NEVADA LEGISLATURE

Sixty-ninth Session, 1997
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SENATE DAILY JOURNAL
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THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTIETH DAY
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Carson City (Saturday), June 28, 1997

Senate called to order at 10:41 a.m.
President Hammargren presiding.
Roll called.
All present.
Prayer by the Chaplain, The Reverend Marvin Dennis.
Heavenly Father, this 69th Session seems to be in a time warp; therefore, I offer this prayer to You that You will energize these senators and their staff in order that they may accomplish the work necessary so they may return to their lives outside these buildings and grounds in order to live a long and happy and prosperous life without the stress and pressures that this long session may have brought to them.

Amen.

Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.

Senator Raggio moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with, and the President and Secretary be authorized to make the necessary corrections and additions.
Motion carried.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 366, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass, as amended.

Randolph J. Townsend,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 314, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.

Randolph J. Townsend,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Finance, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 104, 227, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.

William J. Raggio,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Government Affairs, to which were referred Senate Bills Nos. 383, 446, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.

Ann O'Connell,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Human Resources and Facilities, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 13, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.

Raymond D. Rawson,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 443, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.

William R. O'Donnell,

Chairman

MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY

Assembly Chamber, Carson City, June 27, 1997

To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed Senate Bills Nos. 137, 172, 177, 183, 184, 185, 186, 417.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 13.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 59.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day concurred in the Senate amendment to Assembly Bill No. 360.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day respectfully refused to recede from its action on Senate Bill No. 122 and requests a conference, and appointed Assemblymen Segerblom, Carpenter and Collins as a first Committee on Conference to meet with a like committee of the Senate.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day respectfully refused to recede from its action on Senate Bill No. 258 and requests a conference, and appointed Assemblymen Collins, Sandoval and Anderson as a first Committee on Conference to meet with a like committee of the Senate.

Jacqueline Sneddon

Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES

Senator Titus moved to withdraw Amendment No. 940 to Senate Bill No. 327.
Remarks by Senator Titus.
Motion carried.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 43--Encouraging certain nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies to establish programs to protect children from sexual molestation.
Whereas, The children of this state are its most valuable resource and also one of its most vulnerable populations; and
Whereas, The children of this state deserve to be protected from crime before it occurs, including protection from sexual molestation and every effort must be made to ensure that they are protected; and
Whereas, There were 310 substantiated cases of sexual molestation committed against children in the State of Nevada in 1995; and
Whereas, Volunteers throughout this state, in the course of providing invaluable services for nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, often exercise supervisory or disciplinary control over children or have direct access to or contact with children; and
Whereas, Currently, the volunteers and children involved with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in this state are not subject to any requirements of training to detect and avoid sexual molestation; and
Whereas, Many incidences of sexual molestation could be prevented by providing such volunteers and children with training concerning the prevention and detection of sexual molestation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies whose volunteers regularly render services to children are hereby encouraged to:
1. Adopt and enforce policies and procedures which prohibit a volunteer from being in a secluded environment with a child unless another adult reasonably has immediate and free access to the secluded environment; and
2. Require each volunteer to read the policies and procedures and sign a form stating that he has read and understands the policies and procedures before beginning volunteer service for the organization or agency; and be it further
Resolved, That those nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies are further encouraged to establish an informational program for volunteers which:
1. Is designed to familiarize each volunteer with the generally applicable policies and procedures that prohibit a volunteer from being in a secluded environment with a child;
2. Sets forth specific behaviors that are, in relation to the specific activities that the volunteers will be engaging in with children, acceptable and unacceptable;
3. Informs each volunteer that the children have been trained to recognize and report molestation and attempted molestation; and
4. Teaches each volunteer to recognize common strategies and situations used by molesters that can lead to molestation or attempted molestation; and be it further
Resolved, That those nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies are further encouraged to establish an informational program for each child who desires to participate in the regularly scheduled activities of the organization or agency which is designed to be administered by the parent or guardian of the child to teach the child to:
1. Recognize common strategies and situations used by molesters to molest or attempt to molest children;
2. Resist attempts of child molesters; and
3. Report a person who attempts to molest him or another child to his parent or guardian or to another trusted adult; and be it further
Resolved, That those nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies are further encouraged to require, as a condition of participation by the child in the activities of the organization or agency that:
1. The parent or guardian of the child receive a copy of the policies and procedures which prohibit a volunteer from being in a secluded environment with a child and sign a form prepared by the organization or agency affirming that the parent or guardian has read the policies and procedures and has discussed them with the child; and
2. The child participate in the informational program designed to teach him to recognize strategies used by child molesters, resist attempts of child molesters and report child molestation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to each nonprofit organization and governmental agency in this state whose volunteers regularly render services to children.
Senator O'Donnell moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Washington.
Senator Washington requested that his remarks be entered in the Journal.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution encourages non-profit organizations and government agencies to establish programs to protect children from sexual molestation. The measure recognizes the importance of the services provided by volunteers and encourages these entities to adopt policies and procedures for training the volunteers to recognize and report sexual molestation or attempted molestation of children. In addition, the measure encourages entities to adopt procedures prohibiting volunteers from being in a secluded environment with children unless an adult is immediately available. Finally, the resolution urges these entities to establish programs to teach children to recognize strategies from molesters and attempt to divert these molesters from children. We also heard from the sponsor of the bill who indicated that the Boy Scouts have implemented a provision to divert molesters from children which is known nationwide. Other volunteer agencies and programs are in the process of using the material issued by the Boy Scouts.
Motion carried.

INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE

By the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities:
Senate Bill No. 484--An Act relating to public welfare; revising provisions governing eligibility of indigent patients for medical and financial assistance from counties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Senator McGinness moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities.
Motion carried.

SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT

Senate Bill No. 393.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Commerce and Labor:
Amendment No. 936.
Amend the bill as a whole by deleting sections 1 and 2 and renumbering sections 3 through 5 as sections 1 through 3.
Amend sec. 3, page 2, line 9, by deleting "If " and inserting:
"Chapter 686A of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
If ".
Amend sec. 4, page 2, line 24, by deleting:
"sections 2 and 3" and inserting "section 1".
Amend sec. 5, page 3, by deleting lines 19 through 22 and inserting:
"(g) Employs a person to procure clients, patients or other persons who obtain services or benefits under a policy of insurance issued pursuant to this Title for the purpose of engaging in any activity prohibited by this section. This paragraph does not prohibit".
Amend sec. 5, page 3, by deleting lines 27 through 32 and inserting:
"claimant concerning the settlement of any claims against the policy.".
Amend the bill as a whole by deleting sections 6 and 7 and renumbering sec. 8 as sec. 4.
Amend sec. 8, page 4, line 32, by deleting "5" and inserting "3".
Amend the title of the bill to read as follows:
"An Act relating to insurance fraud; requiring the commissioner of insurance and the attorney general to report certain information concerning the conviction of a person for insurance fraud to certain licensing agencies in this state; requiring a licensing agency that receives such information to submit a report to the legislature concerning the actions taken by the licensing agency against the convicted person; revising the provisions governing the actions that constitute insurance fraud; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.".
Amend the summary of the bill, first line, by deleting "insurance and".
Senator Townsend moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senators Townsend and Porter.
Conflict of interest declared by Senator Porter.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING

Senate Bill No. 182.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 182.
Yeas--21.
Nays--None.
Senate Bill No. 182 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 204.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Raggio and Adler.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 204:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 204 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 378.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 378:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 378 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 418.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senator Jacobsen.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 418:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 418 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 450.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Coffin, Augustine, Neal and Adler.
Senator Coffin requested that his remarks be entered in the Journal.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to state my position on this measure and the reason why I intend to vote "no" on the bill. It is difficult to vote "no" on an issue which would seem to be worthy of helping to provide for child care. However, the benefit to be gained from this would be miniscule for the recipients. On the other hand, what it does do is deepen or widen the crack in the new philosophy of trying to avoid exemptions from taxes. Our narrow tax base economy based primarily on excise taxes and sales taxes is not broad enough to support this. While this may not have a large fiscal impact, and consequently a relatively miniscule benefit to those who would receive it, it sends a bad signal. This tax that was created after a great deal of anguish, just six years ago, is now a target for exemptions. I am sure these exemptions will continue to roll in as people try to social engineer or try to play political games. I am guilty, over the years, of having participated in those sorts of exemption games, but I will not do so anymore until we have an overhaul of our tax system. That is why I am voting "no" on this bill and why I want my remarks entered into the record. Thank you.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 450:
Yeas -- 19.
Nays -- Coffin, Neal - 2.
Senate Bill No. 450 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 370.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 370:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 370 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 513.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senator McGinness.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 513:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 513 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 522.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators O'Donnell and Townsend.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 522:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 522 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 535.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Neal and McGinness.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 535:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 535 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 585.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators McGinness, Rawson and Adler.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 585:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 585 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Joint Resolution No. 10.
Resolution read third time.
Roll call on Assembly Joint Resolution No. 10.
Yeas--21.
Nays--None.
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 10 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY

Assembly Chamber, Carson City, June 28, 1997

To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 55.

Jacqueline Sneddon

Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 55--Commending retired educator Ruth Albright Stringer.
Whereas, Ruth Albright Stringer, one of 10 siblings, was born to A.G. and Annie Albright of Hoxie, Arkansas, on October 9, 1909; and
Whereas, A lifelong love for math was instilled in this young girl by a favorite teacher who made the subject interesting through the use of innovative and relevant hands-on activities that culminated in Ruth's analyzing the numbers on freight train cars on her way to school to determine the prime factors of each number, a practice in which she still engages when looking at license plates; and
Whereas, Ruth Stringer's early years growing up in a small town where she learned the value of working closely with others to improve her community instilled in her a desire to be a part of everything around her; and
Whereas, Because of her devoted father's often-repeated reminder, "Remember, Sister, every cloud has a silver lining," Ruth developed a remarkably positive attitude that served her through the Great Depression; and
Whereas, Ruth Stringer began her first teaching position on the ninth day of the ninth month of 1929 as a third grade teacher and pursued that career for 39 years, 11 of which were in Clark County, plus an additional year as a substitute teacher; and
Whereas, During those 39 years, a professional folder 4 inches thick, filled with positive notations and anecdotes, was compiled for this extraordinary teacher; and
Whereas, In addition to her exemplary role as an instructor, Ruth volunteered long hours to numerous activities in the school system, such as sponsoring several classes, a cheerleading squad and a drill team for majorettes, coaching basketball teams and drama groups, planning and directing tours for her classes, and participating actively in the Parent-Teacher Association; and
Whereas, This dedicated teacher has been appropriately rewarded with such honors as Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Clark County in 1970, Distinguished Teacher for 1974-1975 for the Nevada State Education Association, Clark County Educator Mother of the Year in 1987 and Nevada State Retired Teachers Association Certificate in recognition of services as auditor and nominating committee chair; and Whereas, Ruth Stringer also found time to involve herself in political activities for 32 years because she believed one should be aware of what is happening in the community, state and nation; and
Whereas, Ruth Stringer unbelievably had enough energy after all her other activities to become involved with community activities such as the Girl Scouts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the 69th session of the Nevada Legislature offer their commendation to Ruth Albright Stringer for her unselfish devotion to her family, her community, the educational system and the numerous organizations of which she is a part; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this legislative body express their admiration for a person who exemplifies the highest standards of character and is a role model for countless students and teachers; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Ruth Albright Stringer.
Senator Titus moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Titus.
Senator Titus requested that her remarks be entered in the Journal.
Thank you, Mr. President. It is such a treat for me today to be able to stand in support of this resolution honoring Ruth Stringer. Not only was she a wonderful teacher, as you can tell by all the awards she has received, but she has been a great friend and supporter of mine. I have known Ruth through the Women's Democratic Club in Clark County ever since I came to Las Vegas. I have been involved with her on numerous campaigns. In fact, we went together to the first inaugural for Clinton/Gore and hit the party circuit in Washington D. C. This was quite a lot of fun. I'll tell you, anytime you start feeling down or you think your campaign is not going well or policy isn't getting enacted, Ruth will tell you, "sister, every cloud has a silver lining." I am delighted to have her here today and I urge your support of this resolution in her honor.
Resolution adopted.

SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT

Senate Bill No. 383.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Government Affairs:
Amendment No. 880.
Amend the bill as a whole by adding a preamble, immediately preceding the enacting clause, to read as follows:
"Whereas, The legislature finds and declares that a general law cannot be made applicable for the provisions of this act because of the economic diversity of the local governments of this state, the unusual patterns of growth in certain of those local governments, the need to identify and evaluate the needs of certain counties that have arisen as a result of growth experienced by those counties and the special conditions experienced in certain counties related to the need to provide basic services; now, therefore,".
Amend section 1, page 1, line 1, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend section 1, page 1, line 3, before "Planning" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend section 1, page 1, line 12, by deleting:
"from among its members." and inserting:
"as its representative.".
Amend section 1, page 1, lines 13 and 14, by deleting:
"from among its members." and inserting:
"as its representative.".
Amend section 1, page 1, lines 15 and 16, by deleting:
"from among its members." and inserting:
"as its representative.".
Amend section 1, page 1, lines 17 and 18, by deleting:
"from among its members." and inserting:
"as its representative.".
Amend section 1, page 1, line 20, by deleting:
"from among its members." and inserting:
"as its representative.".
Amend section 1, page 2, lines 1 and 2, by deleting:
"from among its members." and inserting:
"as its representative.".
Amend sec. 2, page 2, line 23, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 2, page 2, by deleting lines 29 through 36 and inserting:
"2. The Authority shall review the master plans and the plans for capital improvement of the planning agencies of Clark County. The Authority shall review the plans and the policies contained therein to determine if they are sufficient to meet the needs and address the expected amount of growth of Clark County over the next 20 years. A report regarding the determination of the Authority, including an analysis of whether there exist any duplications or inconsistencies in the plans, or whether any issues have been omitted, must be submitted to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislative Commission on or before June 1, 1998. As used in this subsection, "planning agency" includes:
(a) The planning agencies for Clark County and the cities located within the county; and
(b) Any agency responsible for planning for the provision of services related to infrastructure, including, without limitation, the Regional Transportation Commission of Clark County, the Clark County Regional Flood Control Board, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Clark County School District and the Southern Nevada Water Authority.".
Amend sec. 2, page 3, by deleting lines 16 through 20 and inserting:
"(c) An evaluation of the current allocation of resources in the development of regional infrastructure that is not supported by the payment of user fees, including, without limitation, regional flood control, transportation and parks. The information relating to the allocation of such resources must be provided to the Authority by a subcommittee of the Technical Committee created pursuant to section 4 of this act. The subcommittee must consist of the directors of finance of Clark County and the cities listed in paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of section 4 of this act.
(d) Recommendations for legislation.".
Amend sec. 2, page 3, line 21, by deleting "5." and inserting "4.".
Amend sec. 3, page 3, by deleting lines 23 through 25 and inserting:
"Sec. 3. 1. There is hereby created the position of Facilitator of the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority. The Facilitator:
(a) Must be nominated by the plurality vote of the members appointed to".
Amend sec. 3, page 3, by deleting lines 29 through 35 and inserting:
"(1) Have the necessary training, experience, capability and interest in planning to perform the duties of the Facilitator;
(2) Have demonstrated the ability to administer a major program relating to planning;
(3) Are not affiliated with any entity listed in subsection 1 of section 1 of this act; and
(4) May be a consultant or a consulting firm.
(b) Must be appointed by the plurality vote of the members of the".
Amend sec. 3, page 3, line 38, after "3." by inserting:
"The Facilitator shall appoint a Project Coordinator who:
(a)".
Amend sec. 3, page 3, line 41, by deleting "4." and inserting "(b)".
Amend sec. 3, page 3, line 43, by deleting "Director." and inserting "Project Coordinator.".
Amend sec. 3, page 3, line 44, by deleting "5." and inserting "(c)".
Amend sec. 3, page 4, by deleting lines 1 through 3.
Amend sec. 3, page 4, line 4, by deleting "7." and inserting "(d)".
Amend sec. 3, page 4, line 5, by deleting "8." and inserting "(e)".
Amend sec. 3, page 4, line 6, by deleting "(a)" and inserting "(1)".
Amend sec. 3, page 4, line 8, by deleting "(b)" and inserting "(2)".
Amend sec. 3, page 4, line 10, by deleting "(c)" and inserting "(3)".
Amend sec. 4, page 4, line 11, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 4, page 4, line 12, by deleting "11" and inserting "13".
Amend sec. 4, page 4, line 18, by deleting:
"Las Vegas Valley Water District" and inserting:
"Southern Nevada Water Authority".
Amend sec. 4, page 4, lines 20 and 21, by deleting:
"District for the Control of Floods" and inserting:
"Regional Flood Control Board ".
Amend sec. 4, page 4, between lines 27 and 28 by inserting:
"(h) The General Manager of the Virgin Valley Water District or his designee.
(i) The Chief Executive Officer of Nevada Power Company or his designee.".
Amend sec. 4, page 4, line 28, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 5, page 4, line 39, by deleting "$100,000;" and inserting "$150,000;".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, line 2, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, line 3, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, line 7, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, line 9, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, by deleting line 12 and inserting:
"4. The Facilitator of the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority shall cause".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, line 14, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 5, page 5, line 18, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend the bill as a whole by deleting sec. 6 and renumbering sections 7 through 9 as sections 6 through 8.
Amend sec. 7, page 5, line 29, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend sec. 7, page 5, line 30, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend the title of the bill, first line, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Amend the title of the bill, fourth line, by deleting:
"making an appropriation;".
Amend the summary of the bill, first line, after "Nevada" by inserting "Strategic".
Senator Porter moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senators Porter and Raggio.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

Senate Bill No. 443.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Transportation:
Amendment No. 840.
Amend section 1, page 1, line 15, after the period, by inserting:
"In determining the amount of liability insurance or other surety required of a carrier pursuant to this subsection, the department shall create a separate category for vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,000 pounds and impose a lesser requirement with respect to such vehicles.".
Amend section 1, page 2, by deleting lines 4 through 8.
Senator O'Donnell moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator O'Donnell.
Conflict of interest declared by Senator Porter.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

Senate Bill No. 446.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Government Affairs:
Amendment No. 742.
Amend section 1, page 1, by deleting line 9 and inserting:
"located outside of the county".
Amend section 1, page 1, by deleting line 14 and inserting:
"[established in a county office building which is] located outside of the county".
Amend the title of the bill, third line, after "counties;" by inserting:
"eliminating the requirement that certain branch offices of a county clerk be established in county office buildings;".
Senator Porter moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Porter.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

Assembly Bill No. 13.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities:
Amendment No. 813.
Amend sec. 3, page 1, line 8, by deleting "or ".
Amend sec. 3, page 1, line 11, by deleting "Medicaid." and inserting:
"Medicaid; and
(c) Negotiated in good faith with the University of Nevada School of Medicine to provide health care services to recipients of Medicaid.
".
Amend sec. 3, page 1, by deleting line 13 and inserting:
"health center, the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada or the University of Nevada School of Medicine from the".
Amend sec. 3, page 1, line 15, after "2." by inserting:
"During the development and implementation of any Medicaid managed care program, the department shall cooperate with the University of Nevada School of Medicine by assisting in the provision of an adequate and diverse group of patients upon which the school may base its educational programs.
3. The University of Nevada School of Medicine may establish a nonprofit organization to assist in any research necessary for the development of a Medicaid managed care program, receive and accept gifts, grants and donations to support such a program and assist in establishing educational services about the program for recipients of Medicaid.
4.
".
Amend the title of the bill, third line, after "care;" by inserting:
"requiring the department of human resources to include the University of Nevada School of Medicine in the development and implementation of any Medicaid managed care program;".
Remarks by Senators Rawson and Coffin.
Senator Rawson moved the adoption of the amendment.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.

Assembly Bill No. 104.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Finance:
Amendment No. 910.
Amend sec. 2, page 1, by deleting lines 5 through 7 and inserting:
"district pursuant to section 1 of this act must".
Amend sec. 3, page 1, by deleting lines 12 through 18 and inserting:
"the district judges' salaries account the sum of $193,086 for salaries of the additional district judges required pursuant to section 1 of this act.
2. Any remaining balance of the appropriation made by subsection 1 must not be committed for expenditure after June 30, 1999, and reverts to the state general".
Amend sec. 5, page 2, line 4, by deleting:
"2, 3 and 4" and inserting "2 and 4".
Amend sec. 5, page 2, by deleting line 6 and inserting:
"2. Section 3 of this act becomes effective on January 1, 1999.
3. Section 1 of this act becomes effective on January 4, 1999.".
Amend the title of the bill, second line, by deleting "appropriations;" and inserting "an appropriation;".
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Raggio.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.

Assembly Bill No. 227.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Finance:
Amendment No. 905.
Amend section 1, page 1, line 3, by deleting "$110,420" and inserting "$181,422".
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Raggio.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.

Senate Bill No. 314.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Commerce and Labor:
Amendment No. 845.
Amend the bill as a whole by deleting sections 1 through 9 and adding new sections designated sections 1 through 27, following the enacting clause, to read as follows:
"Section 1 Chapter 116 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 2 to 11, inclusive, of this act.
Sec. 2 "Financial statement" means a balance sheet showing profit and loss of an association and the funds held in reserve by the association.
Sec. 3 "Governing documents" means the declaration, articles of incorporation, articles of association, bylaws, and rules of an association and any other documents that govern the operation of a common-interest community or association.
Sec. 4 1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a unit's owner may attend any meeting of the units' owners of the association or of the executive board and speak at any such meeting. The executive board may establish reasonable limitations on the time a unit's owner may speak at such a meeting.
2. An executive board may meet in executive session to:
(a) Consult with the attorney for the association on matters relating to proposed or pending litigation if the contents of the discussion would otherwise be governed by the privilege set forth in NRS 49.035 to 49.115, inclusive;
(b) Discuss matters relating to personnel; or
(c) Discuss a violation of the governing documents of the association alleged to have been committed by a unit's owner.
3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any matter discussed in executive session must be generally noted in the minutes of the meeting of the executive board. The executive board shall maintain detailed minutes of any matter discussed pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 2 and, upon request, provide a copy of those minutes to the unit's owner who was the subject of the discussion or to his designated representative.
4. A unit's owner is not entitled to attend or speak at a meeting of the executive board held in executive session.
Sec. 5 The rules adopted by an association:
1. Must be reasonably related to the purpose for which they are adopted.
2. Must be sufficiently explicit in their prohibition, direction or limitation to inform a unit's owner, or a tenant or guest of a unit's owner, of any action or omission required for compliance.
3. Must not be adopted to evade any obligation of the association.
4. Must be consistent with the governing documents of the association and must not arbitrarily restrict conduct or require the construction of any capital improvement by a unit's owner that is not required by the governing documents of the association.
5. Must be uniformly enforced under the same or similar circumstances against all units' owners. Any rule that is not so uniformly enforced may not be enforced against any unit's owner.
6. May be enforced by the assessment of a fine only if:
(a) The person alleged to have violated the rule has received notice of the alleged violation and has been given the opportunity to request a hearing on the alleged violation.
(b) At least 30 days before the alleged violation, the person alleged to have violated the rule was given written notice of the rule or any amendment to the rule.
Sec. 6 If a unit's owner, or a tenant or guest of a unit's owner, does not comply with a provision of the governing documents of an association, the executive board of the association may, if the governing documents so provide:
1. Prohibit, for a reasonable time, the unit's owner, or the tenant or guest of the unit's owner, from:
(a) Voting on matters related to the common-interest community.
(b) Using the common elements. The provisions of this paragraph do not prohibit the unit's owner, or the tenant or guest of the unit's owner, from using any vehicular or pedestrian ingress or egress to go to or from the unit, including any area used for parking.
2. Require the unit's owner, or the tenant or guest of the unit's owner, to pay a fine not to exceed $50 for each failure to comply, unless the violation is of a type that threatens the health and welfare of the common-interest community. The imposition of such a fine must comply with the requirements of subsection 6 of section 5 of this act.
Sec. 7 1. An association that is not a master association and levies an annual assessment against each unit in the common-interest community of $500 or more shall:
(a) If the association is required to pay the fee imposed by NRS 78.150 or 82.146, pay to the secretary of state at the time it is required to pay the fee imposed by those sections a fee established by regulation of the administrator of the real estate division of the department of business and industry for every unit in the association.
(b) If the association is organized as a trust or partnership, pay to the administrator of the real estate division of the department of business and industry a fee established by regulation of the administrator for each unit in the association. The fee must be paid on or before January 1 of each year.
2. The fees required to be paid pursuant to this section must be:
(a) Deposited with the state treasurer for credit to the fund for the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities created pursuant to section 9 of this act.
(b) Established on the basis of the actual cost of administering the office of the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities and not on a basis which includes any subsidy for the office.
Sec. 8 1. The office of the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities is hereby created within the real estate division of the department of business and industry.
2. The administrator of the real estate division shall appoint the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities. The ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities is in the unclassified service of the state.
3. The ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities must be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties and functions of his office.
4. The ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities shall:
(a) Assist in processing claims submitted to mediation or arbitration pursuant to NRS 38.300 to 38.360, inclusive;
(b) Assist owners in common-interest communities to understand their rights and responsibilities as set forth in this chapter and the governing documents of their associations, including, without limitation, publishing materials related to those rights and responsibilities; and
(c) Assist persons appointed or elected to serve on executive boards of associations to carry out their duties.
Sec. 9 1. There is hereby created the fund for the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities in the state treasury. The fund must be administered by the administrator of the real estate division of the department of business and industry.
2. The fees collected pursuant to section 7 of this act must be credited to the fund.
3. The interest and income earned on the money in the fund, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the fund.
4. The money in the fund must be used solely to defray the costs and expenses of administering the office of the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities.
Sec. 10 1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person engaged in property management for a common-interest community must:
(a) Hold a permit to engage in property management that is issued pursuant to the provisions of chapter 645 of NRS; or
(b) Hold a certificate issued by the real estate commission pursuant to subsection 2.
2. The real estate commission shall provide by regulation for the issuance of certificates for the management of common-interest communities to persons who are not otherwise authorized to engage in property management pursuant to the provisions of chapter 645 of NRS. The regulations:
(a) Must establish the qualifications for the issuance of such a certificate, including the education and experience required to obtain such a certificate; and
(b) May require applicants to pass an examination in order to obtain a certificate.
The real estate division of the department of business and industry may collect a fee for the issuance of a certificate by the commission in an amount not to exceed the administrative costs of issuing the certificate.
3. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to:
(a) A full-time employee of an association who manages only one association.
(b) A financial institution.
(c) An attorney licensed to practice in this state.
(d) A trustee.
(e) An employee of a corporation who manages only the property of the corporation.
(f) A declarant.
(g) A receiver.
4. As used in this section, "property management" means the physical, administrative or financial maintenance and management of real property, or the supervision of those activities for a fee, commission or other compensation or valuable consideration.
Sec. 11 The information statement required by NRS 116.4109 must be in substantially the following form:

