By Meghin Delaney, Las Vegas Review-Journal

If lawmakers had their way, every Nevada school would teach financial literacy, diversity studies and the benefits of organ donations. High school would start at 9:30am, and every student would have free access to dual credit courses.

Elementary schools would have daily recess. Staff would be trained on gender expression, and cameras would be placed in special education classrooms.

If only it were that easy.

About two dozen bills introduced this legislative session mandate certain programs that schools may have to adopt and implement. The proposals come from both parties and both houses. Generally, the bills have earned widespread support — few people argue against schools giving kids recess or having a library.

Money constraints are always a concern, but the issue boils down to whether lawmakers or school boards should mandate school policies. Districts want to maintain local control, but lawmakers want to be responsive to their constituents.