Revises provisions related to outdoor recreation. (BDR 35-487)
A significant aspect of AB164 is the requirement for the Division of Outdoor Recreation to establish an Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group during the 2023-2024 interim. This group is tasked with exploring methods to integrate outdoor recreation into the public educational curriculum, from preschool through grade 12. Such integration is seen as a potential means to improve health and wellness among students, promote environmental awareness, and enrich educational experiences.
Assembly Bill 164, introduced by Assemblyman Yeager, aims to enhance outdoor recreation in Nevada by revising the responsibilities of the Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation. The bill eliminates the existing advisory committee that previously assisted the Administrator of the Division of Outdoor Recreation. Instead, it designates the Advisory Board as the technical advisory committee responsible for the development and administration of the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program, expanding its role and streamlining oversight.
The bill may face contention primarily regarding the approach to incorporating outdoor recreation into school curricula, as debate often arises about the balance between traditional subjects and experiential learning opportunities. Concerns may also be expressed regarding the effectiveness and funding of the Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group. Furthermore, issues of representation and inclusivity within the appointed members of these committees could provoke discussion, particularly regarding their ability to engage historically underserved communities.
AB164 provides for members of the Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group to serve without loss of regular compensation, reflecting a commitment to fostering community representation without financial penalties. The bill symbolizes a shift in focusing state resources toward promoting outdoor education, which advocates argue can bolster both the state's public health initiatives and educational innovation.