BEFORE YOU PURCHASE PROPERTY IN A COMMON-INTEREST COMMUNITY
DID YOU KNOW . . .
1. YOU ARE AGREEING TO RESTRICTIONS ON HOW YOU CAN USE YOUR PROPERTY?
These restrictions are contained in a document known as the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (C, C & R's) that should be provided for your review before making your purchase. The C, C & R's become a part of the title to your property. They bind you and every future owner of the property whether or not you have read them or had them explained to you. The C, C & R's, together with other "governing documents" (such as association bylaws and rules and regulations), are intended to preserve the character and value of properties in the community, but may also restrict what you can do to improve or change your property and limit how you use and enjoy your property. By purchasing a property encumbered by C, C & R's, you are agreeing to limitations that could affect your lifestyle and freedom of choice. You should review the C, C & R's and other governing documents before purchasing to make sure that these limitations and controls are acceptable to you.
2. YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY OWNERS' ASSESSMENTS FOR AS LONG AS YOU OWN YOUR PROPERTY?
As an owner in a common-interest community, you are responsible for paying your share of expenses relating to the common elements, such as landscaping, shared amenities and the operation of any homeowner's association. The obligation to pay these assessments binds you and every future owner of the property. Owners' fees are usually assessed by the homeowner's association and due monthly. You have to pay dues whether or not you agree with the way the association is managing the property or spending the assessments. The executive board of the association may have the power to change and increase the amount of the assessment and to levy special assessments against your property to meet extraordinary expenses. In some communities, major components of the community such as roofs and private roads must be maintained and replaced by the association. If the association is not well managed or fails to maintain adequate reserves to repair and replace common elements, you may be required to pay large, special assessments to accomplish these tasks.
3. IF YOU FAIL TO PAY OWNERS' ASSESSMENTS, YOU COULD LOSE YOUR HOME?
If you do not pay these assessments when due, the association usually has the power to collect them by selling your property in a nonjudicial foreclosure sale. If fees become delinquent, you may also be required to pay penalties and the association's costs and attorney's fees to become current. If you dispute the obligation or its amount, your only remedy to avoid the loss of your home may be to file a lawsuit and ask a court to intervene in the dispute.
4. YOU MAY BECOME A MEMBER OF A HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION THAT HAS THE POWER TO AFFECT HOW YOU USE AND ENJOY YOUR PROPERTY?
Many common-interest communities have a homeowner's association. In a new development, the association will usually be controlled by the developer until a certain number of units have been sold. After the period of developer control, the association may be controlled by property owners like yourself who are elected by homeowners to sit on an executive board and other boards and committees formed by the association. The association, and its executive board, are responsible for assessing homeowners for the cost of operating the association and the common or shared elements of the community and for the day to day operation and management of the community. Because homeowners sitting on the executive board and other boards and committees of the association may not have the experience or professional background required to understand and carry out the responsibilities of the association properly, the association may hire professional managers to carry out these responsibilities.
Homeowner's associations operate on democratic principles. Some decisions require all homeowners to vote, some decisions are made by the executive board or other boards or committees established by the association or governing documents. Although the actions of the association and its executive board are governed by state laws, the C, C & R's and other documents that govern the common-interest community, decisions made by these persons will affect your use and enjoyment of your property, your lifestyle and freedom of choice, and your cost of living in the community. You may not agree with decisions made by the association or its governing bodies even though the decisions are ones which the association is authorized to make. Decisions may be made by a few persons on the executive board or governing bodies that do not necessarily reflect the view of the majority of homeowners in the community. If you do not agree with decisions made by the association, its executive board or other governing bodies, your remedy is typically to attempt to use the democratic processes of the association to seek the election of members of the executive board or other governing bodies that are more responsive to your needs. If persons controlling the association or its management are not complying with state laws or the governing documents, your remedy is typically to seek to mediate or arbitrate the dispute and, if mediation or arbitration is unsuccessful, file a lawsuit and ask a court to resolve the dispute. In addition to your personal cost in mediation or arbitration, or to prosecute a lawsuit, you may be responsible for paying your share of the association's cost in defending against your claim. There is no government agency in this state that investigates or intervenes to resolve disputes in homeowner's associations.
5. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF YOUR PROPERTY WITH INFORMATION ABOUT LIVING IN YOUR COMMON-INTEREST COMMUNITY?
The law requires you to provide to a prospective purchaser of your property, before you enter into a purchase agreement, a copy of the community's governing documents, including the C, C & R's, association bylaws, and rules and regulations, as well as a copy of this document. You are also required to provide a copy of the association's current financial statement, operating budget and information regarding the amount of the monthly assessment for common expenses, including the amount set aside as reserves for repair and replacement of common elements. You are also required to inform prospective purchasers of any outstanding judgments or lawsuits pending against the association of which you are aware. You are also required to provide a copy of the minutes from the most recent meeting of the homeowner's association or its executive board. For more information regarding these requirements, see Nevada Revised Statutes 116.4103.
6. YOU HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS REGARDING OWNERSHIP IN A COMMON-INTEREST COMMUNITY THAT ARE GUARANTEED YOU BY THE STATE?
Pursuant to provisions of chapter 116 of Nevada Revised Statutes, you have the right:
(a) To be notified of all meetings of the association and its executive board, except in cases of emergency.
(b) To attend and speak at all meetings of the association and its executive board, except in some cases where the executive board is authorized to meet in closed, executive session.
(c) To request a special meeting of the association upon petition of at least 10 percent of the homeowners.
(d) To inspect, examine, photocopy and audit financial and other records of the association.
(e) To be notified of all changes in the community's rules and regulations and other actions by the association or board that affect you.
7. QUESTIONS?
Although they may be voluminous, you should take the time to read and understand the documents that will control your ownership of a property in a common-interest community. You may wish to ask your real estate professional, lawyer or other person with experience to explain anything you do not understand. You may also request assistance from the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities, Nevada Real Estate Division, at (telephone number).

