MINUTES OF THE

      SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND LABOR

 

      Sixty-seventh Session

      June 25, 1993

 

 

 

The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor was called to order by Chairman Randolph J. Townsend, at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, June 25, 1993, in Room 227 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada.  Exhibit A is the Meeting Agenda.  Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.

 

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Chairman

Senator Sue Lowden, Vice Chairman

Senator Ann O'Connell

Senator Mike McGinness

Senator Raymond C. Shaffer

Senator Leonard V. Nevin

Senator Lori L. Brown

 

 

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Beverly Willis, Committee Secretary

Brian Davie, Senior Research Analyst

Frank Krajewski, Senior Research Analyst

 

 

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Pam Miller, Government Affairs Director, Associated General       Contractors

Margaret Cavin, J & J Mechanical

David Reese, Attorney, Nevada State Contractors Board

Elaine McNeill, Executive Director, Associated Builders &   Contractors, Inc.

John Madole,  Manager, Association of General Contractors    

Margi Grein, Nevada State Contractors Board

Mark Brown, Las Vegas Associated General Contractors

 

 

Senator Townsend opened the meeting with the hearing on

Senate Bill (S.B.) 556.

 

SENATE BILL 556:  Imposes fee on contractors and uses proceeds of fee to establish program to provide for education of contractors.

 

First to testify was Pam Miller, Government Affairs Director, Associated General Contractors, who introduced Margaret Cavin, J & J Mechanical, who testified in support of S.B. 556.  Ms. Miller gave some history on the reasons behind this bill.  At this time, Ms. Cavin testified, giving her reasons for supporting S.B. 556. 

 

Senator O'Connell asked if it was necessary to have  a law to accomplish this funding.  Ms. Miller responded she felt it was necessary in order to set up a workable plan to set and collect fees, as well as plan for administration of the advisory board.  Senator O'Connell went on to inquire if wording in S.B. 556 is such that the funds would not go into the General Fund.  Ms. Miller noted the Nevada State Contractors Board was funded by the construction industry and is not a part of the General Fund.  Senator O'Connell voiced further concerns regarding this issue.  Senator O'Connell went on to state she wants definite safeguards against any monies from this legislation going into the General Fund. 

 

Senator O'Connell then stated for the record:

 

      We need to have it stated that safety is a great part of the courses that will be given, because that again is our primary concern I think, that we prevent those [State Industrial Insurance System] SIIS claims.

 

Ms. Miller noted there are aggressive safety programs; it is an ongoing process.

 

Senator Shaffer declared he has a conflict, since he has a general contractor's license.  He went on to ask for a more in depth explanation of the kinds of courses to be offered.  Ms. Miller gave an explanation.  There was further discussion between Senator Shaffer, Ms. Cavin, Senator McGinness, and Ms. Miller regarding education and the amount of money this fund would generate.

 

Next to testify was John Madole,  Manager, Association of General Contractors, in support of S.B. 556.

 

Elaine McNeill, Executive Director, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., testified stating her organization is involved in journeyman classes and supports S.B. 556.

 

Next, David Reese, Attorney, State Contractors Board, testified the contractors board could not give their support to this bill as drafted.  He stated he feels it is a good idea, but feels this bill does not address many concerns that many licensees have voiced with the Nevada State Contractors Board.  He went on to  explain these concerns.

 

Margi Grein, Nevada State Contractors Board, came forward to testify, at this time.  She held further discussion with Senator Townsend and Mr. Reese, regarding pros and cons of this legislation.  Senator Townsend asked to see minutes from the last meeting of the contractors board along with a statement from the executive director regarding an incident Senator Townsend had heard about that he stated could be in violation of the open meeting laws. 

 

Next to testify was Mark Brown, Las Vegas Associated General Contractors.  Mr. Brown stated he opposes S.B. 556.  Mr. Brown stated his organization supports the intent of the bill, but feels it could be better handled internally through their association than through government mandated legislation.  Mr. Brown went on to reiterate his organization supports the intent of the bill, but stated they would prefer to have control over how the education is handled. 

 

Senator Townsend stated if action was taken on this bill, he hopes the two factions could work together. 

 

Senator Townsend closed the hearing on S.B. 556.  There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

 

                                          

                  Beverly Willis,

                  Committee Secretary

 

 

 

APPROVED BY:

 

 

 

 

                                     

Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Chairman

 

 

DATE:                                 

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Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor

June 25, 1993

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