Chairman Goldwater introduced all new members and legislative staff to the committee and briefed those present on the legislative experience of the returning members. Introductions were made of the staff working with this committee, i.e., Ted Zuend, Fiscal Analyst, Legislative Counsel Bureau, Nykki Kinsley, Committee Secretary, and Personal Secretary Diane Berg. He stated they were fortunate to have the services of the staff, acknowledging they were extremely competent in their fields. In particular, Mr. Zuend who was one of the best analysts in the Fiscal Division.

Mr. Goldwater expressed understanding of his duties as chairman of that committee and pledged all meetings would be open and timely. He would strive to make certain the members of that body and the public would be treated with respect.

The Chair pointed out the committee had a limited agenda for that particular meeting, but that would change as the session continued.

The first item on the agenda was for consideration and adoption of the Standing Rules for the Committee on Taxation; a copy of which had been provided for all members (Exhibit C). Chairman Goldwater called attention to the proposed rules, pointing out they were very similar to the rules from past sessions and asked if there were questions or revisions from any members. There being none the following action was taken:

ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL MOVED TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED

STANDING RULES FOR THE COMMITTEE ON TAXATION AS WRITTEN.

ASSEMBLYMAN ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION.

THE MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Chairman Goldwater called attention to the next item on the agenda, which was a brief overview of the deadlines dealing with the 120-day session. He stated a memorandum had been distributed verifying each date (Exhibit D); however, he wanted to emphasize the importance of observing these deadlines.

A poll was taken on how many members wanted minute books prepared for their personal use; any member desiring a minute book was asked to contact the committee secretary.

Mr. Anderson acknowledged working with Mr. Zuend on previous occasions and asked if he would be preparing the Revenue Reference Manual for distribution to the committee, such as had been done in the past. Mr. Zuend explained Mr. Kevin Welsh, Fiscal Analyst, for the Senate Taxation Committee, had done most of the work on the manual and believed he had most of it drafted. He and Mr. Welsh would be allocating some time that week to go over the draft to make certain everything was in order. They anticipated the final draft would be available within the next week.

Mr. Zuend pointed out Mr. Dino DiCianno, representing the Department of Taxation, was present and anything the committee members needed produced by his department would be provided. For example one book that would be beneficial would be the annual report prepared by the Department of Taxation for last fiscal year which had just been released. Chairman Goldwater added he had asked Mr. Zuend to prepare a committee reference memo that would summarize a great deal of information needed by the members.

Speaking next was Assemblywoman Freeman who asked if the committee put out a report of what happened during the interim, as proposed in a bill from last session. She understood that was being done by the other committees and pointed out the Health Care Committee usually generated a report in November or later indicating what had been happening during an established period of time and what bill drafts there would be for the coming session. Chairman Goldwater interjected the bill she was referring to was S.B. 253. Mr. Zuend explained a list of bill drafts requested for that committee had been prepared and submitted at its last meeting for approval, but there was not a formal report.

Pursuing her line of questioning, Ms. Freeman asked how the committee was to summarize what happened during the interim. Chairman Goldwater pointed out the Health Care Committee was a standing committee that sat as a statutory committee, which the Taxation Committee had not.

Mr. Daryl Capurro, Managing Director of the Nevada Transport Association, volunteered to clarify the question by Assemblywoman Freeman. He explained there had been a bill in 1997 to specifically study what agency should handle the collection of gasoline tax, i.e., the Department of Taxation or the Department of Motor Vehicles. He admitted he had not seen the report on it but the committee had come to some conclusion. Chairman Goldwater responded the report had been received and bills had been drafted and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

Mr. Neighbors reported he had chaired that meeting and was now working with Chairman Chowning of the Transportation Committee and would be meeting with her to go over that report.

Mr. Marvel asked Mr. Capurro if he had filed a recommendation to tax gasoline at the rack, and asked if a bill draft was pending, which Mr. Capurro replied in the affirmative. Chairman Goldwater indicated the committee had joint jurisdiction over certain matters with the Transportation Committee and would be working with them on that.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.