Buyer or prospective buyer's initials:_____
Date:_____
Sec. 12 NRS 116.1204 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.1204Except as otherwise provided in NRS 116.1205, the provisions of NRS 116.1105, 116.1106, 116.1107, 116.2103, 116.2104 and 116.2121, paragraphs (a) to (f), inclusive, and (k) to (r), inclusive, of subsection 1 of NRS 116.3102, NRS 116.3103, 116.31036, 116.3106, 116.3108 to 116.3111, [116.3116] inclusive, 116.3115 to 116.31168, inclusive, 116.3118, 116.4109 and 116.4117, and NRS 116.11031 to 116.110393, inclusive, to the extent necessary in construing any of those sections, apply to [all common-interest communities] a common-interest community created in this state before January 1, 1992 [;] , if the common-interest community levies an annual assessment against each unit in the common-interest community of $500 or more on or after July 1, 1998, but those sections apply only with respect to events and circumstances occurring on or after [January 1, 1992, and do not invalidate existing provisions of the declaration, bylaws, or plats or plans of those common-interest communities.] July 1, 1998.
Sec. 13 NRS 116.31034 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.310341. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5 of NRS 116.212, not later than the termination of any period of declarant's control, the units' owners shall elect an executive board of at least three members, at least a majority of whom must be units' owners. The executive board shall elect the officers. The members and officers of the executive board shall take office upon election.
2. An officer, employee, agent or director of a corporate owner of a unit, a trustee or designated beneficiary of a trust that owns a unit, a partner of a partnership that owns a unit, and a fiduciary of an estate that owns a unit may be an officer or member of the executive board. In all events where the person serving or offering to serve as an officer or member of the executive board is not the record owner, he shall file proof of authority in the records of the association.
3. Each member of the executive board shall, at the time of his appointment or election, certify in writing that he has read and understands the governing documents of the association and the provisions of this chapter.
Sec. 14 NRS 116.3106 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.31061. The bylaws of the association must provide:
(a) The number of members of the executive board and the titles of the officers of the association;
(b) For election by the executive board of a president, treasurer, secretary and any other officers of the association the bylaws specify;
(c) The qualifications, powers and duties, terms of office and manner of electing and removing officers of the association and members of the executive board and filling vacancies;
(d) Which, if any, of its powers the executive board or officers may delegate to other persons or to a managing agent;
(e) Which of its officers may prepare, execute, certify and record amendments to the declaration on behalf of the association; [and]
(f) Procedural rules for conducting meetings of the association; and
(g) A method for amending the bylaws.
2. Except as otherwise provided in the declaration, the bylaws may provide for any other matters the association deems necessary and appropriate.
3. The bylaws must be written in plain English.
Sec. 15 NRS 116.3108 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.31081. A meeting of the units' owners of an association must be held at least [twice] once each year. A meeting of the executive board must be held at least once every 90 days. Special meetings of the association may be called by the president, a majority of the executive board or by units' owners having [20] 10 percent, or any lower percentage specified in the bylaws, of the votes in the association.
2. Not less than 10 nor more than 60 days in advance of any meeting, the secretary or other officer specified in the bylaws shall cause notice to be hand-delivered or sent prepaid by United States mail to the mailing address of each unit or to any other mailing address designated in writing by the unit's owner. The notice of any meeting must state the time and place of the meeting and [the items on the agenda, including, but not limited to, the general nature of any proposed amendment to the declaration or bylaws, any fees or assessments to be imposed or increased by the association, any budgetary changes and any proposal to remove an officer or member of the executive board.] include a copy of the agenda for the meeting. The notice must include notification of the right of a unit's owner to [have] :
(a) Have a copy of the minutes or a summary of the minutes of the meeting distributed to him upon request if he pays the association the cost of making the distribution.
(b) Speak to the association or executive board, unless the executive board is meeting in executive session.
3. The agenda for the meeting must consist of:
(a) A clear and complete statement of the topics scheduled to be considered during the meeting, including, without limitation, any proposed amendment to the declaration or bylaws, any fees or assessments to be imposed or increased by the association, any budgetary changes and any proposal to remove an officer or member of the executive board.
(b) A list describing the items on which action may be taken and clearly denoting that action may be taken on those items.
(c) A period devoted to comments by units' owners and discussion of those comments. Except in emergencies, no action may be taken upon a matter raised under this item of the agenda until the matter itself has been specifically included on an agenda as an item upon which action may be taken pursuant to paragraph (b).
4. If the association adopts a policy imposing a fine on a unit's owner for the violation of the bylaws or other rules established by the association, the secretary or other officer specified in the bylaws shall prepare and cause to be hand-delivered or sent prepaid by United States mail to the mailing address of each unit or to any other mailing address designated in writing by the unit's owner, a schedule of the fines that may be imposed for those violations.
[4.] 5. Not more than 30 days after any meeting, the secretary or other officer specified in the bylaws shall cause the minutes or a summary of the minutes of the meeting to be made available to the units' owners. A copy of the minutes or a summary of the minutes must be provided to any unit's owner who pays the association the cost of providing the copy to him.
Sec. 16 NRS 116.3115 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.31151. Until the association makes an assessment for common expenses, the declarant shall pay all common expenses. After an assessment has been made by the association, assessments must be made at least annually, based on a budget adopted at least annually by the association. Except for an association for a time-share project governed by the provisions of chapter 119A of NRS, and unless the declaration imposes more stringent standards, the budget must include a budget for the daily operation of the association and the money for the reserve required by paragraph (b) of subsection 2.
2. Except for assessments under subsections [3, 4 and 5, all] 4, 5 and 6:
(a) All common expenses, including a reserve, must be assessed against all the units in accordance with the allocations set forth in the declaration pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 of NRS 116.2107.
(b) The association shall establish a reserve for the repair and replacement of the major components of the common elements. The reserve may be used only for common expenses that involve major repairs or replacement, including, without limitation, repairing and replacing roofs, roads and sidewalks, and must not be used for daily maintenance.
3. Any past due assessment for common expenses or installment thereof bears interest at the rate established by the association not exceeding 18 percent per year.
[3.] 4. To the extent required by the declaration:
(a) Any common expense associated with the maintenance, repair or replacement of a limited common element must be assessed against the units to which that limited common element is assigned, equally, or in any other proportion the declaration provides;
(b) Any common expense or portion thereof benefiting fewer than all of the units must be assessed exclusively against the units benefited; and
(c) The costs of insurance must be assessed in proportion to risk and the costs of utilities must be assessed in proportion to usage.
[4.] 5. Assessments to pay a judgment against the association may be made only against the units in the common-interest community at the time the judgment was entered, in proportion to their liabilities for common expenses.
[5.] 6. If any common expense is caused by the misconduct of any unit's owner, the association may assess that expense exclusively against his unit.
[6.] 7. If liabilities for common expenses are reallocated, assessments for common expenses and any installment thereof not yet due must be recalculated in accordance with the reallocated liabilities.
[7.] 8. The association shall provide written notice to the owner of each unit of a meeting at which an assessment for a capital improvement or the commencement of a civil action is to be considered or action is to be taken on such an assessment at least 21 calendar days before the meeting. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the association may commence a civil action only upon a vote or agreement of the owners of units to which at least a majority of the votes of the members of the association are allocated. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to a civil action that is commenced:
(a) By an association for a time-share project governed by the provisions of chapter 119A of NRS;
(b) To enforce the payment of an assessment;
(c) To enforce the declaration, bylaws or rules of the association;
(d) To proceed with a counterclaim; or
(e) To protect the health, safety and welfare of the members of the association.
Sec. 17 NRS 116.31162 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.311621. [In] Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, in a condominium, a cooperative where the owner's interest in a unit is real estate [(NRS 116.1105),] as determined pursuant to NRS 116.1105, or a planned community, the association may foreclose its lien by sale after:
(a) The association has mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the unit's owner or his successor in interest, at his address if known, and at the address of the unit, a notice of delinquent assessment which states the amount of the assessments and other sums which are due in accordance with subsection 1 of NRS 116.3116, a description of the unit against which the lien is imposed, and the name of the record owner of the unit;
(b) The association or other person conducting the sale has executed and caused to be recorded, with the county recorder of the county in which the common-interest community or any part of it is situated, a notice of default and election to sell the unit to satisfy the lien, which contains the same information as the notice of delinquent assessment, but must also describe the deficiency in payment and the name and address of the person authorized by the association to enforce the lien by sale; and
(c) The unit's owner or his successor in interest has failed to pay the amount of the lien, including costs, fees and expenses incident to its enforcement, for 60 days following the recording of the notice of default and election to sell.
2. The notice of default and election to sell must be signed by the person designated in the declaration or by the association for that purpose, or if no one is designated, by the president of the association.
3. The period of 60 days begins on the first day following the later of:
(a) The day on which the notice of default is recorded; or
(b) The day on which a copy of the notice of default is mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the unit's owner or his successor in interest at his address if known, otherwise to the address of the unit.
4. The association may not foreclose a lien by sale for the assessment of a fine for a violation of the declaration, bylaws, rules or regulations of the association, unless:
(a) The violation is of a type that threatens the health and welfare of the residents of the common-interest community; or
(b) The fine is imposed:
(1) By an arbitrator pursuant to the provisions of NRS 38.300 to 38.360, inclusive; or
(2) Pursuant to an agreement obtained through mediation conducted pursuant to those sections.
Sec. 18 NRS 116.4101 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.41011. NRS 116.4101 to 116.412, inclusive, apply to all units subject to this chapter, except as otherwise provided in [subsection 2] this section or as modified or waived by agreement of purchasers of units in a common-interest community in which all units are restricted to nonresidential use.
2. Neither a public offering statement nor a certificate of resale need be prepared or delivered in the case of a:
(a) Gratuitous disposition of a unit;
(b) Disposition pursuant to court order;
(c) Disposition by a government or governmental agency;
(d) Disposition by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure;
(e) Disposition to a dealer;
(f) Disposition that may be canceled at any time and for any reason by the purchaser without penalty; or
(g) Disposition of a unit in a planned community in which the declaration limits the average annual assessment of any unit to not more than $500 [and] , exclusive of optional users' fees and any insurance premiums paid by the association, or which contains no more than [35] 12 units if:
(1) The declarant reasonably believes in good faith that the maximum stated assessment will be sufficient to pay the expenses of the planned community; and
(2) The declaration cannot be amended to increase the assessment during the period of declarant's control without the consent of all units' owners.
3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the provisions of NRS 116.4101 to 116.412, inclusive, do not apply to a planned community described in NRS 116.1203.
Sec. 19 NRS 116.4103 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.41031. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 116.41035, a public offering statement must [contain] set forth or fully and accurately disclose each of the following:
(a) The name and principal address of the declarant and of the common-interest community, and a statement that the common-interest community is either a condominium, cooperative or planned community.
(b) A general description of the common-interest community, including to the extent possible, the types, number and declarant's schedule of commencement and completion of construction of buildings, and amenities that the declarant anticipates including in the common-interest community.
(c) The estimated number of units in the common-interest community.
(d) Copies of the declaration, bylaws, and any rules or regulations of the association, but a plat or plan is not required.
(e) [Any current balance sheet and a] A current financial statement and projected budget for the association, either within or as an exhibit to the public offering statement, for 1 year after the date of the first conveyance to a purchaser, and thereafter the current budget of the association. The budget must include, without limitation:
(1) A statement of the amount [, or a statement that there is no amount,] included in the budget as a reserve for repairs and replacement; and
(2) The projected monthly assessment for common expenses for each type of unit [.] , including the amount established as a reserve pursuant to NRS 116.3115.
(f) A description of any services or subsidies being provided by the declarant or an affiliate of the declarant, not reflected in the budget.
(g) Any initial or special fee due from the purchaser at closing, together with a description of the purpose and method of calculating the fee.
(h) The terms and significant limitations of any warranties provided by the declarant, including statutory warranties and limitations on the enforcement thereof or on damages.
(i) A statement that unless the purchaser or his agent has personally inspected the unit, the purchaser may cancel, by written notice, his contract for purchase until midnight of the fifth calendar day following the date of execution of the contract, and the contract must contain a provision to that effect.
(j) A statement of any unsatisfied judgments or pending suits against the association, and the status of any pending suits material to the common-interest community of which a declarant has actual knowledge.
(k) Any current or expected fees or charges to be paid by units' owners for the use of the common elements and other facilities related to the common-interest community.
2. A declarant is not required to revise a public offering statement more than once each calendar quarter, if the following warning is given prominence in the statement: "THIS PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT IS CURRENT AS OF (insert a specified date). RECENT DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING (here refer to particular provisions of NRS 116.4103 and 116.4105) MAY NOT BE REFLECTED IN THIS STATEMENT."
Sec. 20 NRS 116.4109 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.41091. Except in the case of a sale in which delivery of a public offering statement is required, or unless exempt under subsection 2 of NRS 116.4101, a unit's owner shall furnish to a purchaser before execution of any contract for sale of a unit, or otherwise before conveyance:
(a) A copy of the declaration , [(] other than any plats and [plans),] plans, the bylaws, [and] the rules or regulations of the association [;] and, except for a time share governed by the provisions of chapter 119A of NRS, the information statement required by section 11 of this act;
(b) A statement setting forth the amount of the monthly assessment for common expenses and any unpaid assessment of any kind currently due from the selling unit's owner; [and]
(c) The current operating budget of the association [.] and a financial statement for the association; and
(d) A statement of any unsatisfied judgments or pending legal actions against the association and the status of any pending legal actions relating to the common-interest community of which the unit's owner has actual knowledge.
2. The association, within 10 days after a request by a unit's owner, shall furnish a certificate containing the information necessary to enable the unit's owner to comply with this section. A unit's owner providing a certificate pursuant to subsection 1 is not liable to the purchaser for any erroneous information provided by the association and included in the certificate.
3. Neither a purchaser nor the purchaser's interest in a unit is liable for any unpaid assessment or fee greater than the amount set forth in the certificate prepared by the association. If the association fails to furnish the certificate within the 10 days allowed by subsection 2, the seller is not liable for the delinquent assessment.
Sec. 21 NRS 116.4117 is hereby amended to read as follows:
116.41171. If a declarant or any other person subject to this chapter fails to comply with any of its provisions or any provision of the declaration or bylaws, any person or class of persons suffering actual damages from the failure to comply has a claim for appropriate relief.
2. Subject to the requirements set forth in NRS 38.310 and except as otherwise provided in NRS 116.3111, a civil action for damages caused by a failure or refusal to comply with any provision of this chapter or the governing documents of an association may be brought:
(a) By the association against:
(1) A declarant; or
(2) A unit's owner.
(b) By a unit's owner against:
(1) The association;
(2) A declarant; or
(3) Another unit's owner of the association.
3. Punitive damages may be awarded for a willful and material failure to comply with this chapter if the failure is established by clear and convincing evidence.
4. The court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party.
5. The civil remedy provided by this section is in addition to, and not exclusive of, any other available remedy or penalty.
Sec. 22 NRS 119A.165 is hereby amended to read as follows:
119A.1651. If a matter governed by this chapter is also governed by chapter 116 of NRS, compliance with the provisions of chapter 116 of NRS governing the matter which are in addition to or different from the provisions in this chapter governing the same matter is not required. In the event of a conflict between provisions of this chapter and chapter 116 of NRS, the provisions of this chapter prevail.
2. Without limiting the generality of subsection 1, the provisions of NRS 116.3103, 116.3104, 116.3106, 116.3108 to 116.311, inclusive, 116.3115, 116.31162, 116.4117 and sections 4 to 7, inclusive, and 10 and 11 of this act do not apply to a time share or a time-share project.
Sec. 23 Chapter 37 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a new section to read as follows:
1. A unit-owners' association may not exercise the power of eminent domain pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
2. As used in this section, "unit-owners' association" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 116.110315.
Sec. 24 NRS 78.150 is hereby amended to read as follows:
78.1501. Each corporation organized under the laws of this state shall, within 60 days after the filing of its articles of incorporation with the secretary of state, and annually thereafter on or before the last day of the month in which the anniversary date of its incorporation occurs in each year, file with the secretary of state a list of its president, secretary and treasurer and all of its directors and a designation of its resident agent in this state, signed by an officer of the corporation.
2. Upon filing the list of officers and directors and designation of resident agent, the corporation shall pay to the secretary of state a fee of $85.
3. The secretary of state shall, 60 days before the last day for filing the annual list required by subsection 1, cause to be mailed to each corporation which is required to comply with the provisions of NRS 78.150 to 78.185, inclusive, and which has not become delinquent, the blank forms to be completed and filed with him. Failure of any corporation to receive the forms does not excuse it from the penalty imposed by law.
4. An annual list for a corporation not in default which is received by the secretary of state more than 60 days before its due date shall be deemed an amended list for the previous year.
5. If the corporation is an association as defined in NRS 116.110315, the secretary of state shall not accept the filing required by this section unless it is accompanied by the fee required to be paid pursuant to section 7 of this act.
Sec. 25 NRS 82.146 is hereby amended to read as follows:
82.1461. Each corporation shall, within 60 days after the filing of its articles of incorporation with the secretary of state, and annually thereafter on or before the last day of the month in which the anniversary date of its incorporation occurs in each year, file with the secretary of state a list of its president, secretary and treasurer and all of its directors and a designation of its resident agent in this state, signed by an officer of the corporation.
2. Upon filing the list of officers and directors and designation of resident agent, the corporation shall pay to the secretary of state a fee of $15.
3. If the corporation is an association as defined in NRS 116.110315, the secretary of state shall not accept the filing required by this section unless it is accompanied by the fee required to be paid pursuant to section 7 of this act.
Sec. 26 Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7 of this act, the total amount of the fees established by the administrator of the real estate division of the department of business and industry pursuant to that section must not be more than:
1. One hundred fifty thousand dollars for the calendar year 1998.
2. Two hundred thousand dollars for the calendar year 1999.
Sec. 27 1. This section and section 23 of this act become effective on October 1, 1997.
2. Sections 7, 9, 24, 25 and 26 of this act become effective on January 1, 1998, for the purpose of adopting regulations to establish and collect fees for the office of the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities, and on July 1, 1998, for all other purposes.
3. Sections 1 to 6, inclusive, 8, and 11 to 22, inclusive, of this act become effective on July 1, 1998.
4. Section 10 of this act becomes effective on July 1, 1998, only if Senate Bill No. 248 of this session becomes effective on or before that date.".
Amend the title of the bill to read as follows:

