NRS: CHAPTER 223 - GOVERNOR

[Rev. 6/29/2024 3:20:08 PM--2023]

TITLE 18 - STATE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

CHAPTER 223 - GOVERNOR

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 223.010 Qualifications.

NRS 223.020 Election; term of office.

NRS 223.025 Governor-elect: Payment of expenses for clerical and research assistance.

NRS 223.030 Oath.

NRS 223.040 Office and residence.

NRS 223.050 Salary.

NRS 223.060 Resignation.

NRS 223.080 When President Pro Tempore of Senate, Speaker of Assembly or Secretary of State act as Governor.

NRS 223.085 Employment of appropriate staff; classification; salaries and benefits; rules and policies; Chief Information Officer of the State; Chief Innovation Officer of the State.

NRS 223.121 Portrait of Governor.

NRS 223.140 Power to close banks and other financial institutions.

NRS 223.150 Governor may order military force to assist sheriff in executing process.

NRS 223.160 Governor may order armed force when unlawful or riotous assembly.

NRS 223.170 Armed force to obey Governor’s order.

NRS 223.180 Governor may proclaim county in insurrection.

NRS 223.190 Governor to advise Legislature of appointments made to fill vacancies.

NRS 223.195 Residency requirement for Governor to appoint person to board, commission, committee, council, authority or other similar body; exceptions.

NRS 223.200 Federal Highway Safety Act of 1966: Governor’s powers and duties; Highway Safety Program Plan; Highway Safety Program Planning Account.

NRS 223.210 Temporary authority of Governor to act and expend money in certain circumstances; duties of Legislative Commission; report to Legislature.

NRS 223.240 Governor may enter into agreements or compacts concerning furnishing and exchange of police services.

NRS 223.250 Governor may enter into agreements with tribal governments concerning coordination of cross-jurisdictional administration of state and tribal government laws relating to use of cannabis.

OFFICE OF FINANCE

NRS 223.400 Creation; composition.

NRS 223.410 Director: Appointment; classification; other employment or occupation prohibited.

NRS 223.420 Director: Powers and duties.

NRS 223.425 Deputy Director: Appointment; classification; restrictions on other employment.

NRS 223.430 Chief of the Budget Division: Appointment or service in position by Director; classification.

NRS 223.440 Administrator of the Division of Internal Audits: Appointment; classification.

NRS 223.450 Appointment, classification and restrictions on other employment of Deputies and Chief Assistants of Budget Division and Division of Internal Audits; classification of other employees of Office.

OFFICE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Generally

NRS 223.460 Definitions.

NRS 223.462 “Director” defined.

NRS 223.464 “Federal assistance” defined.

NRS 223.466 “Local agency” defined.

NRS 223.468 “Office” defined.

NRS 223.470 “State agency” defined.

NRS 223.472 Creation; budget; offices.

NRS 223.474 Director: Qualifications; other employment prohibited; classification.

NRS 223.476 Director: Employment of persons in classified or unclassified service.

NRS 223.478 Director: General duties; authority to adopt regulations and provide certain administrative support.

NRS 223.480 State agency required to inform Office of any application for or receipt of grant and any unexpended portions thereof.

NRS 223.482 Authority of Office to apply for and receive gifts, grants, contributions and other money.

NRS 223.484 Account for the Office of Federal Assistance: Creation; administration; deposits; interest and income; use; claims.

NRS 223.486 State Plan for Maximizing Federal Assistance: Development and revision; contents; posting on Internet website.

Nevada Grant Matching Program

NRS 223.488 “Program” defined.

NRS 223.490 Creation; duties.

NRS 223.492 Grant Matching Account: Creation; administration; sources.

NRS 223.494 Development and administration of grant process.

NRS 223.496 Eligibility for grant.

NRS 223.498 Biennial report to Legislature.

OFFICE OF SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

NRS 223.600 Establishment; appointment and classification of Director; other employment by Director prohibited.

NRS 223.610 Duties of Director; regulations.

NRS 223.620 Acceptance of gifts and money by Director; membership of Director on Nevada Technology Council.

NRS 223.630 Account for the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology: Creation; administration; deposit of money; use; claims.

NRS 223.631 Account for the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program: Creation; administration; deposits; interest and income; uses of money; nonreversion; payment of claims.

NRS 223.633 Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education: Creation; membership; terms of members; vacancies; meetings; quorum; compensation.

NRS 223.635 Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education: Duties.

NRS 223.637 Graduate Medical Education Grant Program: Establishment; administration; award of grants; procedure for evaluation of applications for grants; regulations.

NRS 223.639 Graduate Medical Education Grant Program: Reports to Governor and Director of Legislative Counsel Bureau; contents of reports.

NRS 223.640 Advisory Council on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Creation; membership; vacancy; meetings; quorum; authority to appoint subcommittees; allowances and expenses. [Repealed.]

NRS 223.650 Advisory Council on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Duties; submission of biennial report; duty of State Board of Education and Board of Regents to consider plans and report; duty of State Board of Education to adopt regulations. [Repealed.]

NRS 223.660 Account for the Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure: Creation; administration; nonreversion; use; claims.

NRS 223.670 Broadband-Ready Community Certification Program: Establishment; administration; posting of list of certified communities on Internet website; regulations.

NRS 223.680 Report regarding broadband services and infrastructure.

OFFICE FOR NEW AMERICANS

NRS 223.900 “State agency” defined.

NRS 223.910 Creation; appointment and classification of Director; regulations; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations.

NRS 223.920 Duties of Director.

NRS 223.930 Requirement to assist Office.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE OFFICE

NRS 223.950 Creation; appointment and classification of Public Health Resource Officer; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations; duties.

NEVADA MEDAL OF DISTINCTION

NRS 223.960 “Board” defined.

NRS 223.962 Creation of award; eligibility for award.

NRS 223.964 Nevada Awards and Honors Board: Creation; membership; duties; grants, gifts, donations, bequests and devises.

NRS 223.966 Selection committee: Annual establishment; membership; nominations for award; meetings.

NRS 223.968 Annual selection of recipients of award; announcement of recipients.

_________

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 223.010 Qualifications. No person shall be eligible to the Office of Governor unless the person:

1. Has attained the age of 25 years at the time of such election; and

2. Is a qualified elector and has been a citizen resident of this State for 2 years next preceding the election.

[Part 2:108:1866; A 1953, 711; 1955, 459]

NRS 223.020 Election; term of office.

1. The Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State.

2. The Governor shall be chosen at the general election of 1866, and every 4th year thereafter, and shall hold office for the term of 4 years from the time of his or her installment and until his or her successor shall be qualified.

[Part 1:108:1866; B § 2599; BH § 1636; C § 1782; RL § 2765; NCL § 4765] + [Part 9:108:1866; B § 2607; BH § 1644; C § 1790; RL § 2773; NCL § 4773] + [Part 10:108:1866; B § 2608; BH § 1645; C § 1791; RL § 2774; NCL § 4774]

NRS 223.025 Governor-elect: Payment of expenses for clerical and research assistance.

