Bill > AB515

This bill revises provisions related to adoption assistance programs in Nevada, focusing on how adoption savings are managed and reinvested. Under existing federal law, child welfare agencies must calculate savings from expanded adoption eligibility and reinvest those funds into the child welfare system. The bill changes how categorical grants to counties with child welfare services (currently Clark and Washoe Counties) are handled by ensuring that unspent grant money never reverts to the State General Fund and must be used consistently with federal requirements. The legislation appropriates specific amounts of adoption savings for rural, Washoe County, and Clark County child welfare budgets for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, totaling approximately $4.2 million. Additionally, the bill requires the Division of Child and Family Services to conduct a comprehensive study during the 2025-2026 interim to develop a plan for reinvesting adoption savings, which will include an internal audit by child welfare agencies to determine eligible expenditures. The study's findings will inform budget development for the 2027-2029 biennium, and the Division must submit a report with recommendations to the Interim Finance Committee by February 1, 2026, ultimately aiming to improve the management and strategic reinvestment of adoption savings in Nevada's child welfare system.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Health and Human Services (A)

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12806/Overview