"An Act relating to common-interest ownership; establishing various requirements for meetings of units' owners associations; establishing the office of the ombudsman for owners in common-interest communities; requiring certain associations to pay an annual fee for the operation of the office; establishing requirements for an information statement that must be given, under certain circumstances, to a purchaser of a unit within a common-interest community; prohibiting an association from foreclosing a lien by sale under certain circumstances; prohibiting an association from exercising the power of eminent domain; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.".
Senator Schneider moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Schneider.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Finance, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 193, 235, 264, 433, 469, 510, 550, 560, 587, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.

William J. Raggio,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Government Affairs, to which were referred Senate Bill No. 473; Assembly Bills Nos. 67, 153, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.

Ann O'Connell,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 361, 533, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.

Mark A. James,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 449, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.

Mark A. James,

Chairman

Mr. President:
Your Committee on Natural Resources, to which was referred Assembly Joint Resolution No. 12, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.

Dean A. Rhoads,

Chairman

Senator Raggio moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Motion carried.

Senate in recess at 12:00 p.m.

SENATE IN SESSION

At 12:46 p.m.
President Hammargren presiding.
Quorum present.

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES

Senator O'Connell moved that Senate Bill No. 347 be taken from the Secretary's desk and placed on General File.
Motion carried.

GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING

Senate Bill No. 30.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Neal, Augustine, Titus and McGinness.
Senator O'Donnell requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Neal:
Thank you, Mr. President. May we have an explanation as to why we are asking for an increase for business cards? I know I still have a whole box left.
Senator Augustine:
Thank you, Mr. President. The legislature has not received an increase for stationery since 1985. Before that, it was 1975 when a $60 printing allowance was given to each legislator. At that time, each legislator was allowed a maximum of 1,500 letterheads, 1,500 envelopes, 1,000 business cards and 1,000 memorandum sheets. Ten years later, in 1985, the allowance went to a maximum of 2000 letterheads and envelopes for each legislator. Now, 12 years later, it will go to a maximum of 4,000 letterheads and envelopes and 2,000 business cards for each legislator.. There will be no change in the proposed number of memorandum sheets. Our population has grown from 620,000 in 1975 to 1,716,577 in 1997. So, the increase for stationery is consistent with the number of constituents we now have in our districts.
Senator Titus:
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to say that I represent a double-wide senate district. That is the equivalent of four assembly districts. And, I would be getting the same amount to send to all of my constituents that an assemblyman would be for a quarter of that number. I do not think we need to look at increasing the number across the board without taking into account of a lot of these other considerations. For those reasons, I will be voting "no".
Senator Augustine:
Thank you, Mr. President. In the original draft of this bill, the increase was just for senators because our senate districts are for the most part about three to four times the size of an assembly district. However, there was an amendment, by the Majority Leader in our committee so this increase would be equitable for everyone. That is why this bill has been amended to include all sixty-three legislators and not just the 21 in the Senate.
Senator Neal:
Thank you, Mr. President. If we follow the logic of the Committee Chairman as to why we should vote for this, I would like to remind the Chairman of the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations that we have not received increases in retirement, salary or any of those areas, nor even money for stamps to mail things to our constituents. In fact, the request for an increase for stamps was placed on the ballot and the people voted it down. So, why should we have an increase in stationery when we don't have the money to send it out?
Senator Augustine:
Thank you, Mr. President, to you and through you to the senior Senator from North Las Vegas. You are, in fact, able to use some of your campaign money for office expenses, which includes postage, once you have used your $60 in allotted postage. I think it is important we maintain effective communication with our constituents and stationery is something you need for communicating with those people and to carry out your representational duties in our growing state. There are over half of us, in this body and in the other house, who are away from our constituents when we are in session, are not always able to communicate with them by telephone. I believe this is one of the most effective ways we can communicate with our constituency.
Senator Neal:
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make one comment. I am glad to be made aware that the Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee has additional finance money from her campaign that she can spend.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 30:
Yeas -- 15.
Nays -- Adler, Mathews, Neal, Shaffer, Titus, Wiener - 6.
Senate Bill No. 30 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 86.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 86:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 86 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 135.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 135:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 135 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 214.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 214:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 214 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 281.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 281:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 281 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 317.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 317:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 317 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 325.
Bill read third time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Finance:
Amendment No. 934.
Amend the bill as a whole by adding a new section designated sec. 97.55, following sec. 97.5, to read as follows:
"Sec. 97.55. Section 2 of Assembly Bill No. 240 of this session is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2. NRS 213.107 is hereby amended to read as follows:
213.107
As used in NRS 213.107 to 213.157, inclusive, and section 94 [of this act,] Senate Bill No. 325 of this session, and section 1 of this act, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Board" means the state board of parole commissioners.
2. "Chief" means the chief parole and probation officer.
3. "Division" means the division of parole and probation of the department of motor vehicles and public safety.
4. "Residential confinement" means the confinement of a person convicted of a crime to his place of residence under the terms and conditions established by the board.
5. "Sex offender" means any person who has been or is convicted of a sexual offense.
6. "Sexual offense" means:
(a) A violation of NRS 200.366, subsection 4 of NRS 200.400, NRS 200.710, 200.720, subsection 2 of NRS 200.730, NRS 201.180, paragraph (a) or subparagraph (2) of paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 201.195, NRS 201.230 or 201.450;
(b) An attempt to commit any offense listed in paragraph (a); or
(c) An act of murder in the first or second degree, kidnaping in the first or second degree, false imprisonment, burglary or invasion of the home if the act is determined to be sexually motivated at a hearing conducted pursuant to NRS 175.547.
7. "Standards" means the objective standards for granting or revoking parole or probation which are adopted by the board or the chief.".
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senators Neal and Raggio.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.

Senate Bill No. 327.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Jacobsen and Neal.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 327:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 327 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 368.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 368:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 368 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 428.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 428:
Yeas -- 18.
Nays -- None.
Not voting -- Coffin, James, Raggio - 3.
Senate Bill No. 428 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 434.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 434:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 434 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 447.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Coffin and O'Connell.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 447:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 447 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 455.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 455:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 455 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 463.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 463:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Senate Bill No. 463 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 347.
Bill read third time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Government Affairs:
Amendment No. 937.
Amend section 1, page 2, by deleting lines 2 and 3 and inserting:
"qualified, until the governor resumes the duties of the office of governor pursuant to subsection 7 or until the legislature determines that the governor is able to discharge the duties of the office of governor pursuant to subsection 9, whichever occurs first.".
Amend section 1, page 2, between lines 27 and 28, by inserting:
"7. If a governor is removed from office because he is deemed unable to discharge the duties of the office of governor pursuant to subsection 5, he may, except as otherwise provided in subsections 8 and 9, resume the duties of the office of governor upon providing notice to:
(a) The president pro tem of the senate;
(b) The speaker of the assembly;
(c) The attorney general;
(d) The secretary of state;
(e) The state treasurer; and
(f) The state controller,
that he believes he is able to discharge the duties of the office of governor.
8. If a governor provides notice, pursuant to subsection 7, that he believes he is able to discharge the duties of the office of governor, the attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and state controller may, within 4 days after the governor provides notice pursuant to subsection 7, by majority vote, submit a petition to:
(a) The president pro tem of the senate; and
(b) The speaker of the assembly,
requesting that the legislature make a final determination of whether the governor is able to discharge the duties of the office of governor. Upon submission of the petition, the lieutenant governor is the acting governor and possesses all of the power and duties of the office of governor.
9. Upon receipt of a petition submitted pursuant to subsection 8, the legislature shall:
(a) Within 7 days, if the legislature is in session; and
(b) Within 21 days, if the legislature is not in session,
hold hearings and determine by vote whether the governor is able to discharge the duties of the office of governor. If the legislature determines by the votes of a two-thirds majority of each house of the legislature that the governor is unable to discharge the duties of the office of governor, the acting governor shall continue to serve as governor until a successor to the office of governor is elected at the next general election and is qualified. If the legislature fails to determine by the votes of a two-thirds majority of each house of the legislature that the governor is unable to discharge the duties of his office, the governor shall immediately resume the duties of the office of governor.
10. If at the time a petition is submitted pursuant to subsection 8 the legislature is not in session, the acting governor shall exercise his authority to convene the legislature pursuant to section 9 of article 5 of the constitution of the State of Nevada for the purpose of considering the petition pursuant to subsection 9."
Senator O'Connell moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator O'Connell.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.