1. The Office of Finance shall include as a separate item in its budget for each fiscal year in which a Governor is to be elected a reasonable amount to pay transitional expenses of the Governor-elect for clerical and research assistance.

2. The State Controller shall, within the limits of legislative appropriation, draw a warrant for the payment of necessary expenses for clerical and research assistance for the Governor-elect upon submission of one or more claims by the Governor-elect.

3. The provisions of subsection 2 do not apply if the incumbent Governor is elected to succeed himself or herself.

(Added to NRS by 1969, 111; A 1973, 263; 2001, 949)

NRS 223.030 Oath. The Governor shall take and subscribe to the official oath before the Chief Justice or one of the associate justices of the Supreme Court on the 1st Monday of January next succeeding his or her election.

[Part 25:108:1866; A 1881, 22; BH § 1660; C § 1806; RL § 2789; NCL § 4789]

NRS 223.040 Office and residence. The Governor shall keep his or her office and reside at the seat of government.

[Part 10:108:1866; B § 2608; BH § 1645; C § 1791; RL § 2774; NCL § 4774]

NRS 223.050 Salary.

1. Until the first Monday in January 2007, the Governor is entitled to receive an annual salary of $117,000. From the first Monday in January 2007, until the first Monday in January 2011, the Governor is entitled to receive an annual salary of $141,000.

2. On the first Monday in January 2011 and on the first Monday of every fourth year thereafter, the salary of the Governor must be increased by an amount equal to the cumulative percentage increase in the salaries of the classified employees of this State during the immediately preceding term of the Governor.

[Part 1:295:1953; A 1955, 527] + [1:320:1955] + [11:320:1955] + [13:320:1955]—(NRS A 1957, 771; 1961, 304; 1965, 969; 1969, 790; 1971, 2207; 1977, 1015; 1981, 1370; 1985, 1609; 1989, 1897; 1997, 1226; 2005, 1182)

NRS 223.060 Resignation. The Governor shall transmit his or her resignation to the Legislature, if in session, and if not in session shall then transmit it to the Secretary of State.

[Part 34:108:1866; B § 2632; BH § 1669; C § 1815; RL § 2798; NCL § 4798]

NRS 223.080 When President Pro Tempore of Senate, Speaker of Assembly or Secretary of State act as Governor.

1. If, during the vacancy in the Office of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall die, be impeached, be displaced, resign, or become incapable of performing the duties of the office, or be absent from the State, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall act as Governor until the vacancy shall be filled or the disability shall cease.

2. In case of the inability of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to act as Governor in the event of a vacancy in the Office of Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly shall be called upon to serve until the vacancy shall be filled. If the Speaker of the Assembly is ineligible or unable to act, the Secretary of State shall be next in line of succession.

3. To effect the purposes of this section, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each be deemed to hold their respective offices until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.

[44:108:1866; A 1947, 11; 1949, 39; 1943 NCL § 4808]

NRS 223.085 Employment of appropriate staff; classification; salaries and benefits; rules and policies; Chief Information Officer of the State; Chief Innovation Officer of the State.

1. The Governor may, within the limits of available money, employ such persons as he or she deems necessary to provide an appropriate staff for the Office of the Governor, including, without limitation, the Office of Economic Development, the Office of Federal Assistance, the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, the Public Health Resource Office and the Governor’s mansion. Except as otherwise provided by specific statute, such employees are not in the classified or unclassified service of the State and, except as otherwise provided in NRS 231.043 and 231.047, serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Such staff and employees include, without limitation:

(a) Executive staff;

(b) Administrative and clerical staff;

(d) Research and analytical staff; and

(e) Any other persons the Governor determines are necessary to effectively fulfill the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the Office of the Governor.

2. Except as otherwise provided by specific statute, the Governor shall:

(a) Determine the salaries and benefits of the persons employed pursuant to subsection 1, within limits of money available for that purpose; and

(b) Adopt such rules and policies as he or she deems appropriate to establish the duties and employment rights of the persons employed pursuant to subsection 1.

3. The Governor shall appoint a Chief Information Officer of the State who is responsible for:

(a) Information technology leadership and accountability;

(b) Strategic planning for information technology;

(d) Budgeting and planning for information technology for the State;

(e) Data storage and integrity;

(f) Investment management for information technology;

(g) Information technology security, cyber security and privacy; and

(h) Any other duties or responsibilities prescribed by statute or regulation.

4. The Governor shall appoint a Chief Innovation Officer of the State who is responsible for:

(a) Providing overall leadership and guidance relating to employee acquisition, career development, succession planning, retention, professional development and training, leadership development, compensation and benefits;

(b) Developing human resource plans and strategies prospectively by at least 10 years;

(c) Reviewing and monitoring the efficiency of the State Government and providing recommendations on how to reduce costs, improve the delivery of services and ensure the cost-effectiveness of all state governmental programs;

(d) Evaluating, overseeing and administering the competitiveness, appropriateness and effectiveness of the wages, salaries, benefits and work environment of public employees;

(e) Evaluating, overseeing and administering the training and readiness programs for public employees; and

(f) Developing comprehensive and strategic recruitment and retention plans to meet the human resource needs of the State.

(Added to NRS by 1967, 1488; A 1971, 1423; 1981, 1271; 1997, 616; 1999, 3278; 2001, 2284; 2009, 2651; 2011, 2935, 3427; 2015, 2122; 2017, 4331; 2021, 2739, 2785, 3650, 3705; 2023, 3546)

NRS 223.121 Portrait of Governor.

1. The Director may, upon the election of each new Governor, enter into a contract with an artist for the purpose of procuring a portrait of that Governor for display in the Capitol Building.

2. The portrait must be painted in oil colors and appropriately framed. The painting and framing must be done in the same manner, style and size as the portraits of former Governors of the State displayed in the Capitol Building.

3. The contract price must not exceed the appropriation made for this purpose to the Account for the Governor’s Portrait in the State General Fund. The contract price must include the cost of the portrait and the frame.

4. The portrait and frame are subject to the approval of the Governor.

5. Upon delivery of the approved, framed portrait to the Secretary of State and its acceptance by the Director, the State Controller shall draw his or her warrant in an amount equal to the contract price and the State Treasurer shall pay the warrant from the Account for the Governor’s Portrait. Any balance remaining in the Account immediately lapses to the State General Fund.

6. As used in this section, “Director” means the Director of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

(Added to NRS by 1981, 1553; A 1985, 713; 2007, 3306; 2011, 2936)

NRS 223.140 Power to close banks and other financial institutions. The Governor shall have the power to direct the closing of any or all banks and other financial institutions for definite periods of time whenever the public interest requires such action to be taken, as in time of war, insurrections, invasions, riots, or a state, district or national financial crisis; provided:

1. That the State Board of Finance shall by formal resolution request such action; and

2. That banks desiring not to avail themselves of such holiday declared by the Governor may remain open and continue to do business upon notifying the Governor of such intention and receiving the consent of the State Board of Finance.

