MINUTES OF THE meeting
of the
ASSEMBLY Committee on Ways and Means
Seventy-First Session
May 16, 2001
The Committee on Ways and Meanswas called to order at 9:17 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2001. Chairman Morse Arberry Jr. presided in Room 3137 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:
Mr. Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
Ms. Chris Giunchigliani, Vice Chairwoman
Mr. Bob Beers
Mrs. Barbara Cegavske
Mrs. Vonne Chowning
Mrs. Marcia de Braga
Mr. Joseph Dini, Jr.
Mr. David Goldwater
Mr. Lynn Hettrick
Ms. Sheila Leslie
Mr. John Marvel
Mr. David Parks
Mr. Richard D. Perkins
Ms. Sandra Tiffany
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Stevens, Fiscal Analyst
Steve Abba, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
Larry Peri, Senior Program Analyst
Carla Watson, Program Analyst
Lila Clark, Recording Secretary
Reba Coombs, Transcribing Secretary
BUDGET CLOSINGS
Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, District 9, and Larry Peri, Senior Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, presented the closing report for the Human Resources budgets, as follows:
HUMAN SERVICES – DHR ADMINISTRATION (101-3150) PAGE HR ADMIN-1
IN CLOSING THIS BUDGET, THE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVED THE ADDITION OF $500,000 IN MAXIMUS FEDERAL RECOVERY REVENUE IN EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE (BADA) FOR THE CONTINUATION OF ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAMS. SIMILAR TO THE CURRENT BIENNIUM, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT A LETTER OF INTENT BE ISSUED WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW ANY EXPENDITURES IN BADA UNTIL THE FUNDING IS EARNED AND MATERIALIZES. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO AGREED TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL $250,000 PER YEAR IN MAXIMUS FUNDS TO BE APPLIED TOWARDS A PILOT PROGRAM FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS ADULTS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA AS CONTAINED IN A.B. 346.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE DID NOT APPROVE ANY OF THE EIGHT NEW POSITIONS RECOMMENDED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO DID NOT APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED RECLASSIFICATION OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OFFICER IV POSITION TO AN UNCLASSIFIED DEPUTY DIRECTOR. IN LIEU OF THE RECLASSIFICATION, THE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVED THE ADDITION OF A ONE-GRADE SALARY INCREASE FOR THE POSITION.
THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET RECOMMENDED THAT TWO PROGRAMS IN THIS BUDGET, THE PROGRAM FOR THE REDUCTION OF TOBACCO USE AND THE PROGRAM FOR HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS FOR CHILDREN AND THE DISABLED, BE REMOVED FROM THIS BUDGET AND PLACED IN THE NEW GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT BUDGET. THE PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE TRANSFERRED $12,963,030 IN TOBACCO SETTLEMENT FUNDS OVER THE BIENNIUM TO THE NEW BUDGET. THE SUBCOMMITTEE DID NOT APPROVE THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE TWO PROGRAMS AND RESPECTIVE COSTS BE RESTORED TO THIS BUDGET ACCOUNT.
THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET RECOMMENDED THAT THIS BUDGET BE ELIMINATED AND THAT ALL COSTS BE TRANSFERRED TO THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT. AS THE SUBCOMMITTEE DID NOT APPROVE THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT, THE CLOSING ACTIONS RESTORE THE TITLE XX BUDGET ACCOUNT. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO INCREASED TITLE XX REVENUE AUTHORITY IN THE BUDGET TO THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2001 ACTUAL AWARD TO NEVADA OF $11,086,782. OF THIS AMOUNT, GRANTS TO NON-STATE AGENCIES WERE INCREASED BY $131,515 IN FY 2002 AND BY $131,603 IN FY 2003. THE REMAINING $1 MILLION OF TITLE XX IS DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES AS DISPLAYED ON THE CLOSING SHEETS, EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES 13 THROUGH 61. THE RESULTING OFFSET IS A REDUCTION OF $1 MILLION IN GENERAL FUND SUPPORT IN THOSE BUDGETS IN EACH YEAR OF THE 2001-03 BIENNIUM.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO RECOMMENDED ADJUSTMENTS IN THE AGING SERVICES HOMEMAKER PROGRAM BUDGET AND IN THE SOUTHERN NEVADA ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (SNAMHS) BUDGET, BOTH OF WHICH REQUIRED INCREASES IN THEIR TITLE XX AUTHORITY TO MATCH AMOUNTS IN THE TITLE XX BUDGET. THE TRANSFER OF TITLE XX IN THE HOMEMAKER BUDGET WAS INCREASED BY $49,966 IN FY 2002 AND BY $60,063 IN FY 2003. IN THE SNAMHS BUDGET, THE TRANSFER WAS INCREASED BY $33,606 EACH YEAR.
THIS BUDGET WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED FOR ELIMINATION AND TRANSFER INTO THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT. THE SUBCOMMITTEE REVERSED THAT RECOMMENDATION AND RESTORED THE BUDGET. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED A TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENT, WHICH REFINED THE TRANSFER TO THE STATE AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS BUDGET FOR PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING SUPPORT. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDED NO OTHER ADJUSTMENTS.
THIS BUDGET WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED FOR ELIMINATION AND TRANSFER TO THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT. THE SUBCOMMITTEE REVERSED THAT RECOMMENDATION AND RESTORED THE BUDGET. IN TAKING THIS ACTION, THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO AGREED TO HOLD GENERAL FUND SUPPORT AT THE SAME LEVEL RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR THE ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE. THIS ACTION RESULTS IN FUNDING GRANTS TO INFANT SUPPORT DISTRICTS (ISDS) AT APPROXIMATELY $1.3 MILLION PER YEAR. WHILE THIS RECOMMENDATION IS A REDUCTION FROM THE APPROXIMATELY $2.2 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS IN THE CURRENT FY 2001, IT IS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OVER THE $627,489 PER YEAR RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR IN THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT BUDGET.