Assembly Bill No. 344.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 344:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 344 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 348.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 348:
Yeas -- 19.
Nays -- None.
Not voting -- Coffin, James - 2.
Assembly Bill No. 348 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Assembly Bill No. 419.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Neal, James and Adler.
Senator Neal requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
(The remarks will be in a reprint of the Senate Journal.)
Senator James moved that Assembly Bill No. 419 be taken from the General File and placed on the General File for the next legislative day.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 538.
Bill read third time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Judiciary:
Amendment No. 939.
Amend section 1, page 2, after line 13 by inserting:
"5. A shooting range is not a public nuisance with respect to any noise attributable to the shooting range if the shooting range is in compliance with the provisions of all applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations concerning noise:
(a) As those provisions existed on October 1, 1997, for a shooting range that begins operation on or before October 1, 1997; or
(b) As those provisions exist on the date that the shooting range begins operation, for a shooting range in operation after October 1, 1997.
A shooting range is not subject to any state or local law related to the control of noise that is adopted or amended after the date set forth in paragraph (a) or (b), as applicable, and does not constitute a nuisance for failure to comply with any such law.
6. As used in this section, "shooting range" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 40.140.".
Amend the bill as a whole by adding a new section designated sec. 20, following sec. 19, to read as follows:
"Sec. 20. Section 1 of this act becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 1997.".
Senator Titus moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Titus.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

Assembly Bill No. 556.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 556:
Yeas -- 21.
Nays -- None.
Assembly Bill No. 556 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 402.
Bill read third time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Judiciary:
Amendment No. 941.
Amend sec. 9, page 8, line 9, after "inclusive," by inserting:
"[and] section 1 of [this act,] Assembly Bill No. 240 of this session".
Amend the bill as a whole by adding a new section designated as sec. 15, following sec. 14, to read as follows:
"Sec. 15. Section 9 of this act becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 1997.".
Senator Titus moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Titus.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.

MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY

Assembly Chamber, Carson City, June 28, 1997

To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed, as amended, Assembly Bills Nos. 356, 451, 483, 519, 543, 574, 581, 583, 594, 607, 615, 619, 626, 628.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 45.

Jacqueline Sneddon

Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 45.
Senator Augustine moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities.
Motion carried.

INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE

Assembly Bill No. 356.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 451.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 483.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Government Affairs.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 519.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 543.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 574.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 581.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 583.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 594.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 607.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 615.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 619.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 626.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Motion carried.

Assembly Bill No. 628.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion carried.

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES

Senator James moved that Senate Bill No. 284 be taken from the Secretary's desk and placed on General File.
Remarks by Senator James.
Motion carried.

Senator James moved that Senate Bill No. 208 be taken from the General File and placed on the General File for the next legislative day.
Remarks by Senator James.
Motion carried.

SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT

Senate Bill No. 449.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Judiciary:
Amendment No. 922.
Amend section 1, page 1, line 2, by deleting:
"2 and 3" and inserting:
"2, 3 and 4".
Amend sec. 3, page 1, line 12, after "court " by inserting:
"or a special master appointed pursuant to section 2 of this act ".
Amend sec. 3, page 2, line 3, after "court " by inserting:
"or a special master appointed pursuant to section 2 of this act ".
Amend the bill as a whole by deleting sections 4 through 8 and adding new sections designated sections 4 through 10, following sec. 3, to read as follows:
"Sec. 4. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a guardian is appointed for a minor, except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the court shall not remove the guardian or appoint another person as guardian unless the court finds that removal of the guardian or appointment of another person as guardian is in the best interests of the minor.
2. The court may remove the guardian of a minor or appoint another person as guardian if the guardian files a petition to resign his position as guardian.
Sec. 5. NRS 159.044 is hereby amended to read as follows:
159.0441. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 127.045, a proposed ward, a governmental agency, a nonprofit corporation or any concerned person may petition the court for the appointment of a guardian.
2. The petition must state:
(a) The name and address of the petitioner.
(b) The name, age and address of the proposed ward.
(c) Whether the proposed ward is a resident or nonresident of this state.
(d) The names and addresses, so far as they are known to the petitioner, of the relatives of the proposed ward within the second degree.
(e) The name and address of the proposed guardian.
(f) That the proposed guardian has never been convicted of a felony.
(g) A summary of the reasons why a guardian is needed.
(h) Whether the appointment of a general or a special guardian is sought.
(i) A general description and the probable value of the property of the proposed ward and any income to which he is entitled, if the petition is for the appointment of a guardian of the estate or a special guardian. If any money is paid or is payable to the proposed ward by the United States through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the petition must so state.
(j) The name and address of any person or institution having the care, custody or control of the proposed ward.
(k) The relationship, if any, of the petitioner to the proposed ward and the interest, if any, of the petitioner in the appointment.
(l) Requests for any of the specific powers set forth in NRS 159.117 to 159.175, inclusive, necessary to enable the guardian to carry out the duties of the guardianship.
(m) Whether the guardianship is sought as the result of an investigation of a report of abuse or neglect that is conducted pursuant to chapter 432B of NRS by an agency which provides protective services. As used in this paragraph, "agency which provides protective services" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 432B.030.
Sec. 6. NRS 159.061 is hereby amended to read as follows:
159.0611. The parents of a minor, or either parent, if qualified and suitable, are preferred over all others for appointment as guardian for the minor.
2. Subject to [this preference,] the preference set forth in subsection 1, the court shall appoint as guardian for an incompetent, a person of limited capacity or minor the qualified person who is most suitable and is willing to serve.
3. In determining who is most suitable, the court shall give consideration, among other factors, to:
[1.] (a) Any request for the appointment as guardian for an incompetent contained in a written instrument executed by the incompetent while competent.
[2.] (b) Any nomination of a guardian for an incompetent, minor or person of limited capacity contained in a will or other written instrument executed by a parent or spouse of the proposed ward.
[3.] (c) Any request for the appointment as guardian for a minor 14 years of age or older made by the minor.
[4.] (d) The relationship by blood or marriage of the proposed guardian to the proposed ward.
(e) Any recommendation made by a special master pursuant to section 2 of this act.
Sec. 7. Chapter 432B of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 8 and 9 of this act.
Sec. 8. 1. If the court determines that a child must be kept in protective custody pursuant to NRS 432B.480 or must be placed in temporary or permanent custody pursuant to NRS 432B.550, the court may, before placing the child in the temporary or permanent custody of a person, order the appointment of a special master from among the members of the State Bar of Nevada to conduct a hearing to identify the person most qualified and suitable to take custody of the child in consideration of the needs of the child for temporary or permanent placement.
2. Not later than 5 calendar days after the hearing, the special master shall prepare and submit to the court his recommendation regarding which person is most qualified and suitable to take custody of the child.
Sec. 9. If the court or a special master appointed pursuant to section 8 of this act finds that a person, including, but not limited to, a parent or other relative, teacher, friend or neighbor of a child:
1. Has a personal interest in the well-being of the child; or
2. Possesses information that is relevant to the determination of who should take custody of the child,
the court or the special master may allow the person to testify at any hearing held pursuant to this chapter to determine the person most qualified and suitable to take custody of the child.
Sec. 10. NRS 432B.430 is hereby amended to read as follows:
432B.430[Only] Except as otherwise provided in section 9 of this act, only those persons having a direct interest in the case, as ordered by the judge or master, may be admitted to any proceeding held pursuant to NRS 432B.410 to 432B.590, inclusive [.] , or section 8 of this act.".
Amend the title of the bill to read as follows:
"An Act relating to persons; providing for a hearing conducted by a special master to determine the person most qualified and suitable to serve as guardian for a proposed ward or to take custody of certain children; authorizing the court or a special master to allow certain persons to testify at a hearing to determine the person most qualified and suitable to serve as guardian for a proposed ward or to take custody of certain children; revising the provisions governing the appointment and removal of guardians; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.".
Senator Washington moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator Washington.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.

GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING

Assembly Bill No. 366.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Townsend, Neal and Coffin.
Conflict of interest declared by Senator James.
Senator Coffin requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Townsend:
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make some brief remarks concerning Assembly Bill No. 366 which is a rather substantial bill. Before I give an overview, I will answer any questions and the committee, of which I am extremely proud, will be glad to answer any technical questions that may arise. Before we proceed with this bill, tremendous thanks is due to many people. There have been as many people who have been part of this effort than there were on Senate Bill No. 3l6 of the 1993 session. They should be acknowledged at this time. First, I would like to thank Susan Gardner from our Legal Division, Scott Young from our Research Division and all their staff. It has been an overwhelming task to get these bills to us in their amended form. There will be a trailer bill, as we did with S.B. 316, to catch all of the technical amendments. Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the absolutely outstanding work of the regulators for the State of Nevada. Those regulators should be acknowledged at this time. They are Commissioner Sheldrew, Commissioner Hay and Commissioner Soderberg. All three of whom worked diligently to ensure that this was the right thing relative to the regulatory process. Next is the Consumer Advocate, Mr. Fred Schmidt, and his staff who throughout this process fought long and hard and won a tremendous amount of battles for all the rate payers in the state of Nevada. Thirdly, is our former Consumer Advocate Jon Wellinghoff who participated intently in this to make sure that, based on his expertise, many areas of consumer needs were met. Lastly, were all the people who were affected by this bill - our investor-owned utilities, north and south, including telecommunications, and gas, as well as electric. It was a hard fought battle and they were worthy adversaries during this entire process. Whether it be new entrants into this marketplace, large users or medium users, they all deserve the respect they have earned during this process. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to acknowledge the Commerce and Labor Committee. The Majority and Minority Leaders have made reference on this floor, many times, about bipartisan efforts. They said how we get better public policy as a result of a bipartisan effort. The best part of this process is working with the six people that I work with on our committee. I look back through the votes on this bill and of the almost 100 which were taken, there was only one that came down on party lines. The people of the state of Nevada deserve to know that everyone put their partisanship aside, and simply did the work. They worked in the morning and then came back at night and worked some more.
We are about ready to enter into a brave new world. It is one of the reasons the bill is structured in the manner that it is because we are not exactly sure of what is going to happen. I remember standing on this floor trying to explain the deregulation of telecommunications. In fact, this bill is structured in such a way that the market is going to take us where we need to go.
Let me now make some brief statements on this bill. Restructuring of electrical energy may be the single most long-term effort this body has ever made. The exciting time is ahead of us. It concerns our consumers at every single level. There are many things which will be said about this bill, but one of the things that is going to be exciting is for the consumer who is now going to have options they never had before. Many of you have heard the term "bundling." What is about to happen in the marketplace is going to be truly challenging. In fact, it is so unique that last night, while I was home reading, I got a call from an alternative long distance carrier. He asked whether or not I was happy with my long-distance service. He was offering all of these wonderful options. I started to laugh. This is exactly what is going to happen to the consumers in the state of Nevada, to their benefit. They are going to be bombarded by offerings of "bundling" and separate services from electrical energy to long distance services, local exchange services, computer services, cable services, free mileage on airlines and whatever marketing people can think of. That is what this bill is going to do.
Let me give you the specifics of this bill. We should commend the Assembly on the tremendous work they did on A.B. 366. They crafted the fundamental necessities of allowing restructuring which, in this bill, will start July 1, 1999. There is a regulatory mechanism which will analyze the marketplace during this lead time and determine what is potentially competitive for energy services. If those services are competetive, they will be allowed to shop. You have heard the term aggregation. People are looking to aggregate various users of electrical services. That is alrady taking place. Additionally, we will license providers of electrical services. The interesting thing about this debate has always been how you are going to transition to full competition and, far more important, is how we are going to regulate that transition. The Public Service Commission will be restructured. It will be broken up into two particular areas. One will be the Transportation Service Authority wherein you will have three commissioners and they will take on all of the transportation regulation. The other will be the Public Utilities Commission which will also have three commissioners. For the first time, in the state of Nevada, and as far as we can find anywhere in this country, they will be allowed to structure themselves and answer to the Interim Finance Committee. The reason is obvious. We don't know where the marketplace is taking us. We don't know how many licensees there will be, nor the problems consumers will face. So, we are going to let them structure themselves.
We dealt with gas deregulation in this measure. We dealt with construction regulation with regard to UWIPA and the environmental concerns. We eliminated the overlapping nature of construction permits in the large counties. Senator Adler offered an extremely important portion of this bill with regard to telecommunications and the ability for non-profits to have basic service at a discounted rate.
We looked at a number of other areas of commercial deregulation in this bill. One is retail gasoline divorcement. All sides involved in that debate deserve all the credit in the world. That issue was probably fought substantially harder than anything we did in electrical energy. The committee had only two concerns with regard to gasoline retailing. No. 1 - what is the most important thing for the consumers of gasoline in the state of Nevada? How could we drive the most competition? Second of all were those individuals known as lessee dealers. What could we do for those people who got up every day, didn't own an asset, but had a lease arrangement? How could we make sure that they remained a viable part of our economic community? Those concerns were answered with this proposal.
There are many other things in this bill, all of which were measured in terms of their total impact on the state of Nevada. I think without question, although we will have a trailer bill to clean up many of the things that are not in here, this bill offers to the individuals in the state of Nevada an opportunity to be at the forefront, without being threatened, of entering the brave new world of competition in electrical energy.
I will be glad to answer any questions that anyone may have at this time.
Senator Neal:
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to add a few words to what was said by the Chairman of the Commerce and Labor Committee on this bill. I agree with him when he says that we are entering a brave new world with this, but we have also tried to allow to a great extent someone to walk with the rate payers into this brave new world of electrical restructuring. If you read the bill, you will see that we have given many powers to the Public Service Commission in order to protect the rate payers and the consumer. Not only that, we have also allowed the Consumer Advocate to peer into any one of these areas as he would deem necessary for his office to participate to see that the fairness would remain and that the rate payer would not be robbed in this new competitive process. I understand that we have a trailer bill which is going to be following this measure and which will deal with some of the areas we have voted for that should be taken out. For those of you who wish to know what is going to happen in terms of costs that will be placed upon the rate payer, you only have to look at Section 46 of the bill on which we spent a considerable amount of time in trying to make sure that that stranded cost in which the utilities, as they move into this competitive phase of electrical restructuring, would not leave all of that cost to the rate payers to be paid. But, we have made sure that the Public Service Commission would be standing there and be able to engage that particular process and make a determination as to whether or not the rate payer should pay what recoverable cost there is available. Hopefully, that provision will work for the benefit of the consumer. We have placed a great deal of confidence in the Public Service Commission to see through these competitive activities along with the Consumer Advocate. I hope that we have done the right thing with this particular bill.
I do not have a lot of hope as to what is going to happen. I don't have the hourglass to look through and see what the future holds. What we have tried to do is to make sure that we had some type of enforcement arm that would embrace this particular measure and that the people of the state of Nevada would be protected as we move into this unknown area of electrical restructuring.
One point I would like to make, Mr. President, is that this bill cannot be equated with the bill that dealt with telecommunications. This bill deals with areas that are essential to life. Many homes, in the state of Nevada, are all electric or use electricity for needs such as heating water and the cooking of food. Our hospitals must have electricity for running the many machines they use, i.e. X-Ray equipment, etc. This restructuring of electrical energy impinges upon a lot of those things which are needed. So, we are going to have to watch this and watch it very closely because if those public service individuals, whom we have so empowered to look over this process, fail to do their job the people of this state would suffer. Hopefully, we can depend upon them. Hopefully, we can depend upon the Consumer Advocate since we will no longer be here sitting in this body when much of this activity will take place. In empowering these particular groups, we have given them the authority to act. We hope that their actions will be taken in favor of the rate payer as they see necessary when and if we enter into this competitive phase of electrical restructuring.
I might close, Mr. President, by saying that I don't have a great deal of praise for what is going to happen here. I don't know. But, the only thing we can see is that, those of us who have been through this and tried to construct the language in this measure, we must be ever vigilant to see that what we have done is carried out. We, who sat on the committee and worked for these many months to create this measure, now have to watch and see what is going to happen when the regulatory agency and the Consumer Advocate become the ones who will look after the interests of the people of the state of Nevada. We will still have the role to watch this whenever we possibly can and try to answer to the people for the problems we did not anticipate. Hopefully, this will go smoothly and everyone will be satisfied. Hopefully, no one will be hurt, specifically the consumer and the rate payer of the state of Nevada.
Senator Coffin:
Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the optimistic comments made by my two colleagues on the right and the left. I want to ask a question. With all due respect, we have been bombarded with bills today. The desk has been asked many times to make delays so that we might study these measures. In many cases, these are merely conflict bills. Now, we have a 173 page bill before us which was just received today. You are asking, as members of the committee, to trust you. You indicate that you have thought of everything, heard a lot of debate and seen a lot of argument. I have been across the hall in the Finance Committee meetings all this time and watched you argue and point your fingers. I have seen Senator Townsend in the hall arguing. I have seen the members of the Public Service Commission arguing amongst themselves as well as with other powerful people. There has been a lot of airing of issues, but they have all been in the Commerce Committee room. They have not been in the rest of the building.
I have a good friend in Las Vegas to whom I have faxed, E-mailed, expressed and hand carried material to concerning this issue from its very beginning. He has followed it for me. He liked the bill, but was stunned when I faxed him a message saying this was going to be a good deal larger than what he thought. He thought it was a modification of the Assembly bill. What we have is a completely new bill which breaks all the rules of germaneness being that it covers so many topics, broadly afield from what the original bill was and broadly afield from what any one bill should contain - divorcement, taxi cabs, electricity and many other things. I am not suggesting to you that somehow or other I am opposed to this, but I think you should understand that while you might have been receiving the benefit of testimony, you may have been receiving the benefit of meetings, gatherings of all kinds to tell you what and how to do things, and you were asking questions, I never had that opportunity. Not one member of the industries with which you have talked have called on this Senator to try to pave the way for you to bring your bill to successful conclusion on this floor. The only comment I had heard on the bill, until last night when I received a letter from the Retail Association, was the first interpretation of the bill. I don't know if the Retail Association has been satisfied overnight. They were concerned because, although they like restructuring and think it imperative that we do this, they said that under the current language in A.B. 366 that there is no guarantee for the small user, either business customer or residents, to reap the benefits of competition. The language is crafted in the manner that will delay implementation of completion. It does not start for two years which means that there will not be any cheap power left for us to buy. Apparently, there is hydro-power available here and there, but that will all be sold by July 1, 1999. Even with that date, the language does nothing more than create numerous loopholes and delays for an open, competitive marketplace.
Jumping ahead a bit, the classes that will be harmed because of the delay are the small commercial users and the residents who will see no benefits. They could possibly see detrimental effects on their electric bills as the utilities continue to operate business as usual. They go on to say essentially that we should have legislation which allows for true competition on July 1, 1999. Even on July 1, 1999, only the big users will have the opportunity to take advantage of this. The Assembly version at least had a pilot program so that some residents could take immediate benefit. I thank you, Mr. Chairman of the committee, for pointing out the differences between the two versions of the measure.
I do not know all that went into this. I don't think you are saying "trust me" on this, but I think you have to understand that it takes more than just a simple fifteen minute explanation for a bill of this magnitude. If the retail association is concerned, let me ask you if you have been able to satisfy their concerns. Has there been any discussion? They are the only ones who wrote a letter concerning this bill. They were concerned about aggregation and that we vote aggregate for small employers.
Senator Townsend:
Thank you, Mr. President. My colleague has asked some extremely good questions and I appreciate them. The missive you received I also received a copy of. It was written after a number of the votes with regards to changes in the bills. I think those have been addressed. Let me try to address some of the concerns that you have articulated.
No. 1. In the bill it does, in fact, allow the regulatory mechanism to move the date up if it is in the best interests of the state of Nevada. We can go to more immediate competition.
No. 2. We debated, at length, the issue of not deeming a competitive market on a specific date. The reason this language was chosen was that the Public Service Commission made a compelling argument that they would not know how many competitors would come into a market and what would be an effectively competitive market. That will be determined by the regulator. Thereby, they will be allowed to be licensed and become an alternative seller.
No. 3. To your concern, the small commercial customer may, in fact, aggregate. There is language about aggregation in the bill which does not prohibit individual customers of any class, meaning residential, small commercial or large industrial from aggregating. There is a proposal on the table that will be debated by the committee with regard to the ability of large users, with substantial amount of employees, to be able to aggregate their own employees to get the benefit of their ability to buy the cheapest power. At this point, I think the committee was convinced, by all of the parties, whether they be an alternative seller who wishes to come into this market, or by our current utilities as well as our Consumer Advocate and Public Service Commission that the market will determine that. There is no doubt, we make an assumption, that individuals are not going to "put their hand in the air" and say "they would like a cheaper rate." The marketplace is most likely to say that where you operate perhaps they are going to go out and get all small retail customers within a small geographic area and an individual will come in and sell to them and they will aggregate for them and thereby take away any of the headache or problem they may have. You have asked very good questions. They have posed some issues and we believe those have all been addressed.
Senator Coffin:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for helping to fill in some of the gaps. I think that someone might mistakenly think that we would ask you to trust us on a larger bill. For example, the budget bill which consists of a couple thousand pages. We have had hundreds of hearings on that. The thing is that the budget bill has been out since January 20th , but this bill just came to us a few hours ago. That is what is troubling to me. I am trying to figure out whether to vote no or to abstain since I can't quite figure out whether or not we might have some sleeping giants in this measure. Let's talk frankly. I understand that the Assembly is going to reject this bill. They are going to force it to conference. Can't we talk about that process for a second so that you can take us to what is inevitably going to happen. This bill is doomed, as is. It will go to one or two conferences and, who knows, maybe the last night of the session. How much more time do we have to really look at these issues?
Senator Townsend:
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me try to address the Senator's concerns because they are legitimate due to our process. We are asking the Assembly to concur in this, not to reject it. The trailer bill will be where the issues will be debated that they may disagree with. That is the way in which we can hold appropriate hearings for that purpose so that there is not a conference issue. I believe your question is a fundamental one of importance. The issues here are so large and so apolitical and should be debated in the appropriate form. That is why we decided to ask the Assembly to concur in this bill and to debate the issues we have either missed or have not resolved in the trailer bill. We do know that the trailer bill must be passed because of the technical nature of the things that are already being drafted. As a result, that is why we think that the trailer bill is a much better mechanism for the public process, public knowledge, public information and public access than doing it in conference.
Senator Neal:
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to respond to the question asked by the Senator concerning the pilot program being taken out. That was done on my motion. The reason for that is that it would permit large users to utilize that as a mechanism to rush out of the system and thereby increase the cost to the rate payers. We wanted to have an even playing field where everyone went in together. We don't want to allow anyone to take advantage of some loophole we had created in order to get out from under the system and allow the rate payers to recover a lot of the costs. It was for that reason that we took it out of the measure and that is the reason I would fight to keep it out.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 366:
Yeas -- 19.
Nays -- None.
Not voting -- Coffin, James - 2.
Assembly Bill No. 366 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Senate Bill No. 284.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators James, Titus and Adler.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 284:
Yeas -- 10.
Nays -- Adler, Coffin, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, O'Donnell, Schneider, Shaffer, Titus, Townsend, Wiener - 11.
Senate Bill No. 284 having failed to receive a constitutional majority, Mr. President declared it lost.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Consideration of Assembly Amendments

Senate Bill No. 180.
The following Assembly amendment was read:
Amendment No. 552.
Amend section 1, page 1, by deleting lines 3 through 9 and inserting:
"1. No cause of action, including, without limitation, any civil action or action for declaratory or injunctive relief, may be brought under NRS 41.031 or against an immune contractor or an officer or employee of the state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions on the basis that a computer or other information system that is owned or operated by any of those persons produced, calculated or generated an incorrect date, regardless of the cause of the error.
2. Any contract entered into by or on behalf of and in the capacity of the State of Nevada, an immune contractor or an officer or employee of the state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions must include a provision that provides immunity to those persons for any breach of contract that is caused by an incorrect date being produced, calculated or generated by a computer or other information system that is owned or operated by any of those persons, regardless of the cause of the error.
3. Any contract subject to the provisions of this section that is entered into on or after June 30, 1997, has the legal effect of including the immunity required by this section, and any provision of the contract which is in conflict with this section is void.
".
Amend sec. 5, page 2, line 32, by deleting the period and inserting:
", and expires by limitation on December 30, 2005.".
Amend the title of the bill to read as follows:
"An Act relating to information systems; providing immunity to the state and its immune contractors, officers, employees and political subdivisions from any civil action based on or action for a breach of contract that is caused by a computer that produced, calculated or generated an incorrect date, regardless of the cause of the error; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.".
Amend the summary of the bill to read as follows:
"Summary--Provides immunity to state and local governments from any civil action based on or action for breach of contract that is caused by computer that produces, calculates or generates incorrect date, regardless of cause of error. (BDR 3-1442)".
Senator Raggio moved that the Senate concur in the Assembly amendment to Senate Bill No. 180.
Remarks by Senator Raggio.
Motion carried.
Bill ordered enrolled.

