MINUTES OF THE
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AND OPERATIONS
Sixty-seventh Session
January 19, 1993
The Senate Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations was called to order by Chairman Mike McGinness, at 4:30 p.m., on Tuesday, January 19, 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 Mike McGinness, Chairman
Senator William J. Raggio, Vice Chairman
Senator Raymond D. Rawson
Senator R. Hal Smith
Senator Diana M. Glomb
Senator Matthew Q. Callister
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Dina Titus (Excused)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Crossley, Director, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Bob Erickson, Research Director, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Marla McDade, Research Assistant, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Mavis Scarff, Committee Secretary
Sandy Arraiz, Secretary
Chairman McGinness introduced the proposed committee rules for
organizational purposes (Exhibit C) for discussion.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO ADOPT THE STANDING COMMITTEE RULES AS PRESENTED.
SENATOR CALLISTER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman McGinness noted the presence of John Crossley, Bob Erickson, and Marla McDade from Legislative Counsel Bureau, indicating the committee was honored to have such an esteemed group of research people.
John Crossley was introduced to the committee by Chairman McGinness.
Mr. Crossley stated for the record that he was Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB). He indicated he was looking forward to working with the committee again this session and stressed the committee's importance to the operations of LCB. He indicated this committee and its counterpart in the Assembly set the stage for operations during the interim. LCB must watch all bills and bring them to the committee's attention as the committee controls LCB's fate. Members of the committee need to know what other committees are doing to have an overall scope of the work of LCB between sessions. Mr. Crossley said this committee makes major decisions on the operations of the legislature which also affects LCB's operations. He indicated several changes were made in their operations since last session. A new time system tracts bill drafting by state (as previously done), city and county providing a better record of how LCB operates. A record of the amount of time spent on committees, interim committees, and interim studies will be available. Knowing the hours spent on various duties will provide the committee with more information on LCB operations. LCB and printing staffs are working to provide more information on printing bills, resolutions, etc. which will supply this committee and the legislature with more information. Mr. Crossley plans to attend as many meetings of this committee as he can and will provide all possible information. Either Mr. Crossley or Mr. Erickson will not only provide information requested by members of the committee but will volunteer information to keep the committee apprised of updated actions. Mr. Crossley looks forward to working with the committee this session and will monitor it to see what LCB's responsibilities and duties will be between sessions.
Senator Raggio commented that some of the committee may not be aware of the interim subcommittee of the Legislative Commission, the Committee to Consult with Legislative Counsel. He indicated the subcommittee met frequently during the interim and suggested this committee ask the Legislative Counsel to brief them providing an overview and report on concerns and procedures that have been adopted. He indicated Mr. Sader was the chairman of
this subcommittee. Senator Raggio further said there has been an ongoing dialogue concerning the publication of the Nevada Revised Statutes, competition with the Miche Company, and the efforts of the Legislative Counsel to meet certain goals in controlling bill draft requests.
Mr. Crossley concurred indicating it would be very informative for the committee to have the Legislative Counsel brief them.
Chairman McGinness replied that he would try to arrange a briefing for the next meeting.
Mr. Crossley said he will alert Mr. Sader that Chairman McGinness will be approaching him requesting the briefing.
Chairman McGinness indicated for the record that every one was present except Senator Titus who was absent but excused.
Chairman McGinness called on Bob Erickson, Research Director, and Marla McDade, Research Assistant, to give the committee an overview on the Issue Brief (Exhibit D) contained in the committee's meeting packet.
Mr. Erickson introduced Marla McDade who read excerpts from the first six pages of prepared text (Exhibit D).
Relative to Senate Joint Resolution No. 7 (Exhibit D, page 5A):
Proposes to amend Nevada constitution to require open meetings of legislature and its committees, except meetings to consider certain personnel matters.
(BDR C-1121)
Senator Raggio interjected his desire to hold at least one Senate executive session before voting on Senate Joint Resolution 7.
Mr. Erickson summarized the remainder of the brief. He indicated that the primary purpose of the legislative adjournment was to allow the two money committees to make a "real dent" in the review of state budgets. Proposals expected in 1993 are listed on page 7 (Exhibit D). The proposals that may come to this committee include: annual legislative sessions, legislative review of administrative regulations, allow the legislature to meet occasionally outside of Carson City, and requiring two-thirds vote of each house to increase taxes or impose a new tax. Referring to what is going on in other states in terms of the legislature, Mr. Erickson indicated the most interesting is term limitations. He reviewed the material on term limitations contained in (Exhibit D, page 8-9).
Senator McGinness commended Mr. Erickson on his excellent summary.
Relative to housekeeping affairs, Chairman McGinness indicated, subject to objections, there will be only one minute book which will be available for inspection in the committee room. There were no objections. He asked that any research requests for Mr. Erickson or Mr. Crossley come through the chair. He indicated coffee would not be provided and asked those who want some to bring their own.
Senator McGinness questioned the need to meet again before the adjournment. He indicated two bills are pending (one introduced today) plus one committee request. There being no comments, Senator McGinness indicated the committee would meet the first week after the adjournment in Las Vegas.
Mr. Erickson asked if the committee wanted Lorne Malkiewich to brief them. Mr. Crossley offered to call Mr. Malkiewich to see if he could come at that time.
Senator Raggio suggested they give him a little more time. He said he suggested this briefing so the committee would know what's in place, to make sure that bills are ready for introduction on opening day, know how agency bills are handled, and how the work load is divided between the two houses. Senator Raggio indicated a lot of effort had gone into the program, and he thought the committee should be aware of it. He felt that at an early date, Mr. Malkiewich should inform the committee exactly about the functions of the Legal Divisions. He indicated the program seems to be working fairly well.
After discussion, it was agreed the next committee meeting would be Tuesday, February 2, 1992, and Lorne Malkiewich would be asked to brief the committee at that time.
Chairman McGinness said if Loren Malkiewich's schedule permits, perhaps the Tuesday before the adjournment would be possible.
Senator Glomb confirmed that the committee will not meet again until the Tuesday before adjournment (Tuesday, February 2, 1993).
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Mavis Scarff
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Senator Mike McGinness, Chairman
DATE:
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Senate Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations
January 19, 1993
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