TO RESTORE GRANTS TO THE $2.2 MILLION FIGURE PER YEAR WOULD HAVE REQUIRED THE SUBCOMMITTEE TO ADD NEARLY $1.4 MILLION IN GENERAL FUND SUPPORT OVER THE BIENNIUM. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED SEVERAL TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS IN THE BUDGET, WHICH INCLUDED THE RECOMMENDED TRANSFER OF FOUR CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST POSITIONS TO THE WELFARE DIVISION’S CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BUDGET. THE POSITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE FAMILY-TO-FAMILY PROGRAM.
THIS BUDGET WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED FOR ELIMINATION AND TRANSFER TO THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT. THE SUBCOMMITTEE REVERSED THAT RECOMMENDATION AND RESTORED THE BUDGET. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER GRANTS ARE RECOMMENDED AT $1,302,722 IN FY 2002 AND $1,301,445 IN FY 2003, COMPARED TO THE FY 2001 WORK PROGRAM AMOUNT OF $1,320,792. THE REDUCTION IS DUE TO THE COST ALLOCATION AMOUNT TO BE PAID TO THE STATE AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS BUDGET FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING SUPPORT. ADDITIONALLY, ALTHOUGH NOT DISCUSSED IN SUBCOMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE MAY WISH TO CONTINUE THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED IN A LETTER OF INTENT ISSUED BY THE 1997 LEGISLATURE AND CONTINUED BY THE 1999 LEGISLATURE. THIS WOULD REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE INTERIM FINANCE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM EXPENDITURES.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE DID NOT APPROVE THIS RECOMMENDED BUDGET ACCOUNT AND RESTORED ALL BUDGET ACCOUNTS AND PROGRAMS RECOMMENDED TO TRANSFER INTO THIS BUDGET.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVED SEVERAL TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS INCLUDING THE RESTORATION AND CONTINUATION OF THE FEDERAL HEAD START GRANT AND 1.51 FTE POSITIONS THAT SUPPORT GRANT ACTIVITIES. THIS ACCOUNT WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED TO BE TRANSFERRED INTO THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT UNIT. THE SUBCOMMITTEE’S ACTIONS RESTORE THE BUDGET. THE COST ALLOCATION PROPOSAL TO COLLECT PAYMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING SUPPORT PROVIDED TO OTHER BUDGETS WAS ALSO ADJUSTED TO PROPERLY REFLECT PAYMENT TRANSFERS FROM OTHER BUDGETS.
IN SUMMARY, THE SUBCOMMITTEE’S ACTIONS RESULT IN A TOTAL GENERAL FUND DECREASE OF $105,553 IN FY 2002 AND $103,772 IN FY 2003.
THE ONLY ADJUSTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE WERE REDUCING AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED FOR PERSONAL COMPUTERS BASED ON REVISED PRICES FROM STATE PURCHASING.
THE BUDGET OF THE INDIAN COMMISSION WAS CLOSED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
Ms. Giunchigliani thanked the subcommittee for their support in restoring the Family-to-Family program as well as the Family Resource program. The vote of the joint subcommittee was unanimous in both Assembly and Senate subcommittees. Ms. Giunchigliani thanked Mr. Peri and the committee for restoring funding to those programs.
Ms. Tiffany inquired about the restoration of Title XX money and where the $1 million had been allocated. Mr. Peri referred to the closing packet and explained adjustments were made in category 13 to add $150,000 each year to the Child Welfare budget in the Division of Child and Family Services. The next line showed an adjustment to the Family-to-Family program where $100,000 was added in each year. There were several more adjustments made to the Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services and the Southern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services. Mr. Peri indicated money had also been added to the Nevada Youth Training Center; grants had been adjusted in both Southern and Northern Nevada Mental Retardation Services; $200,000 per year had been added to the Health Division for immunizations; $131,515 had been added in the first year for Non-State Agencies and $131,603 in the second year. Finally, Mr. Peri explained, the current Title XX was adjusted to the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services by $200,000 in each year of the biennium.
Responding to another question from Ms. Tiffany, Mr. Peri responded the $200,000 adjustment to the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services budget solely replaced General Fund dollars and was a revenue change only. Those changes were all done in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources and input from the various divisions on the suitability and applicability of those funds.
Unfortunately, Ms. Giunchigliani added, the additional $1 million per year in Title XX funds was not extra money which could be used for something else. The Title XX funds had been added to the budgets in place of General Fund money; therefore, this did not represent an enhancement to any of the programs.
Mrs. Chowning asked if instead of eliminating many of those programs, they were placed back in the budget without enhancements. Ms. Giunchigliani indicated that was correct, the programs were salvaged, not enhanced. However, background information had been received which showed many grant requests had been submitted and every one submitted would be funded. Ms. Giunchigliani pondered if more money was needed in the Family to Family and Family Resource Centers and came to the conclusion that yes, the programs worked very well. At this point, though, it was important the accounts be unbundled without negative impact.
Mrs. Chowning expressed her thanks for all the hard work. In the trenches, those Family Resources Centers were there to help. Mrs. Chowning asked if she could make a motion.
MRS. CHOWNING MOVED TO CLOSE THESE BUDGETS AS PRESENTED.
THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY MS. TIFFANY.
Ms. Leslie asked that the motion include the Letter of Intent for the Family Resource Centers. She was one of the biggest supporters of the Family Resource Centers, but she had some questions about what had actually been happening and would like the opportunity to review those budgets on a regular basis during meetings of the Interim Finance Committee.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MR. BEERS, MR. HETTRICK, AND MR. DINI ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
BUDGETS CLOSED.
********
Chairman Arberry asked Ms. Giunchigliani to continue with her review of budget closings. Ms. Giunchigliani read from the following prepared testimony:
THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWED 16 BUDGETS OF THE STATE HEALTH DIVISION. THE FOLLOWING HIGHLIGHTS THE MORE SIGNIFICANT CLOSING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE.