[4:38:1933; 1931 NCL § 3306.03]

NRS 223.150 Governor may order military force to assist sheriff in executing process. If it appears to the Governor that the power of any county is not sufficient to enable the sheriff to execute process delivered to the sheriff, the Governor shall, on the application of the sheriff, order such military force from any other county or counties as shall be necessary.

[86:108:1866; B § 2684; BH § 1721; C § 1867; RL § 2835; NCL § 4835]

NRS 223.160 Governor may order armed force when unlawful or riotous assembly.

1. When there is an unlawful or riotous assembly, with the intent to commit a felony, or to offer violence to person or property, or to resist, by force, the laws of the State, and the fact is made to appear to the Governor, the Governor may issue an order directed to the commanding officer of a division, brigade, regiment, battalion or company, to order his or her command, or any part thereof (describing the kind and number of troops), to appear at a time and place therein specified, to aid the civil authorities in suppressing violence and enforcing the laws.

2. The commanding officer to whom the order is given shall forthwith obey the same, and the troops so required shall appear at the time and place appointed, armed and equipped with ammunition as per inspection, and shall execute any order that they shall then and there receive, according to law.

[Part 93:108:1866; B § 2691; BH § 1728; C § 1874; RL § 2840; NCL § 4840] + [94:108:1866; B § 2692; BH § 1729; C § 1875; RL § 2841; NCL § 4841]

NRS 223.170 Armed force to obey Governor’s order. When an armed force is called out for the purpose of suppressing an unlawful or riotous assembly, or arresting the offenders, it shall obey such orders in relation thereto as may have been made by the Governor.

[Part 92:108:1866; B § 2690; BH § 1727; C § 1873; RL § 2839; NCL § 4839]

NRS 223.180 Governor may proclaim county in insurrection.

1. When the Governor shall be satisfied that the execution of civil or criminal process has been forcibly resisted in any county, by bodies of persons, or that combinations to resist the execution of process by force exist in any county, and that the power of the county has been exerted and has not been sufficient to enable the officer having the process to execute it, the Governor may, on the application of the officer, or of the district attorney or district judge of the county, by proclamation, to be published in such papers as the Governor shall direct, declare the county to be in a state of insurrection, and may order into the service of the State such number and description of volunteers, or uniformed companies or other militia of the State as the Governor shall deem necessary, to serve for such term and under the command of such officers as the Governor shall direct.

2. The Governor may, when he or she shall think proper, revoke the proclamation authorized by subsection 1, or declare that it shall cease at such time and in such manner as he or she shall direct.

[95:108:1866; B § 2693; BH § 1730; C § 1876; RL § 2842; NCL § 4842] + [96:108:1866; B § 2694; BH § 1731; C § 1877; RL § 2843; NCL § 4843]

NRS 223.190 Governor to advise Legislature of appointments made to fill vacancies. At the earliest day practicable, the Governor shall lay before the Legislature a statement of all appointments made by him or her to fill vacancies in office since the preceding session.

[47:108:1866; B § 2645; BH § 1682; C § 1828; RL § 2811; NCL § 4811]

NRS 223.195 Residency requirement for Governor to appoint person to board, commission, committee, council, authority or other similar body; exceptions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, when the Governor discharges a duty or exercises a power conferred by law to appoint a person to a new term or to fill a vacancy on a board, commission, committee, council, authority or similar body, the Governor shall appoint a person who has, in accordance with the provisions of NRS 281.050, actually, as opposed to constructively, resided, for at least 6 months immediately preceding the date of the appointment:

(a) In this State; and

(b) If current residency in a particular county, district, ward, subdistrict or any other unit is prescribed by the provisions of law that govern the position, also in that county, district, ward, subdistrict or other unit.

2. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply if:

(a) A requirement of law concerning another characteristic or status that a member must possess, including, without limitation, membership in another organization, would make it impossible to fulfill the provisions of subsection 1; or

(b) The membership of the particular board, commission, committee, council, authority or similar body includes residents of another state and the provisions of subsection 1 would conflict with a requirement that applies to all members of that body.

(Added to NRS by 2005, 1580)

NRS 223.200 Federal Highway Safety Act of 1966: Governor’s powers and duties; Highway Safety Program Plan; Highway Safety Program Planning Account.

1. The Governor may contract and do all other things necessary to secure the full benefits available to this State pursuant to the Highway Safety Act of 1966 (including 23 U.S.C. ch. 4). In so doing, the Governor shall cooperate with federal and state agencies, private and public organizations, and private persons to effectuate the purposes of that act and all amendments to it which are subsequently enacted.

2. The Governor shall administer through an appropriate state agency the highway safety programs of this State and those of its political subdivisions in accordance with the Highway Safety Act of 1966 and federal rules and regulations for carrying it out.

3. The state agency designated by the Governor pursuant to subsection 2 shall, with the assistance of the Legislative Commission, the Supreme Court of Nevada, the Department of Transportation, the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education and other state agencies and local subdivisions, cause to be prepared a comprehensive Highway Safety Program Plan detailing how the State of Nevada proposes to progress toward long-range state goals to achieve full compliance with the program standards adopted pursuant to the Highway Safety Act of 1966. The Plan must, without limitation, include:

(a) Estimates when the State could begin each program specified in the standards;

(b) Estimates of annual costs of each program;

(d) Projects deemed appropriate for planning and administration of the State Highway Safety Program.

4. Costs of preparation of the Highway Safety Program must be paid from the Highway Safety Program Planning Account, which is hereby created in the State General Fund. Money provided by direct legislative appropriation must be accounted for in the Account, and money received from the Federal Government and from donations must be deposited in the State Treasury for credit to the Account. The state agency designated by the Governor pursuant to subsection 2 may make the necessary applications for federal money and provide required demonstrations that federal money will be matched with state money in the Highway Safety Program Planning Account. The state agency may also accept donations for the purpose of preparing the Highway Safety Program.

(Added to NRS by 1967, 1113; A 1973, 1406; 1979, 101, 1644, 1787; 1991, 1756)

NRS 223.210 Temporary authority of Governor to act and expend money in certain circumstances; duties of Legislative Commission; report to Legislature.

1. Whenever any Act of Congress, regulation promulgated by the President or from an executive department of the Federal Government, or decision of a court of the United States or of this State requires the Governor to perform any act for which legislative authority is lacking, either absolutely or in the alternative of forfeiting a grant of money or other thing of value or of action by the requiring authority, and the Legislature is not in session and cannot reasonably be convened in a special session, the Governor may, with the approval of the Legislative Commission:

(a) Perform the act required.

(b) Direct an existing agency, board or commission to do the act required.

(d) Expend, for the purpose required, any money so accepted from the Federal Government or available to him or her from any nonstate source or from the Emergency Account. Any expenditures from the Emergency Account for the purposes provided in this subsection must be first approved by the Legislative Commission.

