The Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining was called to order at 12:40 p.m., on Thursday, February 25, 1999. Chairman Marcia de Braga presided in Room 3161 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Guest List. All Exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Marcia de Braga, Chairman

Mr. Lynn Hettrick

Ms. Bonnie Parnell

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chairman de Braga explained the Dairy Commission had elected to remain under Department of Business and Industry. The following agencies elected to be included under the authority of the new Department of Agriculture:

• Junior Livestock Show Board
• High School Rodeo
• Sheep Commission
• Beef Council
• State Grazing Boards
• Predatory Animal and Rodent Committee

Doug Busselman, President of the Nevada Farm Bureau, was the first to speak in support of the measure. He concurred with the Chairman regarding suggested reorganization of the agencies under Division of Agriculture.

Bob Barengo, Representing, Nevada Dairy Commission, explained his agency would remain a separate commission. He said his agency’s budget was under Department of Business and Industry.

Chairman de Braga expressed her surprise at the decision of the Dairy Commission to be a separate commission. She explained she was prepared for the decision of Division of Minerals to become a commission rather than a department. She was concerned the fate of Division of Agriculture could be jeopardized by confusion within the agencies under the division regarding their placement.

Mr. Hettrick explained the governor was concerned A.B. 103 could open a floodgate of agencies and divisions wanting to be moved to other positions within state government.

The Chairman asked Alan Coyner if he thought it was in his division’s best interest to become a commission rather than remain a division or become a department. Mr. Coyner said it was the consensus of opinion within his division that Division of Minerals become part of the existing Commission on Mineral Resources presently under the governor.

The committee received 3 handouts, which were as follows:

• A letter from the Nevada High School Rodeo Association expressing its support of joining Division of Agriculture as Department of Agriculture (Exhibit C).
• An organizational chart of the Division of Agriculture from Mr. Iverson, Administrator (Exhibit D).
• A collection of letters from different agencies in support of the proposed legislation, compiled by Legislative Counsel Bureau (Exhibit E).

Chairman de Braga asked if there were any other questions or comments, and there were none. She called for a motion.

There being no further business before the subcommittee, the hearing was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Sharon Spencer

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, Chairman

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