OFFICE OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (101-3223) PAGE HEALTH-1
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION FOR $100,000 EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM TO SUPPORT A RURAL MAMMOGRAPHY PROGRAM INTENDED TO MAKE MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENINGS MORE ACCESSIBLE IN THE RURAL AREAS.
SUBSEQUENT TO THE SUBCOMMITTEE CLOSING, STAFF DETERMINED THAT THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET FAILED TO INCLUDE A SALARY INCREASE FOR THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER. THIS INCREASE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE STATE EMPLOYEES PAY BILL AND THE BUDGET SHOULD BE CLOSED ACCORDINGLY.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A LETTER OF INTENT ADVISING THE HEALTH DIVISION THAT THE VARIOUS POSITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED INTO THIS ACCOUNT AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE GOVERNOR ARE TO BE FUNDED SOLELY WITH INDIRECT COSTS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE FEELS THIS DIRECTION IS IMPORTANT SO THERE IS NO SUPPLEMENTATION OF COSTS WITH STATE FUNDS FOR THESE POSITIONS OR ANY OTHER EXISTING POSITIONS FUNDED THROUGH INDIRECT COSTS IN THIS ACCOUNT IN THE FUTURE.
VITAL STATISTICS (101-3190) PAGE HEALTH-7
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF THE BIOSTATISTICIAN POSITION FROM THIS ACCOUNT TO THE HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNT WHERE THE POSITION WILL BE FUNDED WITH INDIRECT COSTS. THE MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH FUNDING SAVED IN THIS ACCOUNT DUE TO THE TRANSFER WAS REDIRECTED TO REINSTATE TWO PUBLIC SERVICE INTERN POSITIONS IN THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CLINIC ACCOUNT.
HEALTH AID TO COUNTIES (101-3209) PAGE HEALTH-13
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONSIDERED REQUESTS FROM THE COUNTIES TO INCREASE THE PER CAPITA RATE PAID TO THE COUNTIES TO $1.10. HOWEVER, THE SUBCOMMITTEE WAS UNABLE TO RECOMMEND THIS INCREASE DUE TO FUNDING CONSTRAINTS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE DID RECOMMEND A LETTER OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A GOAL OF $1.10 FOR THE NEXT SESSION.
CONSUMER HEALTH PROTECTION (101-3194) PAGE HEALTH –15
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THIS ACCOUNT BE CLOSED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. HOWEVER, SUBSEQUENT TO THE ACTION OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE, THE DIVISION SUBMITTED A REQUEST FOR $5,200 EACH YEAR IN GENERAL FUND SUPPORT TO OFFSET THE LOSS OF REVENUE DUE TO THE TRANSFER OF THE DAIRY INSPECTIONS TO THE DAIRY COMMISSION, IF SENATE BILL 505 IS APPROVED. STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THIS ADDITIONAL REQUEST.
HEALTH FACILITIES HOSPITAL LICENSING (101-3216) PAGE HEALTH-26
THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET INCLUDES INCREASES IN FEDERAL AND FEE REVENUE EXCEEDING $1.5 MILLION EACH YEAR. THE HEALTH DIVISION WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF A PROPOSED FEE INCREASE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THESE INCREASES. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THIS ACCOUNT BE CLOSED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH A LETTER OF INTENT. THE LETTER OF INTENT WOULD REQUIRE THE HEALTH DIVISION TO APPEAR BEFORE THE FIRST INTERIM FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING FOLLOWING THE SESSION TO INFORM THE COMMITTEE AS TO THE DETAILS OF THE FEE INCREASE. IN ADDITION, THE DIVISION SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPORT QUARTERLY TO THE INTERIM FINANCE COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND RESERVES IN THIS ACCOUNT.
IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM (101-3213) PAGE HEALTH-46
THE FUNDING RECOMMENDED IN THIS ACCOUNT CONTINUES THE EXISTING PROGRAM AND SERIES OF VACCINES WITH INCREASES FOR PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A LETTER OF INTENT FOR THE HEALTH DIVISION TO APPROACH THE INTERIM FINANCE COMMITTEE IF VACCINE USAGE INCREASES OR IF THE ANNUAL FEDERAL DIRECT ASSISTANCE GRANT IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXISTING CHILDHOOD SERIES OF IMMUNIZATIONS, AND TO REPORT ALL PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO THE CURRENT IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION.
SUBSEQUENT TO THE CLOSING OF THIS ACCOUNT, IN CLOSING THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES BUDGET ACCOUNT, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THE TRANSFER OF $200,000 OF TITLE XX FUNDING EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM, RESULTING IN A DECREASE IN GENERAL FUND BY THAT AMOUNT.
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CLINIC (101-3208) PAGE HEALTH-57
THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET INCLUDED THE ELIMINATION OF 10.5 PUBLIC INTERN POSITIONS AT THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CLINICS. THE DIVISION TESTIFIED THAT ELIMINATION OF THESE POSITIONS WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON SERVICES. THROUGH FUNDING SAVED FROM THE TRANSFER OF THE BIOSTATISTICIAN POSITION, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS RESTORATION OF TWO OF THESE POSITIONS.
Ms. Giunchigliani digressed from reading her report to explain there had been discussion and a valid issue raised that the program had been changed and those intern positions were no longer necessary to carry out the duties of the agency. There were some individuals on the Senate side who felt strongly that at least two positions should be replaced. Ms. Giunchigliani felt over the next biennium the Health Division should deal with the Special Children’s Clinic and whether the old medical model should be used to include treatment or whether something different should be tried.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG REHABILITATION (101-3170) PAGE HEALTH-70
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CLOSED THE DIRECTOR’S ACCOUNT WITH A RECOMMENDATION TO UTILIZE $500,000 MAXIMUS FUNDING EACH YEAR FOR CONTINUATION OF THE ADOLESCENT TREATMENT PROGRAM. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A LETTER OF INTENT DIRECTING THAT NO MAXIMUS FUNDING MAY BE OBLIGATED FOR THE ADOLESCENT TREATMENT PROGRAM UNTIL RECEIPT OF THAT FUNDING.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWED THE BUDGETS FOR THE CANCER CONTROL REGISTRY, COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE CONTROL, MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH, WIC FOOD SUPPLEMENT, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH TOBACCO FUND. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT THESE ACCOUNTS BE CLOSED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH TECHNICAL MODIFICATIONS.
