MINUTES OF THE
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AND OPERATIONS
Sixty-seventh Session
April 6, 1993
The Senate Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations was called to order by Chairman Mike McGinness, at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, April 6, 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 Dina Titus
Senator Diana M. Glomb
Senator Matthew Q. Callister
GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:
Senator Dean A. Rhoads
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bob Erickson, Research Director, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Mavis Scarff, Committee Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Pamela B. Wilcox, Administrator and State Land Registrar,
Division of State Lands
Chairman McGinness opened the hearing on Senate Bill (S.B.) 240.
Senate Bill 240: Expands authority of legislative committee on public lands to review and comment on certain policies, rules or regulations of state land registrar and administrator of division of state lands. (BDR 17-1110)
Chairman McGinness introduced Senator Dean A. Rhoads and invited him to testify.
Senator Rhoads indicated that this bill came out of the Legislative Committee on Public Lands. The committee found that they did not have any jurisdiction on state public lands, but they do have jurisdiction on federal public lands, forest service lands, and the Bureau of Land Management. He said that there was not much state lands throughout the state, but noted that there could be in the future. He stated the committee felt that broadening their authority would not require the administrator of the Division of State Lands to be at every meeting. Senator Rhoads pointed out that in many cases there could just be an annual written report, or if an issue arose they would be able to participate and monitor some of the activities on state lands.
Pamela Wilcox, Administrator and State Land Registrar, Division of State Lands, indicated that this bill will not change the way they have conducted business over the years and that she would welcome the committee's advice. She stated that she knows the committee understands that she does not have the travel budget to be at all of their meetings.
Senator Glomb asked if the Committee on Public Lands is a Standing Committee and inquired as to meeting times.
Senator Rhoads concurred and indicated that the committee meets probably six or eight times through the interim period.
Senator Glomb then asked regarding its composition.
Senator Rhoads replied that the committee is a seven member committee composed of three senators, three assemblymen, and one county commissioner. He noted that at least once a year they meet in Washington D.C. with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and different agency heads, working on problems such as the desert tortoise, grazing fees, and mining regulations. Senator Rhoads said they meet throughout the state, and the meetings are usually well attended.
Senator Glomb summarized that this bill would just include state lands under the committee's jurisdiction.
Senator Rhoads replied, "Yes."
Senator Glomb continued, confirming that this bill would codify what the committee has already been doing.
Senator Rhoads said that the committee had not been acting in any official capacity, but at times had brought Ms. Wilcox in to discuss some of the issues, and agreed that this would just be codifying the present practice.
Senator Glomb noted there would probably some crossover at times. Senator Rhoads agreed. She continued confirming that it would not increase the number of times that the committee would have to meet.
Senator Rhoads stated that it would not.
Senator Glomb asked if the committee was funded through the General Fund.
Senator Rhoads said the committee was funded through the Legislative Counsel Bureau, indicating that the committee has their own budget and submits a budget yearly.
Senator Callister commented that, as a member of the Committee on Public Lands, this bill addresses an area that routinely involves the committee. However, he stated that it is beneficial to expand statutorily the committee's authority. He noted that on numerous occasions the chairman and/or members testify in front of a committee in Washington D.C., when it involves state lands. He said it is best to have it clearly in statute who the committee represents and what areas it can speak to, with authority.
There being no further testimony, Chairman McGinness closed the hearing on S.B. 240. At 2:15 p.m. Chairman McGinness announced a recess.
Chairman McGinness called the meeting back to order at 2:39 p.m. and summarized the preceding testimony.
SENATOR GLOMB MOVED TO DO PASS S.B. 240.
SENATOR SMITH SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Chairman McGinness then asked for consideration of S.B. 177 which was heard at the last meeting of the committee.
S.B. 177 Requires legislative auditor to include in audit report certain recommendations concerning programs and services provided by state agency or private contractor. (BDR 17-643)
Senator McGinness reminded the committee that Mr. Crews, Legislative Auditor, had testified that this bill came out of the privatization study and it would not require any additional resources on his staff.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO DO PASS S.B. 177.
SENATOR RAGGIO SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
There being no further business, Chairman McGinness adjourned the meeting at 2:42 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
April 6, 1993
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