Creates the Nevada Medal of Distinction. (BDR 18-780)
Alongside creating the medal, the bill establishes the Nevada Awards and Honors Board, which will be responsible for overseeing the award process. The board will consist of five members appointed by the Governor, with the task of designing the award, determining eligibility criteria, and facilitating the annual selection of recipients. This framework introduces a new governance structure for honorific awards in Nevada, aiming to ensure that the selection process is orderly and consistent.
Assembly Bill No. 299 proposes the establishment of the Nevada Medal of Distinction, a state award recognizing significant contributions made by individuals to the State of Nevada, both living and deceased. The bill outlines the criteria for awarding the medal, stipulating that each year, one living individual and one deceased individual will be honored for their lasting contributions to the state. The intention behind the bill is to foster a culture of recognition for those who have positively impacted Nevada, creating a formal process for acknowledging their achievements.
While the bill is largely ceremonial, it raises questions regarding its administration and the transparency of the selection process. Notably, some provisions exempt the selection committee's meetings from the Open Meeting Law, which may bring about concerns regarding public access and accountability. Critics may argue that such exemptions could lead to a lack of oversight in how the awardees are chosen, potentially allowing political favoritism to influence decisions on who receives recognition.
The bill was passed with unanimous support in the Senate, reflecting a strong bipartisan commitment to honoring the contributions of Nevada residents. The last recorded action was on June 5, 2023, where the bill received 21 votes in favor and none against, indicating broad legislative support for the initiative.