OVERALL, THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE DECREASE THE GENERAL FUND SUPPORT IN THESE BUDGETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $699,151 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND $621,160 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003.
Chairman Arberry congratulated Ms. Giunchigliani for doing a good job. He indicated he would accept a motion
MS. TIFFANY MOVED TO ACCEPT THE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT.
MR. PARKS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, WITH MR. DINI AND MRS. CEGAVSKE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
BUDGETS CLOSED.
********
MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Ms. Giunchigliani continued by reading her report of subcommittee closings:
THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE BUDGET INCLUDED A NUMBER OF ADDITIONS FOR CASELOAD GROWTH AT THE SOUTHERN NEVADA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, THE NEVADA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE AND THE RURAL CLINICS PROGRAMS FOR CITIZENS IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ENDORSED THE PROGRAM GROWTH FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, ALONG WITH THE CASELOAD GROWTH IN THE THREE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES BUDGETS.
IN REVIEWING THE MENTAL HEALTH BUDGETS, THE SUBCOMMITTEE BECAME AWARE THAT THE INPATIENT CENSUS AT THE NEVADA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE WAS AVERAGING BELOW 40 CLIENTS AND THAT THE FACILITY WAS STAFFED FOR 50 CLIENTS. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW HOSPITAL REQUIRES STAFFING IN TWO SEPARATE 40-BED UNITS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE WORKED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION AND REDUCED THE STAFFING TO 40 INPATIENT BEDS, BUT USED A PORTION OF THE SAVINGS TO ENHANCE OTHER PROGRAMS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE AUTHORIZED THE MOVEMENT OF 7.67 FTE POSITIONS TO THE PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY SERVICES (PES) UNIT, TO ALLOW THAT PROGRAM TO OPERATE SEVEN-DAYS A WEEK, 24-HOURS A DAY, WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THE PES PROGRAM OPERATING IN SOUTHERN NEVADA. THE SUBCOMMITTEE AUTHORIZED FUNDING OF $507,600 IN FY 2002 AND $676,800 IN FY 2003 TO MOVE 12 CHRONICALLY MENTALLY ILL CLIENTS FROM THE INPATIENT HOSPITAL TO INTENSIVE SUPPORTED LIVING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONCERNS OUTLINED IN A LEGISLATIVE AUDIT OF REVENUE COLLECTION ACTIVITIES, THE SUBCOMMITTEE AUTHORIZED THE ADDITION OF THREE NEW REVENUE OFFICERS TO IMPROVE COLLECTION AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE PROCEDURES IN THE THREE REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT FUNDING RELATED TO SERVICES PROVIDED BY MOJAVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, WHICH PROVIDES TREATMENT TO MEDICAID ELIGIBLE CLIENTS, WAS NOT BEING CREDITED AS PART OF THE STATE’S COMMITMENT TO THE DELIVERY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND WAS NOT BEING ADEQUATELY MONITORED. THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE IS RECOMMENDING THAT MEDICAID PAYMENTS NO LONGER FLOW DIRECTLY TO MOJAVE, BUT BE REFLECTED IN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN NEVADA ADULT MENTAL HEALTH BUDGETS AND NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN NEVADA ADOLESCENT SERVICES BUDGETS, WHICH REFER CLIENTS TO MOJAVE. THE SUBCOMMITTEE IS ALSO RECOMMENDING THAT A LETTER OF INTENT BE ISSUED TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES TO ALLOW THAT OTHER PROVIDERS BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVICE MEDICAID ELIGIBLE CLIENTS.
AT LAKES CROSSING, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS FULL FUNDING FOR THE 48 INPATIENT BEDS AND REVENUE ADJUSTMENTS TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE LOCAL JAIL FACILITY.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE IS RECOMMENDING THAT THE 13.25 NEW FTE POSITIONS RECOMMENDED FOR CASELOAD GROWTH IN RURAL NEVADA BE SUPPORTED IN THE RURAL CLINICS PROGRAM.
AT SOUTHERN NEVADA ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS THE FUNDING OF 86 NEW COMMUNITY PLACEMENTS AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR MEDICATIONS. THE FUNDING RECOMMENDED FOR MEDICATIONS WOULD INCREASE FROM $6 MILLION IN FY 2000 TO OVER $8.9 MILLION IN FY 2002 (A 49 PERCENT INCREASE OVER FY 2000) AND INCREASE TO OVER $10.9 MILLION IN FY 2003. THE SUBCOMMITTEE IS RECOMMENDING THAT A LETTER OF INTENT BE ISSUED TO THE DIVISION TO ALLOW THEM TO RETURN TO THE INTERIM FINANCE COMMITTEE IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO GENERATE THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE OR VACANCY SAVINGS ADDED TO THE BUDGET.
THE THREE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES BUDGETS (SIERRA, DESERT AND RURAL) HAD A NUMBER OF ENHANCEMENTS SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO MEET WAITING LIST AND CASELOAD DEMANDS. THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET FOR THE THREE REGIONS INCREASED FUNDING BY 13.2 PERCENT ($6.85 MILLION) IN FY 2002 AND AN ADDITIONAL 7.7 PERCENT ($4.5 MILLION) IN FY 2003.