2. The Governor and the Legislative Commission shall report any action taken by them to the next session of the Legislature, whether regular or special. Unless the Legislature acts affirmatively to authorize the Governor or some other agency, board or commission to do the act required, all authority conferred by this section expires by limitation on the 11th day after the final adjournment of the session. In case of such an expiration, neither the Governor nor any agency, board or commission may expend any money received pursuant to this section except as required by a valid contract executed prior to the expiration.

3. As used in this section, the phrase “cannot reasonably be convened in a special session” imposes a duty upon the Governor or the members of the Legislature to consider, among other things:

(a) The importance of the act required in relation to State Government as a whole;

(b) The amount of money to be expended pursuant to this section in relation to the cost of a special session; and

(Added to NRS by 1969, 90; A 1977, 329; 1991, 1756; 2013, 3753)

NRS 223.240 Governor may enter into agreements or compacts concerning furnishing and exchange of police services.

1. The Governor may, on behalf of this State, enter into mutual or reciprocal aid agreements or compacts with other states or the Federal Government, either on a statewide or political subdivision basis. Prior to committing the personnel, equipment or facilities of any political subdivision of this State, the Governor shall consult with and obtain the approval of the law enforcement executive and the chief executive of each of the political subdivisions affected.

2. Such agreements shall be limited to furnishing or exchange of:

(a) Police services;

(b) Personnel necessary to provide or conduct such services; and

3. The agreements may relate to the terms and conditions of mutual or reciprocal aid and to reimbursement of costs and expenses for equipment, supplies, personnel and similar items for incident management assistance teams and police units.

4. Any such agreement may not extend beyond the elected term of the Governor of this State who entered into such agreement.

(Added to NRS by 1975, 481; A 2019, 1022)

NRS 223.250 Governor may enter into agreements with tribal governments concerning coordination of cross-jurisdictional administration of state and tribal government laws relating to use of cannabis.

1. The Governor or his or her designee may enter into one or more agreements with tribal governments in this State to efficiently coordinate the cross-jurisdictional administration of the laws of this State and the laws of tribal governments relating to the use of cannabis. Such an agreement may include, without limitation, provisions relating to:

(a) Criminal and civil law enforcement;

(b) Regulatory issues relating to the possession, delivery, production, processing or use of cannabis or cannabis products;

(d) The administration of laws relating to taxation;

(e) Any immunity, preemption or conflict of law relating to the possession, delivery, production, processing, transportation or use of cannabis or cannabis products; and

(f) The resolution of any disputes between a tribal government and this State, which may include, without limitation, the use of mediation or other nonjudicial processes.

2. An agreement entered into pursuant to this section must:

(a) Provide for the preservation of public health and safety;

(b) Ensure the security of cannabis establishments and the corresponding facilities on tribal land; and

(c) Establish provisions regulating business involving cannabis which passes between tribal land and non-tribal land in this State.

3. As used in this section:

(a) “Cannabis” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 678A.085.

(b) “Cannabis establishment” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 678A.095.

(d) “Tribal government” means a federally recognized American Indian tribe pursuant to 25 C.F.R. §§ 83.1 to 83.13, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 1617; A 2019, 3848)

OFFICE OF FINANCE

NRS 223.400 Creation; composition.

1. The Office of Finance is hereby created in the Office of the Governor.

2. The Office of Finance consists of a Director and the following:

(a) The Budget Division; and

(b) The Division of Internal Audits.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1921)

NRS 223.410 Director: Appointment; classification; other employment or occupation prohibited. The Director of the Office of Finance:

1. Is appointed by, is responsible to and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

2. Is in the unclassified service of the State.

3. Shall not engage in any other gainful employment or occupation.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1921)

NRS 223.420 Director: Powers and duties. The Director of the Office of Finance is responsible for the administration, through the divisions of the Office, of the provisions of NRS 235.005 to 235.016, inclusive, 353.150 to 353.246, inclusive, and 353A.031 to 353A.100, inclusive, and all other provisions of law relating to the functions of the divisions of the Office.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1921)

NRS 223.425 Deputy Director: Appointment; classification; restrictions on other employment.

1. The Director of the Office of Finance shall appoint a Deputy Director of the Office.

2. The Deputy Director:

(a) Serves at the pleasure of the Director;

(b) Is in the unclassified service of the State; and

(c) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 284.143, shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the business of the Office of Finance and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 131)

NRS 223.430 Chief of the Budget Division: Appointment or service in position by Director; classification. The Director of the Office of Finance shall appoint a Chief of the Budget Division, who serves at the pleasure of the Director and is in the unclassified service of the State, or may serve in this position if the Director has the qualifications required by NRS 353.175.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1921)

NRS 223.440 Administrator of the Division of Internal Audits: Appointment; classification.

1. The Director of the Office of Finance shall appoint the Administrator of the Division of Internal Audits.

2. The Administrator of the Division of Internal Audits of the Office of Finance serves at the pleasure of the Director and is in the unclassified service of the State.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1922)

1. Unless federal law or regulation otherwise requires, the Chief of the Budget Division and the Administrator of the Division of Internal Audits may appoint a Deputy and a Chief Assistant in the unclassified service of the State, who shall not engage in any other gainful employment or occupation except as otherwise provided in NRS 284.143.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 1 and NRS 223.410, 223.430 and 223.440, employees of the Office of Finance are in the classified service of the State.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1922)

OFFICE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Generally

NRS 223.460 Definitions. As used in NRS 223.460 to 223.498, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 223.462 to 223.470, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3702)

NRS 223.462 “Director” defined. “Director” means the Director of the Office.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3702)

NRS 223.464 “Federal assistance” defined. “Federal assistance” means money, equipment, material or services that may be available to a state agency, local agency, tribal government or nonprofit organization from any agency or authority of the Federal Government pursuant to a federal program.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

NRS 223.466 “Local agency” defined. “Local agency” means any local legislative body, agency, bureau, board, commission, department, division, office or other unit of any county, city or other political subdivision.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

NRS 223.468 “Office” defined. “Office” means the Office of Federal Assistance created by NRS 223.472.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

NRS 223.470 “State agency” defined. “State agency” means an agency, bureau, board, commission, department, division or any other unit of government of the State Government.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

NRS 223.472 Creation; budget; offices.

1. There is hereby created within the Office of the Governor the Office of Federal Assistance for the purpose of obtaining and maximizing federal assistance.

2. The Governor shall propose a budget for the Office.

3. The Office shall maintain an office located in an urban area in northern Nevada and an office located in an urban area in southern Nevada.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

NRS 223.474 Director: Qualifications; other employment prohibited; classification.

1. The Governor shall appoint a Director of the Office who must possess:

(a) Extensive expertise and experience in applying for and receiving federal assistance;

(b) Specialized knowledge of the process of grant writing and approval in the public and private sectors; and

2. The Director shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the business of his or her office and shall not engage in any other gainful employment or occupation.

