Ryan

Monday, June 29, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Part of the so-called “New Nevada” will be born Wednesday when laws affecting education and veterans — as well as provisions that will pump an estimated $18 billion into state agencies during the next two fiscal years — become effective.

Of the bills passed by the 2015 Nevada Legislature, 232 take effect July 1.

Provisions of those laws include:

• A $1.3 billion tax increase over the next two years. A good part of the increase will benefit public schools rated near or at the bottom in student achievement by some national organizations.

• A new commerce tax computed on the gross revenue of a business, an increase in the payroll tax on companies and an increase in the state business license tax for corporations.

• Expanded services for the deaf or hard of hearing.

• Common interest communities will not be able to stop their residents from flying the Nevada flag.

• Women who get mammograms for breast density will get more information about the link to breast cancer.

• A program set up by the state aimed at preventing domestic violence.

• Counties will be able to post their property tax rolls on the Internet instead of in newspapers.

• Pneumatic guns are added to the list of weapons not permitted at schools, university or college campuses, and child care facilities.

• A Veterans Day designated at the biennial session of the Legislature.

• State buildings will be able to be named after military veterans.

• An expansion of the law that gives veterans with 50 percent disability or more a preference in bidding for state contracts.

• An extension of free tuition for veterans at universities and colleges.

• A special license for veterans awarded the Silver Star or Bronze Star.

• Construction will start on a $48.1 million veterans home in Sparks, with the state putting up $14 million.

• Businesses are offered a tax deduction for hiring a veteran.

• $22.9 million is authorized for a new Department of Motor Vehicles building on East Sahara in Las Vegas.

• A $1 fee added to each transaction at the state Department of Motor Vehicles to pay for installing a new computer system.

• A 1 percent cost of living increase for State employees now and 2 percent increase in July 2016. The requirement that they take six unpaid furlough days off a year is eliminated.

Many of the new law affect education.

Gov. Brian Sandoval, in his speech to the Legislature, called for a “New Nevada” focusing on educating students. There will be additional money for kindergartens; class size reduction; and programs for English-language learners, disabled pupils and those who live in areas of poverty. Gifted and talented students will find more resources to advance. And the state will have the authority to take over low-performing schools to better their education.

A study will explore the idea of splitting up the Clark County School District, one of the largest in the nation. A committee will be created to study how schools can be more efficient.

A bill also was passed to stop bullying in schools, and under another, students can express their religious beliefs unless they disrupt the education process.

One of the laws sets aside grants for parents who send their children to private or religious schools. Some lawyers believe this program will be challenged in court on the doctrine separation of church and state.

There’s also $26 million set aside to begin a medical school at UNLV. The state will cover half the cost of the $49 million hotel college at UNLV.

Numerous other laws take effect Oct. 1.