THE DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES BUDGETS ARE RECOMMENDED TO MOVE 12 CLIENTS FROM THE NORTHERN REGION AND SIX CLIENTS FROM THE SOUTHERN REGION INTO THE COMMUNITY AND PHASE IN GROWTH TO SERVE 654 ADDITIONAL CLIENTS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE NOT ONLY SUPPORTS THIS CASELOAD GROWTH, BUT ALSO A RATE INCREASE FOR THE PROVIDER OF THESE SERVICES, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL SERVICES AND THE COMMUNITY TRAINING CENTERS. THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET DID NOT CONTAIN RATE INCREASES FOR THESE PROVIDERS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE WAS ABLE TO REALLOCATE RECOMMENDED FUNDING IN THE MEDICAID BUDGET TO PROVIDE A 3 PERCENT RATE INCREASE IN FY 2002 AND AN ADDITIONAL 1.7 PERCENT IN FY 2003 AT A COST OF $2.3 MILLION, OF WHICH $1.5 MILLION IS GENERAL FUND.
THE COMBINED ACTIONS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE RESULTS IN A GENERAL FUND SAVINGS OF $648,188 IN FY 2002 AND $184,315 IN FY 2003. IN ADDITION, GENERAL FUND SAVINGS WILL INCREASE BY AN ADDITIONAL $543,374 IN FY 2003 AS A RESULT OF THE MEDICAID MATCH RATE INCREASING TO 51.54 PERCENT, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2002. TOTAL GENERAL FUND SAVINGS IN FY 2003 WILL INCREASE TO $727,689.
Ms. Leslie referred to the 13.25 positions which were added in the Rural Clinics budget and the bill heard in committee recently about the Carson-Tahoe Crisis Response Team. Since that time, Ms. Leslie had discovered an interlocal agreement was already in existence which indicated that 1.3 social workers would be moved from the Division of Child and Family Services and 1.75 clinical social workers from the Douglas County and Carson Rural Mental Health clinics. Ms. Leslie wanted to state for the record that she was not in agreement with the movement of those positions. New positions had been specifically added to deal with just those waiting lists. She asked Ms. Giunchigliani if she would comment.
Ms. Giunchigliani said there was a concern and she had spoken to Assemblywoman Parnell who was also unaware that positions were being transferred from the rural clinics budget to add staff in support of the interlocal agreement. The intent of the subcommittee work was that the social workers were needed, but if the agency was diverting those positions to a different type of pilot program, it should be reviewed more thoroughly.
There being no further questions, Chairman Arberry requested the pleasure of the committee.
Mr. Dini asked that a Letter of Intent be made part of the closing which would say that the positions not be transferred around. Moving those positions was not part of the agreement. There had been a lot of hard work getting the Rural Clinics up to a standard, and even with those extra positions, the clinics would be overloaded. If three employees were removed, there was still very little to go forward with.
Chairman Arberry advised that a Letter of Intent could be included in the motion to close this budget.
Ms. Giunchigliani moved a Letter of Intent be issued TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES stating the Legislature recognized that an interlocal agreement had been proposed WITH CARSON CITY, but any diversion of staff from the Division of Child and Family Services or the Rural Clinics’ budgets would not be supported.
Ms. Giunchigliani asked Mr. Dini if that would be sufficient language. Mr. Dini responded affirmatively.
Chairman Arberry stated that was the motion coming from Ms. Giunchigliani through Ms. Leslie.
MOTION SECONDED BY MR. DINI.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
BUDGETS CLOSED.
********
Chairman Arberry requested Mr. Parks present his closing report from the Subcommittee on Public Safety, Natural Resources and Transportation.
Assemblyman David Parks read the following presentation into the record:
THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES AND TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BUDGETS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES INCLUDING: THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE (ADMINISTRATION), STATE LANDS, TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY (TRPA), AND ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE DIVISIONS OF FORESTRY, WILDLIFE, PARKS, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND WATER RESOURCES.
DCNR DIRECTOR’S OFFICE (101-4150) PAGE CNR-1
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF FOUR NEW POSITIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR INCLUDING AN ACCOUNTING CLERK TO SUPPORT THE NEVADA DIVISION OF FORESTRY WESTERN REGION; AN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OFFICER I TO ASSIST WITH DAILY FISCAL OPERATIONS, AND TWO NEW FULL-TIME ACCOUNTING CLERKS TO REPLACE TWO INMATES WHO WERE EMPLOYED ON A FULL-TIME BASIS IN THE FORESTRY ACCOUNTING SECTION.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADMINISTRATION (101-3173) PAGE CNR-12
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S ADDITION OF NEW POSITIONS INCLUDING: A HALF-TIME DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ASSIST WITH INCREASINGLY COMPLEX LITIGATION CASELOAD ACTIVITY; A NEW ACCOUNT TECHNICIAN I TO PROVIDE FISCAL SUPPORT; AND A NEW COMPUTER TECHNICIAN II TO SUPPORT TECHNICAL ENVIRONMENTAL MODELS AND EXTERNAL CLIENT SERVER SYSTEMS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR INCREASED OFFICE SPACE RENT EXPENSE AS A RESULT OF THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO MOVE THE DIVISION’S LAS VEGAS STAFF FROM THE SAWYER BUILDING TO NON-STATE OWNED OFFICE SPACE.
AIR QUALITY (101-3185) PAGE CNR-20
THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION FOR A NEW BUREAU CHIEF POSITION TO SEPARATE AIR QUALITY INTO TWO SEPARATE BUREAUS: AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND, AIR QUALITY PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & FEDERAL FACILITIES (101-3187) PAGE CNR-27
THE SUBCOMMITTEE DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO TRANSFER FUNDING FROM TRADITIONAL CATEGORIES TO 13 SPECIAL-USE CATEGORIES. THE SUBCOMMITTEE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT BUDGETARY CONTROL WOULD BE LOST. THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH ABANDONED TIRE PILES AND RECYCLING AWARENESS PROGRAMS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA.
WATER PROGRAMS (101-3186) PAGE CNR-43
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF A NEW PROGRAM ASSISTANT III TO PROVIDE CLERICAL SUPPORT AND REDUCE A BACKLOG IN PROCESSING WATER PERMIT APPLICATIONS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO TRANSFER THE WATER PLANNING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET TO THE BUREAU OF WATER QUALITY.
DIVISION OF STATE LANDS (101-4173) PAGE CNR-62
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS RESTORING AN EXISTING SEASONAL FORESTER POSITION THAT WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE BUDGET.