3. The Director is in the unclassified service of the State and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 1734; A 2021, 3707)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 232.222)

NRS 223.476 Director: Employment of persons in classified or unclassified service. The Director shall, within the limits of money appropriated or authorized to be expended for this purpose, employ such persons in the classified or unclassified service of the State as he or she deems necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 223.460 to 223.498, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 1734; A 2017, 184; 2021, 3707)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 232.223)

NRS 223.478 Director: General duties; authority to adopt regulations and provide certain administrative support.

1. The Director of the Office of Federal Assistance shall:

(a) Coordinate and collaborate with state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to implement the State Plan for Maximizing Federal Assistance developed pursuant to NRS 223.486;

(b) To the extent money is available, administer a grant management system;

(c) Develop a manual of policies and procedures relating to federal assistance and post the manual on the Internet website maintained by the Office;

(d) Serve as the entity designated by the State to review and coordinate proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development for purposes of 47 Fed. Reg. 30,959 (July 14, 1982);

(e) To the greatest extent practicable, coordinate with the members of Congress representing this State to combine efforts relating to identifying and managing available federal assistance;

(f) To the greatest extent practicable, if requested by a state agency, research the availability of federal assistance for the state agency.

(g) To the greatest extent practicable, ensure that state agencies are aware of any opportunities to obtain federal assistance for which they are or may be eligible.

(h) To the greatest extent practicable, if requested by the executive head of a state agency, advise the state agency concerning the requirements for receiving and managing federal assistance;

(i) To the greatest extent practicable, coordinate with state agencies and local agencies that have received federal assistance for similar projects to ensure that the efforts and services of those agencies are not duplicated.

(j) To the greatest extent practicable, serve as a clearinghouse for disseminating information relating to unexpended grant money of state agencies by:

(1) Compiling and updating periodically a list of the grants and unexpended amounts thereof for which the Office received notification from state agencies pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 223.480; and

(2) Making the list available on the Internet website maintained by the Office;

(k) To the greatest extent practicable, develop and provide to state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations, training opportunities relating to the acquisition and administration of grants, including, without limitation, compliance with requirements during the term of the grant; and

(l) On or before January 1 of each odd-numbered year, submit to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature a report regarding all activity relating to the application for, receipt of and use of grants in this State.

2. The Director may:

(a) Adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section and NRS 223.480 and 223.482.

(b) If requested by a state agency, local agency, tribal government or nonprofit organization, write grant proposals and applications and otherwise assist such an entity in obtaining federal resources.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 1734; A 2015, 347; 2017, 184; 2019, 3708; 2021, 265, 3707)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 232.224)

NRS 223.480 State agency required to inform Office of any application for or receipt of grant and any unexpended portions thereof. In addition to any other requirement concerning applying for or receiving a grant, a state agency shall notify the Office, on a form prescribed by the Office, of:

1. Any grant for which the state agency applies.

2. Any grant which the state agency receives.

3. The amount of any portion of a grant received by the state agency that the state agency determines will be unexpended by the end of the period for which the grant was made.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 1735; A 2015, 348; 2021, 3709)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 232.225)

NRS 223.482 Authority of Office to apply for and receive gifts, grants, contributions and other money. The Office may apply for and receive any gift, grant, contribution or other money from any source to carry out the provisions of NRS 223.460 to 223.498, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 1735; A 2021, 3709)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 232.226)

NRS 223.484 Account for the Office of Federal Assistance: Creation; administration; deposits; interest and income; use; claims.

1. The Account for the Office of Federal Assistance is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Account must be administered by the Director.

2. Any money accepted pursuant to NRS 223.482 must be deposited in the Account.

3. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the Account.

4. The money in the Account which is donated for a purpose specified by the donor, within the scope of the duties of the Director, must only be used for that purpose. If no purpose is specified, the money in the Account must only be used to carry out the duties of the Director.

5. Claims against the Account must be paid as other claims against the State are paid.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 1735; A 2021, 3709)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 232.227)

NRS 223.486 State Plan for Maximizing Federal Assistance: Development and revision; contents; posting on Internet website.

1. The Director shall, in consultation with the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance created by NRS 358.020, develop and may periodically revise a State Plan for Maximizing Federal Assistance, which must identify:

(a) Methods for expanding opportunities for obtaining federal assistance, including, without limitation, expanding opportunities for obtaining matching funds for federal assistance through the Nevada Grant Matching Program created by NRS 223.490;

(b) Methods for streamlining process, regulatory, structural and other barriers to the acquisition of federal assistance that exist at each level of federal, state or local government;

(c) Methods for the effective administration of grants, including, without limitation, best practices relating to indirect cost allocation;

(d) Opportunities for:

(1) Reducing administrative costs associated with obtaining federal assistance; and

(2) Coordination between state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to avoid duplication and achieve common goals;

(e) Specific tasks which must be performed to improve the administration of grants and maximize the amount of federal assistance received by this State and a schedule for implementing any such tasks;

(f) Performance metrics and targets relating to obtaining and maximizing federal assistance and improving the administration of grants; and

(g) Best practices for considering whether to respond to a grant opportunity, including, without limitation, the monetary and programmatic cost of implementing a grant.

2. The Director shall post the State Plan for Maximizing Federal Assistance on the Internet website maintained by the Office.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

Nevada Grant Matching Program

NRS 223.488 “Program” defined. As used in NRS 223.488 to 223.498, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “Program” means the Nevada Grant Matching Program created by NRS 223.490.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3703)

NRS 223.490 Creation; duties. The Nevada Grant Matching Program is hereby created within the Office. The Program must:

1. Allow state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to request grants from the Grant Matching Account created by NRS 223.492 for the purpose of satisfying the matching funds requirement for a federal grant;

2. Provide a clear, streamlined and timely process for state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to apply for matching funds for a specific federal grant and receive a prompt decision from the Director; and

3. Prioritize grants that:

(a) Add services to constituents;

(b) Align with the documented priorities of the state agency, local agency, tribal government or nonprofit organization;

(d) Help state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations build capacity for future grant opportunities; and

(e) Enable a state agency, local agency, tribal government or nonprofit organization to sustain the grant in its next budget.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3704)

NRS 223.492 Grant Matching Account: Creation; administration; sources.

1. The Grant Matching Account is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Office shall administer the Grant Matching Account.

2. Money received from:

(a) A direct legislative appropriation to the Grant Matching Account;

(b) A transfer from the Abandoned Property Trust Account pursuant to NRS 120A.620; and

Ê must be deposited in the Grant Matching Account. The interest and income earned on the money in the Grant Matching Account must be credited to the Grant Matching Account.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, the balance remaining in the Grant Matching Account that has not been committed for expenditure on or before June 30 of an odd-numbered fiscal year reverts to the State General Fund.

