More than 20 new Nevada laws will take effect on July 1 with changes affecting housing, schools, healthcare and broadband infrastructure.

The laws, all approved during last year's legislative session, include measures expanding housing development options and new school cellphone rules to changes in mental health treatment access and broadband permitting. 

For a full list of laws taking effect, click here. Here are highlights:

AB396: Housing rules expand accessory dwelling units

This measure clears the way for homeowners in Clark and Washoe counties to build accessory dwelling units, such as backyard cottages or converted garages, on residential lots.

The law sets statewide rules that limit how local governments can restrict these dwellings and establishes a framework for when those housing units must be allowed. 

The measure also updates how accessory dwellings and related property rights are treated within homeowners associations, including how association rules and rental restrictions can be applied.

SB444: Updated school cellphone and device policies

Nevada school districts will have to update their rules on student cellphone and device use.

Each district must set limits on when students can use phones and other devices during the school day, especially during instruction. The policy must include a clear system for discipline that escalates based on repeated or more serious violations.

Exceptions are allowed in certain situations, including emergencies, teacher-approved classroom use or when a student needs a device as part of an individualized education plan or disability accommodation.

AB533: Expands school choice and adds transportation support

This law allows students to attend public schools outside their assigned attendance zone if space is available and they are approved through the school district's application process.

School districts must publish available seats by grade level and manage the application process for transfers.

Schools cannot consider factors such as grades, extracurricular activities, disability status or home address when reviewing applications.

A state grant program, if funding is available, will help families pay for transportation to schools outside their zone, with priority given to students in low-performing school zones and those who lack other transportation options.

AB49: Fast-track teacher licensing

This law allows Nevada school districts and charter schools to hire teachers licensed in another state on a provisional, one-year basis if they have applied for Nevada licensure and passed background checks. 

Districts must report these hires to the state.

Changes in licensing rules also expand pathways for educator certification, including career and technical education endorsements that allow applicants to use prior work experience to meet requirements.

It also allows some candidates in counseling, nursing and social work programs to complete required training or serve in schools while licensure applications are pending, if they hold the appropriate state license.

AB514: New rules regulate residential mental health treatment facilities

Nevada is setting up new rules for facilities that provide 24-hour residential mental health treatment outside of hospitals.

The law creates a new category of licensed care called "rehabilitative residential mental health care" and requires these types of providers to be approved by the state. 

Operators will also have to complete required training and meet financial safeguards intended to ensure patients can continue receiving care if a facility shuts down. The law also allows these services to be covered through Medicaid.

SB165: New behavioral health workforce and Medicaid coverage

Nevada is creating a new type of behavioral health professional focused on prevention and early support, rather than intensive clinical treatment. 

The law creates a license for behavioral health and wellness practitioners, who will provide services centered on prevention, wellness and early support. Medicaid will also begin covering those services if federal funding is approved.

The bill also puts money toward growing Nevada's behavioral health workforce by funding new college programs and scholarships through the state's higher education system, using nearly $7 million from the Fund for a Resilient Nevada. 

AB509: New rules for broadband companies using public access

Nevada will require broadband companies to reach agreements with cities and counties before installing or expanding internet infrastructure in public spaces, such as roadsides or utility corridors.

Under the law, local governments must treat providers equally when negotiating those agreements and may charge access fees, capped at 2 percent of a provider's local broadband revenue.

AB96: Heat mitigation plans for Las Vegas and Reno

Clark and Washoe counties will be required to include heat mitigation plans as part of their long-term land use and development planning.

The law requires those plans to include strategies to reduce heat impacts in the community, including expanding public cooling spaces, improving access to drinking water, encouraging cool building practices and increasing shade over paved areas through structures or drought-tolerant trees.