FORESTRY (101-4195) PAGE CNR-70
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION FOR A NEW PROGRAM ASSISTANT II TO PROVIDE ACCOUNTING AND CLERICAL SUPPORT FOR THE COMBINED FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE AIR OPERATIONS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S AMENDMENT TO ADD A MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT I TO REPLACE AN INMATE WORKER AND TO ADD $13,728 IN FY 2001-02 AND $14,552 IN FY 2002-03 FOR SALARY INCREASES FOR DISPATCH POSITIONS AT THE ELKO DISPATCH CENTER. TO OFFSET THE GENERAL FUND ADDITION, THE AMENDMENT ELIMINATES A CREW SUPERVISOR POSITION ASSIGNED TO THE JEAN CONSERVATION CAMP. THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS CONTINUATION OF THE POSITION ASSIGNED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT (EIP) TEAM FUNDED WITH GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS AND INTEREST ACCUMULATED FROM THE INITIAL EIP BOND ISSUE.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE RECOMMENDED INCREASE IN THE COUNTY COST ALLOCATION FROM $230,000 TO $342,257 EACH YEAR. CERTAIN COUNTIES NOTED THAT ALLOCATION INCREASES COULD RESULT IN FIREFIGHTER LAYOFFS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE DIRECTED THE AGENCY TO WORK WITH THE COUNTIES IN THE INTERIM TO DEFRAY THE IMPACT OF THE INCREASED ALLOCATION.
Mr. Marvel indicated the subcommittee had reservations regarding the Governor‘s recommendation concerning cost allocations to local governments. Several times during subcommittee hearings, information became available about the cost allocation of which the counties were unaware. Mr. Marvel felt this plan would put a lot of stress on the county budgets. The Forestry Division had been asked to work with the counties because he feared a breakdown during this year’s fire season. The counties were never advised this cost allocation would be increased so dramatically. Mr. Marvel insisted the two groups work together to avoid stress on the county budgets.
Mr. Parks agreed and added that some of the counties received reductions whereas other counties were hit rather heavily with substantial increases. This situation created a significant problem for those counties that incurred the increases.
FORESTRY HONOR CAMPS (101-4198) CNR-83
THE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVED AN INCREASE IN HONOR CAMP REVENUES AND A CORRESPONDING GENERAL FUND REDUCTION OF $418,702 EACH YEAR BASED ON AN INCREASE BY THE SAME AMOUNT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNT.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOGNIZED THAT THE INMATE POPULATION AT THE SILVER SPRINGS CONSERVATION CAMP DID NOT JUSTIFY THE RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF CREWS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A LETTER OF INTENT STATING THAT IF WARRANTED, THE DIVISION OF FORESTRY SHOULD CONSIDER MOVING THE CREW SUPERVISOR TO A CAMP WHOSE POPULATION MAY JUSTIFY AN ADDITIONAL CREW.
FORESTRY INTERGOVERNMENTAL (NOT IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET)
THE FORESTRY INTERGOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNT WAS NOT PRESENTED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET. THE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVED THE INCLUSION OF THE FORESTRY INTERGOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNT IN THE AUTHORIZATIONS ACT.
WILDLIFE (101-4452) PAGE CNR-103
THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW LICENSE AND BOAT REGISTRATION SYSTEM BUT RECOMMENDS A LETTER OF INTENT TO HAVE THE DIVISION PROVIDE A QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT TO THE IFC.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE FOLLOWING NEW POSITIONS: A COMPUTER NETWORK TECHNICIAN TO SUPPORT COMPUTER HARDWARE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCAL AND WIDE AREA NETWORKS; A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT THE AGENCY WEBSITE AND COORDINATE VOLUNTEER TRAINING; A STAFF ASSOCIATE ENGINEER TO ASSIST WITH VARIOUS PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE ENGINEERING SKILLS; A WILDLIFE AREA TECHNICIAN TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE STEPTOE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA; A PROGRAM OFFICER TO DEVELOP AND ADMINISTER A STATEWIDE BOATING PROGRAM AND A PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT STAFFING OF THE DISPATCH FUNCTION DURING BUSY HOLIDAY AND WEEKEND PERIODS.
WILDLIFE BOATING (101-4456) PAGE CNR-122
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS ELIMINATION OF $119,000 IN FY 2002 AND $814,000 IN FY 2003 FOR BOAT ACCESS PROJECTS. THE AGENCY WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC PROJECTS FOR WHICH THE FUNDING WOULD BE USED. THE AGENCY MAY APPROACH IFC AT A LATER DATE AS PROJECTS ARE IDENTIFIED.
STATE PARKS (101-4162) PAGE CNR-132
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S AMENDMENT TO INCREASE TRANSFERS FROM THE COMMISSION ON TOURISM BY $443,040 IN FY 2001-02 AND $523,202 IN FY 2002-03 WITH OFFSETTING DECREASES TO THE GENERAL FUND.
WATER PLANNING (101-4161) PAGE CNR-147
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO DISSOLVE THE WATER PLANNING DIVISION THAT ELIMINATES 6.5 FTE POSITIONS, AND TRANSFERS TWO FLOOD MANAGEMENT POSITIONS AND A WATER PLANNING STAFF ENGINEER POSITION TO THE WATER RESOURCES DIVISION. THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS TRANSFER OF THE WATER EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS (WET) PROGRAM TO THE BUREAU OF WATER PROGRAMS
TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY (101-4204) PAGE CNR-162
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S ADDITION OF SEVEN NEW POSITIONS. FOUR NEW POSITIONS WOULD BEGIN IN FY 2002 INCLUDING ONE SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST TO HANDLE TRPA BUDGET ISSUES; ONE SENIOR PLANNER AND ONE NEW PLANNING TECHNICIAN TO ADDRESS PROJECT REVIEWS AND PERMITS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (EIP); AND ONE ASSOCIATE PLANNER TO MAINTAIN EIP VEGETATION PROJECTS.