4. All money received from a grant, gift or donation to the Grant Matching Account:

(a) Must be accounted for separately in the Account;

(b) Must be expended in accordance with the terms of the gift, grant or donation; and

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3704)

NRS 223.494 Development and administration of grant process.

1. The Director shall consult with the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance created by NRS 358.020, grant professionals employed by the State and other grant experts to develop:

(a) A process for:

(1) State agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to make a request for a grant for matching funds;

(2) The payment or transfer of grant money; and

(3) Reporting on the use and implementation of grant awards; and

(b) Criteria for the review, award and notification of grant requests.

2. The Director shall administer all applicable aspects of the process set forth in subsection 1.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3704)

NRS 223.496 Eligibility for grant. To be eligible for a grant from the Grant Matching Account created by NRS 223.492, a state agency, local agency, tribal government or nonprofit organization must:

1. Demonstrate that:

(a) It is pursuing a bona fide federal grant for which it is eligible;

(b) It attempted but was unable to secure adequate matching funding through its own budget or in-kind resources;

(d) The grant is a competitive grant; and

(e) The grant will provide not less than $2 for each $1 received from the Grant Matching Account.

2. Apply for a grant in the form and process prescribed by the Director.

3. Adhere to other requirements deemed appropriate for the Program.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3705)

NRS 223.498 Biennial report to Legislature. On or before January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the Director of the Office shall prepare and submit to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature a summary report for the Program detailing:

1. The number and purpose of grant requests received from state agencies, local agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations;

2. The number and purpose of grant requests approved and the amount of money awarded from the Grant Matching Account created by NRS 223.492 to each approved grant request applicant; and

3. The amount of federal grant funding received by each grant applicant as a result of receiving money from the Grant Matching Account.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3705)

OFFICE OF SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

NRS 223.600 Establishment; appointment and classification of Director; other employment by Director prohibited.

1. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology is hereby established in the Office of the Governor.

2. The Governor shall appoint the Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology. In making the appointment, the Governor:

(a) Shall give consideration to any recommendation which is submitted by the Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

(b) May assemble a panel of persons with appropriate experience in science and technology to make recommendations of qualified candidates for the position of Director.

3. The Director shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the business of his or her office and shall not engage in any other gainful employment or occupation.

4. The Director is in the unclassified service of the State and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 2284; A 2021, 2757)

NRS 223.610 Duties of Director; regulations. The Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall:

1. Advise the Governor and the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development on matters relating to science, innovation and technology.

2. Work in coordination with the Office of Economic Development to establish criteria and goals for economic development and diversification in this State in the areas of science, innovation and technology.

3. As directed by the Governor, identify, recommend and carry out policies related to science, innovation and technology.

4. Report periodically to the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development concerning the administration of the policies and programs of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology.

5. Coordinate activities in this State relating to the planning, mapping and procurement of broadband service in a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory manner, which must include, without limitation:

(a) Development of a strategic plan to improve the delivery of broadband services in this State to schools, libraries, providers of health care, transportation facilities, prisons and other community facilities;

(b) Applying for state and federal grants on behalf of eligible entities and managing state matching money that has been appropriated by the Legislature;

(d) Prioritizing construction projects which affect or involve the expansion or deployment of broadband services in this State;

(e) In consultation with providers of health care from various health care settings, the expansion of telehealth services to reduce health care costs and increase health care quality and access in this State, especially in rural, unserved and underserved areas of this State;

(f) Expansion of the fiber optic infrastructure in this State for the benefit of the public safety radio and communications systems in this State;

(g) Collection and storage of data relating to agreements and contracts entered into by the State for the provision of fiber optic assets in this State;

(h) Administration of the trade policy for fiber optic infrastructure in this State; and

(i) Establishing and administering a program of infrastructure grants for the development or improvement of broadband services for persons with low income and persons in rural areas of this State using money from the Account for the Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure created by NRS 223.660. The Director may adopt regulations to carry out his or duties pursuant to this paragraph.

6. Provide support to the Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education and implement the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program established pursuant to NRS 223.637.

7. In carrying out his or her duties pursuant to this section, consult with the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and cooperate with the Executive Director in implementing the State Plan for Economic Development developed by the Executive Director pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 231.053.

8. Administer such grants as are provided by legislative appropriation.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 2285; A 2011, 3427; 2015, 2826; 2017, 528; 2021, 3449; 2023, 287, 2061)

NRS 223.620 Acceptance of gifts and money by Director; membership of Director on Nevada Technology Council.

1. The Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology may:

(a) Accept any gift, donation, bequest or devise; and

(b) Apply for and accept any grant, loan or other source of money,

Ê to assist the Director in carrying out his or her duties.

2. The Director may serve as a member of the Nevada Technology Council.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 2285)

NRS 223.630 Account for the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology: Creation; administration; deposit of money; use; claims.

1. The Account for the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Account must be administered by the Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology.

2. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 223.631 and 223.660, any money accepted pursuant to NRS 223.620 must be deposited in the Account.

3. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the Account.

4. The money in the Account must only be used to carry out the duties of the Director.

5. Claims against the Account must be paid as other claims against the State are paid.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 2285; A 2021, 3450; 2023, 2062)

NRS 223.631 Account for the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program: Creation; administration; deposits; interest and income; uses of money; nonreversion; payment of claims.

1. The Account for the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall administer the Account.

2. The Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology may:

(a) Accept any gift, donation, bequest or devise; and

(b) Apply for and accept any grant, loan or other source of money,

Ê for deposit in the Account to assist the Director in carrying out the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program established pursuant to NRS 223.637.

3. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the Account.

4. The money in the Account must only be used to:

(a) Award competitive grants to institutions in this State seeking to create, expand or retain programs for residency training and postdoctoral fellowships that are approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or its successor organization; and

(b) Defray the costs of establishing and administering the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program established pursuant to NRS 223.637.

5. Any money remaining in the Account at the end of the fiscal year does not revert to the State General Fund, and the balance in the Account must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

6. Claims against the Account must be paid as other claims against the State are paid.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2058)

NRS 223.633 Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education: Creation; membership; terms of members; vacancies; meetings; quorum; compensation.

1. The Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education is hereby created within the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology. The Council consists of:

(a) The dean of each medical school in this State that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges or their successor organizations, or his or her designee;

(b) The dean of each school of osteopathic medicine in this State that is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association or its successor organization, or his or her designee;

(d) One member appointed by the Governor who represents hospitals located in counties whose population is less than 100,000;

(e) One member appointed by the Governor who represents hospitals located in counties whose population is 100,000 or more but less than 700,000;

(f) One member appointed by the Governor who represents hospitals located in a county whose population is 700,000 or more;

(g) One member appointed by the Governor who represents the medical corps of any of the Armed Forces of the United States;

(h) One member appointed by the Governor who represents the Department of Health and Human Services; and

(i) One member appointed by the Governor who represents the Office of Economic Development in the Office of the Governor.