Senate Bill No. 248.
The following Assembly amendment was read:
Amendment No. 584.
Amend section 1, page 1, line 2, by deleting "6," and inserting "6.5,".
Amend the bill as a whole by adding a new section designated sec. 6.5, following sec. 6, to read as follows:
"Sec. 6.5. 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, all fees, penalties and fines received by the division pursuant to the provisions of sections 2 to 6.5, inclusive, of this act must be deposited with the state treasurer for credit to the division. The money must be used by the division for the administration of the provisions of sections 2 to 6.5, inclusive, of this act.
2. The division may delegate to a hearing officer or panel its authority to take any disciplinary action against property managers, impose and collect fines pursuant to the disciplinary action and deposit the money with the state treasurer for credit to the division.
3. If a hearing officer or panel is not authorized to take disciplinary action pursuant to subsection 2, the division shall deposit the money collected from the imposition of penalties and fines collected from property managers with the state treasurer for credit to the state general fund. The division may present a claim to the state board of examiners for recommendation to the interim finance committee if money is needed to pay an attorney's fee or the costs of an investigation, or both.
".
Amend sec. 8, page 4, between lines 3 and 4, by inserting:
"3. The term does not include a person who is employed by a licensed real estate broker to accept reservations on behalf of a person engaged in the business of the rental of lodging for 31 days or less, if the employee does not perform any tasks related to the sale or other transfer of an interest in real estate.".
Senator Townsend moved that the Senate concur in the Assembly amendment to Senate Bill No. 248.
Remarks by Senator Townsend.
Motion carried.
Bill ordered enrolled.

Senate Bill No. 167.
The following Assembly amendment was read:
Amendment No. 752.
Amend the bill as a whole by adding a new section designated sec. 21.5, following sec. 21, to read as follows:
"Sec. 21.5. NRS 599B.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:
599B.010As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Chance promotion" means any plan in which premiums are distributed by random or chance selection.
2. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of consumer affairs.
3. "Consumer" means a person who is solicited by a seller or salesman.
4. "Division" means the consumer affairs division of the department of business and industry.
5. "Donation" means a promise, grant or pledge of money, credit, property, financial assistance or other thing of value given in response to a solicitation by telephone, including, but not limited to, a payment or promise to pay in consideration for a performance, event or sale of goods or services. The term does not include volunteer services, government grants or contracts or a payment by members of any organization of membership fees, dues, fines or assessments or for services rendered by the organization to those persons, if:
(a) The fees, dues, fines, assessments or services confer a bona fide right, privilege, professional standing, honor or other direct benefit upon the member; and
(b) Membership in the organization is not conferred solely in consideration for making a donation in response to a solicitation.
6. "Goods or services" means any property, tangible or intangible, real, personal or mixed, and any other article, commodity or thing of value.
7. "Premium" includes any prize, bonus, award, gift or any other similar inducement or incentive to purchase.
8. "Recovery service" means a business or other practice whereby a person represents or implies that he will, for a fee, recover any amount of money that a consumer has provided to a seller or salesman pursuant to a solicitation governed by the provisions of this chapter.
9. "Salesman" means any person:
(a) Employed or authorized by a seller to sell, or to attempt to sell, goods or services by telephone;
(b) Retained by a seller to provide consulting services relating to the management or operation of the seller's business; or
(c) Who communicates on behalf of a seller with a consumer:
(1) In the course of a solicitation by telephone; or
(2) For the purpose of verifying, changing or confirming an order,
except that a person is not a salesman if his only function is to identify a consumer by name only and he immediately refers the consumer to a salesman.
10. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 11, "seller" means any person who, on his own behalf, causes or attempts to cause a solicitation by telephone to be made through the use of one or more salesmen or any automated dialing announcing device under any of the following circumstances:
(a) The person initiates contact by telephone with a consumer and represents or implies:
(1) That a consumer who buys one or more goods or services will receive additional goods or services, whether or not of the same type as purchased, without further cost, except for actual postage or common carrier charges;
(2) That a consumer will or has a chance or opportunity to receive a premium;
(3) That the items for sale are gold, silver or other precious metals, diamonds, rubies, sapphires or other precious stones, or any interest in oil, gas or mineral fields, wells or exploration sites or any other investment opportunity;
(4) That the product offered for sale is information or opinions relating to sporting events;
(5) That the product offered for sale [are] is the services of a recovery service; or
(6) That the consumer will receive a premium or goods or services if he makes a donation;
(b) The solicitation by telephone is made by the person in response to inquiries from a consumer generated by a notification or communication sent or delivered to the consumer that represents or implies:
(1) That the consumer has been in any manner specially selected to receive the notification or communication or the offer contained in the notification or communication;
(2) That the consumer will receive a premium if the recipient calls the person;
(3) That if the consumer buys one or more goods or services from the person, the consumer will also receive additional or other goods or services, whether or not the same type as purchased, without further cost or at a cost that the person represents or implies is less than the regular price of the goods or services;
(4) That the product offered for sale [are] is the services of a recovery service; or
(5) That the consumer will receive a premium or goods or services if he makes a donation; or
(c) The solicitation by telephone is made by the person in response to inquiries generated by advertisements that represent or imply that the person is offering to sell any:
(1) Gold, silver or other metals, including coins, diamonds, rubies, sapphires or other stones, coal or other minerals or any interest in oil, gas or other mineral fields, wells or exploration sites, or any other investment opportunity;
(2) Information or opinions relating to sporting events; or
(3) Services of a recovery service.
11. "Seller" does not include:
(a) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 90 of NRS when soliciting offers, sales or purchases within the scope of his license.
(b) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 119A, 119B, 624, 645 or 696A of NRS when soliciting sales within the scope of his license.
(c) A person licensed as an insurance broker, agent or solicitor when soliciting sales within the scope of his license.
(d) Any solicitation of sales made by the publisher of a newspaper or magazine or by an agent of the publisher pursuant to a written agreement between the agent and publisher.
(e) A broadcaster soliciting sales who is licensed by any state or federal authority, if the solicitation is within the scope of the broadcaster's license.
(f) A person who solicits a donation from a consumer when:
(1) The person represents or implies that the consumer will receive a premium or goods or services with an aggregated fair market value of 2 percent of the donation or $50, whichever is less; or
(2) The consumer provides a donation of $50 or less in response to the solicitation.
(g) A charitable organization which is registered or approved to conduct a lottery pursuant to chapter 462 of NRS.
(h) A public utility or motor carrier which is regulated pursuant to chapter 704 or 706 of NRS, or by an affiliate of such a utility or motor carrier, if the solicitation is within the scope of its certificate or license.
(i) A utility which is regulated pursuant to chapter 710 of NRS, or by an affiliate of such a utility.
(j) A person soliciting the sale of books, recordings, video cassettes , software for computer systems or similar items through [an] :
(1) An
organization whose method of sales is governed by the [regulations of the Federal Trade Commission] provisions of Part 425 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations relating to the use of negative option plans by sellers in commerce [, including the] ;
(2) The
use of continuity plans, subscription arrangements, arrangements for standing orders, supplements, and series arrangements [under] pursuant to which the person periodically ships merchandise to a consumer who has consented in advance to receive the merchandise on a periodic basis and has the opportunity to review the merchandise for at least 10 days and return it for a full refund within 30 days after it is received [.] ; or
(3) An arrangement pursuant to which the person ships merchandise to a consumer who has consented in advance to receive the merchandise and has the opportunity to review the merchandise for at least 10 days and return it for a full refund within 30 days after it is received.
(k) A person who solicits sales by periodically publishing and delivering a catalog to consumers if the catalog:
(1) Contains a written description or illustration of each item offered for sale and the price of each item;
(2) Includes the business address of the person;
(3) Includes at least [100] 24 pages of written material and illustrations;
(4) Is distributed in more than one state; and
(5) Has an annual circulation by mailing of not less than 250,000.
(l) A person soliciting without the intent to complete and who does not complete, the sales transaction by telephone but completes the sales transaction at a later face-to-face meeting between the solicitor and the consumer, if the person, after soliciting a sale by telephone, does not cause another person to collect the payment from or deliver any goods or services purchased to the consumer.
(m) Any commercial bank, bank holding company, subsidiary or affiliate of a bank holding company, trust company, savings and loan association, credit union, industrial loan company, personal property broker, consumer finance lender, commercial finance lender, or insurer subject to regulation by an official or agency of this state or of the United States, if the solicitation is within the scope of the certificate or license held by the entity.
(n) A person holding a certificate of authority issued pursuant to chapter 452 of NRS when soliciting sales within the scope of the certificate.
(o) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 689 of NRS when soliciting sales within the scope of his license.
(p) A person soliciting the sale of services provided by a community antenna television company subject to regulation pursuant to chapter 711 of NRS.
(q) A person soliciting the sale of agricultural products, if the solicitation is not intended to and does not result in a sale of more than $100 [.] that is to be delivered to one address. As used in this paragraph, "agricultural products" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 587.290.
(r) A person who has been operating, for at least 2 years, a retail business establishment under the same name as that used in connection with the solicitation of sales by telephone if, on a continuing basis:
(1) Goods are displayed and offered for sale or services are offered for sale and provided at the person's business establishment; and
(2) At least 50 percent of the person's business involves the buyer obtaining such goods or services at the person's business establishment.
(s) A person soliciting only the sale of telephone answering services to be provided by the person or his employer.
(t) A person soliciting a transaction regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, if:
(1) The person is registered with or temporarily licensed by the Commission to conduct that activity pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq.); and
(2) The registration or license has not expired or been suspended or revoked.
(u) A person who contracts for the maintenance or repair of goods previously purchased from the person:
(1) Making the solicitation; or
(2) On whose behalf the solicitation is made.
(v) A person to whom a nonrestricted gaming license, which is current and valid, has been issued pursuant to chapter 463 of NRS when soliciting sales within the scope of his license.
(w) A person who solicits a previous customer of the business on whose behalf the call is made if the person making the call:
(1) Does not offer the customer any premium in connection with the sale;
(2) Is not selling an investment or an opportunity for an investment that is not registered with any state or federal authority; and
(3) Is not regularly engaged in telephone sales.
(x) A person who solicits the sale of livestock.
(y) An issuer [or wholly owned subsidiary of an issuer] which has a [security] class of securities that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange [.] , the American Stock Exchange or the National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.
(z) A subsidiary of an issuer that qualifies for exemption pursuant to paragraph (y) if at least 60 percent of the voting power of the shares of the subsidiary is owned by the issuer.
".
Amend the title of the bill, seventh line, after "penalties;" by inserting:
"revising the scope of persons who are required to register as sellers or salesmen in this state;".
Amend the summary of the bill to read as follows:

"Summary--Makes various changes to provisions governing trade practices. (BDR 52-611)".
Senator Townsend moved that the Senate do not concur in the Assembly amendment to Senate Bill No. 167.
Remarks by Senator Townsend.
Motion carried.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.

Appointment of Conference Committees

Mr. President appointed Senators McGinness, Adler and Porter as a first Committee on Conference to meet with a like committee of the Assembly for the further consideration of Senate Bill No. 122.

Mr. President appointed Senators Washington, Adler and Neal as a first Committee on Conference to meet with a like committee of the Assembly for the further consideration of Senate Bill No. 258.

Signing of Bills and Resolutions

There being no objections, the President and Secretary signed Senate Bills Nos. 49, 74, 131, 330, 346, 382, 401, 405, 406, 431, 440; Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 58; Assembly Bill No. 360.

GUESTS EXTENDED PRIVILEGE OF SENATE FLOOR

On request of Senator Titus, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Ruth Stringer and Kevin Manley.

Senator Raggio moved that the Senate adjourn until Sunday, June 29, 1997 at 11 a.m.
Motion carried.

Senate adjourned at 3:03 p.m.

Approved:

Lonnie L. Hammargren, M.D.

President of the Senate

Attest: Janice L. Thomas
Secretary of the Senate