THREE NEW POSITIONS IN FY 2003, INCLUDING ONE SENIOR AND ONE ASSOCIATE ENGINEER AND ONE PRINCIPAL PLANNER, WILL PROVIDE REGIONAL COORDINATION OF EIP CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY. CALIFORNIA HAS NOT YET COMMITTED TO SUPPORT THE THREE POSITIONS IN FY 2003. NEVADA’S APPROVAL SHOULD BE CONTINGENT UPON CALIFORNIA PROVIDING ITS REQUIRED TWO-THIRDS MATCH. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT APPROVAL OF THE THREE POSITIONS BE CONTINGENT UPON PASSAGE AND APPROVAL OF A.B. 177 (TAHOE EIP BOND BILL) THAT WOULD GENERATE THE INTEREST REVENUE NECESSARY TO FUND THE POSITIONS.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION FOR GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS OF $116,554 IN EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM AS NEVADA’S SHARE OF SALARY COMPARABILITY COSTS. TRPA’S SALARY RANGES ARE WELL BELOW THE CALIFORNIA/NEVADA STATE MARKET AVERAGE.
THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS $200,000 PER YEAR ($400,000 TOTAL) OF EIP BOND INTEREST REVENUES AS NEVADA’S SHARE FOR THRESHOLD STUDIES. HOWEVER, THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET AND A.B. 511 ALSO INCLUDE A $400,000 GENERAL FUND ONE-SHOT FOR TRPA THRESHOLD RESEARCH THAT DUPLICATES THE STATE SHARE OF FUNDING IN THE TRPA BUDGET. THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS THRESHOLD RESEARCH FUNDING, HOWEVER, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A COMBINATION OF $200,000 IN ONE‑SHOT APPROPRIATIONS IN FY 2002 AND $200,000 IN EIP BOND INTEREST IN FY 2003. APPROVAL SHOULD BE CONTINGENT UPON APPROVAL OF A.B. 177 THAT WOULD GENERATE THE INTEREST REVENUE NECESSARY TO FUND THE RESEARCH IN FY 2003.
THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET DOES NOT INCLUDE COLAS FOR TRPA EMPLOYEES. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A COLA FOR TRPA EMPLOYEES EQUIVALENT TO THE COLA PROVIDED TO STATE EMPLOYEES GENERALLY. NEVADA’S SHARE OF A 4 PERCENT COLA IN EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM WOULD REQUIRE INCREASED GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS TOTALING $48,159 IN FY 2002 AND $102,200 IN FY 2003. TRPA COLA LANGUAGE SHOULD MIRROR THE 1999 SESSION LANGUAGE WHEREIN THE AMOUNTS TRANSFERRED MUST NOT BE UTILIZED TO INCREASE AN EMPLOYEE’S BASE SALARY UNLESS THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA PROVIDES THE REQUIRED 2 FOR 1 MATCHING MONEY. ANY AMOUNTS PROVIDED TO THE TRPA SHOULD CALIFORNIA NOT PROVIDE MATCHING MONEY MUST BE UTILIZED AS A ONE-TIME SALARY BONUS.
HEIL WILDHORSE BEQUEST (607-4156) PAGE CNR-170
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO FUND THE STATE’S PORTION OF A JOINT VENTURE WITH THE BLM TO ESTABLISH A WILD HORSE AND BURRO FOUNDATION. THIS APPROVAL IS SUBJECT TO PASSAGE OF A.B. 662 WHICH WOULD AUTHORIZE THE FUND BALANCE TO BE REDUCED BELOW $900,000.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVED THE FOLLOWING NEW POSITIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR: A MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT I AT THE VALLEY OF FIRE FOR CLERICAL SUPPORT; A MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT AT LAKE TAHOE STATE PARK TO ADDRESS BOOKKEEPING AND FEE COLLECTION; A PARK RANGER II AT SAND HARBOR TO ADDRESS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND VISITOR DEMAND; A PARK RANGER TECHNICIAN III AT RYE PATCH; AND A MAINTENANCE REPAIR WORKER TO ASSIST WITH THE TWO PARKS LOCATED IN THE ELKO REGION. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ALSO RECOMMENDS THE CONTINUATION OF THE POSITION ASSIGNED TO THE LAKE TAHOE EIP TEAM FUNDED WITH TOURISM TRANSFERS AND INTEREST ACCUMULATED FROM THE INITIAL EIP BOND ISSUE.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE VOTED TO CLOSE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS AS THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDED WITH MINOR OR TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS:
DEP MINING REGULATION/RECLAMATION (101-3188) PAGE CNR-37
WATER RESOURCES (101-4171) PAGE CNR-93
WILDLIFE OBLIGATED RESERVE (101-4458) PAGE CNR-118
WILDLIFE TROUT MANAGEMENT (101-4458) CNR-131
WATER PLANNING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT (101-4155) PAGE CNR-157
THE SUBCOMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNTS RESULT IN GENERAL FUND REDUCTIONS OF $1.03 MILLION IN FY 2002 AND $1.12 MILLION IN FY 2003. A SUMMARY IS ATTACHED TO THE CLOSING PACKET. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES AND TRANSPORTATION FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN FORMULATING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS. THE MEMBERS INCLUDE SPEAKER PERKINS, MRS. CHOWNING, MRS. De BRAGA, MR. MARVEL, AND MR. BEERS.
Mr. Parks also thanked the staff for their hard work in getting through these lengthy budgets. Chairman Arberry commented that Mr. Parks had done a great job chairing this subcommittee.
MR. MARVEL MOVED TO ACCEPT THE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT.
MRS. CHOWNING SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Dini referred to the Water Resources budget and asked if a Letter of Intent had been included in this budget for cloud seeding money or was the letter in the Desert Research Institute (DRI) budget. Mr. Parks responded the Letter of Intent was in the DRI budget. Mr. Dini submitted it was important not to forget this important part of the budget as it appeared the state was heading for a drought.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
BUDGETS CLOSED.