2. In addition to the members appointed by the Governor pursuant to subsection 1, the Governor may appoint two members as the Governor determines necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 223.631 to 223.639, inclusive.

3. After the initial terms, the term of each member of the Council is 3 years, and members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

4. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment not later than 30 days after the vacancy occurs.

5. The Council shall select from its members a Chair and a Vice Chair who shall hold office for 1 year and who may be reselected.

6. The Council shall meet at the call of the Chair as often as necessary to evaluate applications for competitive grants for the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program established pursuant to NRS 223.637 and make recommendations to the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology concerning the approval of applications for such grants.

7. A majority of the members of the Council constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority of those members present at any meeting is sufficient for any official action taken by the Council.

8. The members of the Council serve without compensation, except that each member is entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally while engaged in the official business of the Council.

9. A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of this State or a political subdivision of this State must be relieved from his or her duties without loss of regular compensation to prepare for and attend meetings of the Council and perform any work necessary to carry out the duties of the Council in the most timely manner practicable. A state agency or political subdivision of this State shall not require an officer or employee who is a member of the Council to:

(a) Make up the time he or she is absent from work to carry out his or her duties as a member of the Council; or

(b) Take annual leave or compensatory time for the absence.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2059)

NRS 223.635 Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education: Duties. The Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education shall:

1. Evaluate applications for competitive grants for the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program established pursuant to NRS 223.637 and make recommendations to the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology concerning the approval of applications for such grants. In evaluating and making recommendations concerning such applications, the Council shall give priority to the award of grants for the retention of programs in this State for residency training and postdoctoral fellows when the federal funding for the support of such programs expires.

2. Study and make recommendations to the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, the Governor and the Legislature concerning:

(a) The creation and retention of programs in this State for residency training and postdoctoral fellows that are approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or its successor organization; and

(b) The recruitment and retention of physicians necessary to meet the health care needs of the residents of this State, with the emphasis on those health care needs.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2060)

NRS 223.637 Graduate Medical Education Grant Program: Establishment; administration; award of grants; procedure for evaluation of applications for grants; regulations.

1. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall establish and administer a Graduate Medical Education Grant Program as a competitive grant program to award grants to institutions in this State seeking to create, expand or retain programs for residency training and postdoctoral fellows that are approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or its successor organization.

2. In awarding grants pursuant to the Program established pursuant to subsection 1, the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall consider the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education created by NRS 223.633 and give priority to the award of grants for the retention of programs in this State for residency training and postdoctoral fellows when the federal funding for the support of such programs expires.

3. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall establish a committee to develop a process, procedure and rubric for evaluating applications for grants pursuant to the Program established pursuant to subsection 1 to ensure that the process and procedure are transparent, without bias, fair, equitable and accessible. The committee established pursuant to this subsection must be composed of persons with expertise in subject matters related to graduate medical education who are not affiliated with any applicant for a grant pursuant to the Program established pursuant to subsection 1.

4. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the Program established pursuant to subsection 1. Such regulations may include, without limitation, the requirements to apply for and receive a grant.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2060)

NRS 223.639 Graduate Medical Education Grant Program: Reports to Governor and Director of Legislative Counsel Bureau; contents of reports.

1. On or before October 1 of each year, the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall submit a written report to:

(a) The Governor; and

(b) The Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to:

(1) The Interim Finance Committee in an odd-numbered year; or

(2) The next regular session of the Legislature in an even-numbered year.

2. The report must include, without limitation:

(a) Information on the Graduate Medical Education Grant Program established pursuant to NRS 223.637; and

(b) Any recommendations regarding graduate medical education in this State, including, without limitation:

(1) The creation, expansion and retention of programs in this State for residency training and postdoctoral fellows; and

(2) Methods by which this State may recruit and retain physicians necessary to meet the health care needs of the residents of this State.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2061)

NRS 223.660 Account for the Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure: Creation; administration; nonreversion; use; claims.

1. The Account for the Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall administer the Account.

2. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the Account.

3. Any money remaining in the Account at the end of a fiscal year does not revert to the State General Fund, and the balance in the Account must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

4. The money in the Account must only be used to:

(a) Make infrastructure grants for the development or improvement of broadband services for persons with low income and persons in rural areas of this State established by the Director pursuant to subsection 5 of NRS 223.610; and

(b) Defray the costs of establishing and administering the programs established pursuant to subsection 5 of NRS 223.610 and NRS 226.600.

5. Claims against the Account must be paid as other claims against the State are paid.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3448)

NRS 223.670 Broadband-Ready Community Certification Program: Establishment; administration; posting of list of certified communities on Internet website; regulations.

1. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall establish and administer a Broadband-Ready Community Certification Program in order to encourage the deployment of broadband infrastructure in underserved communities in this State.

2. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the program established pursuant to subsection 1. Such regulations must include, without limitation:

(a) The requirements for a community to apply for and receive certification as a Broadband-Ready Community; and

(b) The grounds for withdrawal of a certification as a Broadband-Ready Community.

3. The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall post on an Internet website maintained by the Office, a list of each community in this State that has been certified as a Broadband-Ready Community.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3449)

NRS 223.680 Report regarding broadband services and infrastructure. The Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology shall, not less than biennially:

1. Prepare a report that includes, without limitation:

(a) A summary of the availability of broadband services throughout the State; and

(b) Recommendations for the deployment of broadband infrastructure to underserved communities.

2. Submit the report prepared pursuant to subsection 1 to the Governor and to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature or, if the Legislature is not in session, to the Legislative Commission.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3448)

OFFICE FOR NEW AMERICANS

NRS 223.900 “State agency” defined. As used in NRS 223.900 to 223.930, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “state agency” means every public agency, bureau, board, commission, department or division of the Executive Department of the State Government.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 4361)

NRS 223.910 Creation; appointment and classification of Director; regulations; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations.

1. The Office for New Americans is hereby created in the Office of the Governor.

2. The Governor shall appoint a Director of the Office for New Americans. The Director is in the unclassified service of the State and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

3. The Director shall advise the Governor and each state agency on all matters relating to the formulation and implementation of policies, programs and procedures affecting immigrants in this State.

4. The Director may:

(a) Adopt such regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 223.900 to 223.930, inclusive.

(b) Apply for any available grants and accept any gifts, grants or donations for the support of the Office and its activities pursuant to NRS 223.900 to 223.930, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 4361)

NRS 223.920 Duties of Director. The Director of the Office for New Americans created by NRS 223.910 shall ensure that the Office:

1. Serves as the coordinating office for each state agency that is responsible for a program that provides services to immigrants in this State, including, without limitation, a program that:

(a) Relates to professional licensing, registration, permitting or similar types of authorization issued by a regulatory body;

(b) Connects immigrants to entrepreneurial and other business resources and workforce development training and programs; and

(c) Assists immigrants in areas relating to quality of life, including, without limitation, education, housing and health care.

2. Reviews and analyzes the policies and programs of state agencies relating to immigrants and makes recommendations to the Governor on such policies and programs, including, without limitation, the elimination of duplication in existing state programs.

3. Provides information and assistance relating to issues affecting immigrants to state agencies, both directly and by serving as a clearinghouse for information received from state agencies, other departments of the State Government, political subdivisions of this State, any other state or the Federal Government.

4. Engages in state and federal advocacy and makes recommendations concerning law and policy affecting immigrants to advance economic and population growth in this State.

5. Develops sustainable partnerships with community foundations and other nonprofit and private sector entities that serve immigrant communities in this State.

6. Employs a person to serve as the language access coordinator who:

(a) Coordinates with:

(1) Each board of county commissioners and each governing body of a city required to develop a language access plan pursuant to NRS 244.184 or 268.01925, as applicable;

(2) Refugee resettlement agencies in this State to identify gaps in programs provided by those agencies; and

(3) State agencies to assist in efforts to resettle, integrate and assimilate refugees in this State;

(b) Provides oversight, central coordination, consultation and technical assistance to any state agency, board of county commissioners and governing body of a city in the implementation of language access plans;

(c) Provides any state agency, board of county commissioners and governing body of a city with a policy manual containing baseline policies and procedures for compliance with language access plans;

(d) Maintains a publicly available roster of language interpreters and translators in positions that regularly have contact with the public and the languages each interpreter or translator speaks;

(e) Trains any state agency, board of county commissioners and governing body of a city to effectively recruit and retain language interpreters and translators and to support the recruitment and retention process;

(f) Receives and investigates complaints relating to language access against any state agency, board of county commissioners or governing body of a city and works with the Director to resolve such complaints;

(g) Implements an annual budget and procurement strategy for expenses related to state language access plans; and

(h) Provides any local government with the demographical information of persons with limited English proficiency who are constituents of the local government.

7. On or before September 30 of each even-numbered year, submits a report to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature or, if the Legislature is not in session, to the Legislative Commission, that sets forth any recommendations for legislation relating to language access plans of state agencies or local governments.

8. As used in this section, “person with limited English proficiency” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 232.0081.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 4362; A 2023, 2942)

NRS 223.930 Requirement to assist Office. Each agency, board, commission, department, officer, employee or agent of this State or a political subdivision of this State shall provide the Office for New Americans created by NRS 223.910 or any representative of the Office such assistance as the functions and operations of the Office may require if that assistance is within the scope of duties of the person or entity.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 4362)

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE OFFICE

NRS 223.950 Creation; appointment and classification of Public Health Resource Officer; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations; duties.

1. The Public Health Resource Office is hereby created within the Office of the Governor.

2. The Governor shall appoint a person who is knowledgeable in the field of public health to serve as the Public Health Resource Officer. The Public Health Resource Officer is not in the classified or unclassified service of the State and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

3. The Public Health Resource Office may accept gifts, grants and donations to support its duties.

4. The Public Health Resource Office shall:

(a) Analyze the existing infrastructure for meeting the public health needs of this State and the relationships between persons and entities involved in the provision of public health services, including, without limitation, the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, local health authorities, providers of health care, health care facilities and nonprofit organizations; and

(b) Identify and make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department concerning:

(1) Unmet needs for public health services;

(2) Opportunities to obtain federal or private funding to support public health services; and

(3) Ways in which to improve coordination between providers of public health services and maximize efficiency in the delivery of public health services.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3649)

NEVADA MEDAL OF DISTINCTION

NRS 223.960 “Board” defined. As used in NRS 223.960 to 223.968, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “Board” means the Nevada Awards and Honors Board created by NRS 223.964.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2786)

NRS 223.962 Creation of award; eligibility for award.

1. There is hereby created an award to be known as the Nevada Medal of Distinction.

2. Each year the Nevada Medal of Distinction must be awarded to:

(a) One person who is living and has made a significant and lasting contribution to the State of Nevada; and

(b) One person who is deceased and during his or her lifetime made a significant and lasting contribution to the State of Nevada.

3. The Nevada Medal of Distinction may not be awarded to a person more than once or to an elected officer during his or her term.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2786)

NRS 223.964 Nevada Awards and Honors Board: Creation; membership; duties; grants, gifts, donations, bequests and devises.

1. There is hereby created the Nevada Awards and Honors Board.

2. The Board shall be composed of five members who are residents of the State, appointed by the Governor. The members of the Board serve for terms of 3 years and may be reappointed.

3. The Board shall:

(a) Establish a suitable design for the Nevada Medal of Distinction such as a ribbon, badge or other insignia;

(b) Establish the requirements for determining whether a person:

(1) Has made a significant and lasting contribution to the State; and

(2) Is a Nevada resident or otherwise has a sufficient connection to this State;

(d) Take any other action necessary to carry out the requirements of NRS 223.960 to 223.968, inclusive.

4. The Office of the Governor shall provide administrative support to the Board.

5. The Board may apply for and accept grants, gifts, donations, bequests or devises on behalf of the Board which must be used to carry out the functions of the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2786)

NRS 223.966 Selection committee: Annual establishment; membership; nominations for award; meetings.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, on or before January 1 of each year, there must be established a selection committee of nine members as follows:

(a) Three members appointed by the Governor;

(b) Two members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;

(d) Two members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada.

2. If the Governor, Majority Leader of the Senate and Speaker of the Assembly are all members of the same political party, the selection committee established pursuant to subsection 1 must be comprised of nine members as follows:

(a) Three members appointed by the Governor;

(b) One member appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;

(d) One member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly;

(e) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Assembly; and

(f) Two members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada.

3. The membership of the selection committee must be posted on the Internet website of the Office of the Governor.

4. On or before the deadline established by the Board, each member of the selection committee shall submit to the Board the nomination of one person who is living and one person who is deceased to receive the Nevada Medal of Distinction for that year. The Board must post the nominations that are received from each member of the selection committee on the Internet website of the Governor.

5. The selection committee may conduct a meeting in person, by means of a remote technology system or any combination of members attending in person or by means of a remote technology system. The meetings of the selection committee are not subject to chapter 241 of NRS.

6. As used in this section, “remote technology system” means any system or other means of communication which uses any electronic, digital or other similar technology to enable a person from a remote location to attend, participate, vote or take any other action in any meeting even though the person is not physically present at the meeting. The term includes, without limitation, teleconference and videoconference systems.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2786)

NRS 223.968 Annual selection of recipients of award; announcement of recipients.

1. The Board shall hold a ceremony to announce the recipients of the Nevada Medal of Distinction for that year. The ceremony must be held:

(a) In Carson City during each odd-numbered year on a date in which the Legislature is in regular session.

(b) In Clark County during each even-numbered year.

2. Not more than 7 calendar days before the date on which the ceremony is held, the selection committee must meet and select the recipients of the Nevada Medal of Distinction for that year, one of whom must be living and one of whom must be deceased.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2787)