********
Chairman Arberry asked Mr. Parks to continue. Mr. Parks stated he had another closing statement to make regarding the Department of Prisons. Mr. Parks introduced Carla Watson, Program Analyst with the Fiscal Analysis Division, to assist with the presentation. Mr. Parks read from the following closing report:
THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES AND TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SEVENTEEN BUDGETS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PRISONS. THE DEPARTMENT’S BUDGET IS PRIMARILY DRIVEN BY THE PROJECTED NUMBER OF INMATES TO BE HOUSED. THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET PROVIDED FUNDING FOR HOUSING AN AVERAGE OF 10,340 INMATES IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND 10,817 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003. THE BUDGET, AS MODIFIED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE, WILL PROVIDE FOR HOUSING AN AVERAGE OF 10,466 INMATES IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND 11,023 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003. THIS MODIFICATION WAS THE RESULT OF A RE-PROJECTION OF THE INMATE POPULATION BY THE INSTITUTE ON CRIME, JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN MARCH 2001.
THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDED “COLLAPSING” ALL INSTITUTIONAL/CAMP ACCOUNTS INTO ONE BUDGET ACCOUNT #3711 – CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. THIS WOULD ELIMINATE THE DEPARTMENT’S NEED TO TRANSFER MONIES BETWEEN BUDGET ACCOUNTS, AND ALLOW FOR “FLEXIBILITY” THROUGHOUT THE PRISON SYSTEM. BY DOING SO, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONCEIVABLY BYPASS IFC OVERSIGHT FOR INSTITUTIONAL/CAMP BUDGET ACCOUNTS, AND ELIMINATE CHECKS AND BALANCES CURRENTLY AFFORDED BY THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH. THE FULL COMMITTEES DID NOT APPROVE THE CONSOLIDATION AND RECOMMENDED THE BUDGETS BE RETURNED TO THEIR “PRE-CONSOLIDATION” STATUS. ALL BUDGET ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN CLOSED IN THEIR TRADITIONAL FORM. WHEN THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACCOUNT CLOSED IN FULL COMMITTEE, IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT LANGUAGE BE ADDED IN THE APPROPRIATIONS ACT TO ALLOW THE NDOP GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR TRANSFERS BETWEEN BUDGET ACCOUNTS UP TO THE CURRENT LIMITS ALLOWED WITHIN BUDGETS WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING THE APPROVAL OF IFC.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE ACCREDITATION BY THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION (ACA) FOR THE LOVELOCK CORRECTIONAL CENTER AND THE ELY STATE PRISON. THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO RELOCATE THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO COMMERCIAL SPACE.
THE DRUG COURT PROGRAM IS SCHEDULED TO SUNSET ON JUNE 30, 2001. IF PASSED, A.B. 574 WILL REESTABLISH THE DRUG COURT PROGRAM. A MODIFICATION TO THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET WAS APPROVED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE, WHEREBY THE CASH MATCH FOR THE DRUG COURT PROGRAM WAS BUILT INTO THE PAROLE AND PROBATION DIVISION’S BUDGET AS OPPOSED TO RECEIVING A TRANSFER FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PRISONS. THIS WILL REQUIRE A MODIFICATION TO LEGISLATION SINCE THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PRISONS WILL NOT OCCUR.
THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET RECOMMENDS FUNDING OF $125,000 PER FISCAL YEAR FOR EXTRAORDINARY OR EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE NEEDS AT INSTITUTIONS AND FACILITIES. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF REDUCED FUNDING OF $92,000 PER FISCAL YEAR, WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S SCHEDULE FOR THE ACTUAL COST OF EXTRAORDINARY REPAIRS IN FISCAL YEAR 2000. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS ISSUING A LETTER OF INTENT REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE USE OF THE FUNDS AND TO PROVIDE STATUS REPORTS TO IFC EXPLAINING THE USE OF AND ENDING BALANCE OF THE FUNDS.
ADJUSTMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE PROVIDE FOR THE ADDITION OF $87,087 IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND $166,209 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003. OF THIS AMOUNT, $44,080 IS FUNDED FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND $103,835 IS FUNDED FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN FISCAL YEAR 2003. SUBSEQUENT TO CLOSURE OF THIS BUDGET BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, IT WAS DETERMINED NO PAY INCREASES HAD BEEN FUNDED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR THE “CLASSIFIED MEDICAL” PERSONNEL EMPLOYED BY THE NDOP (PHYSICIANS, PSYCHIATRISTS, AND DENTISTS). THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 22.1 FTE’S EMPLOYED BY THE NDOP THAT FALL INTO THIS EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY. FUNDING FOR THESE POSITIONS IS NOT REFLECTED IN THIS CLOSURE, HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY $271,000 IS RECOMMENDED TO BE FUNDED IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND $403,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003 FOR THE COST OF THE PAY INCREASES FOR THESE PERSONNEL IN THE STATE EMPLOYEES PAY BILL. STATEWIDE, THE COST FOR FUNDING THE CLASSIFIED MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN ALL BUDGETS IS ESTIMATED AT $846,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND $1.3 MILLION IN FISCAL YEAR 2003.
Mrs. Chowning inquired if this information had become available after the subcommittee had closed these budgets. There appeared to be a shortfall. Ms. Watson responded that Gary Ghiggeri, Senate Fiscal Analyst, had handled this account. Unfortunately, he was not available and she did not have the answer to Mrs. Chowning’s question. The budget account had not been assigned to Ms. Watson, but she suggested that perhaps Mr. Ghiggeri could be asked to come to the committee hearing.
Chairman Arberry inquired what was the problem. Mrs. Chowning referred to the closing report where classified medical personnel and others had not been given pay increases by the Governor. This information became available after the Public Safety Subcommittee had closed the budget.
Mr. Stevens added that when the language was being prepared for the classified pay bill for state employees, staff had checked a number of things. One of the items reviewed were the salary increases for medical personnel. It appeared to staff that a pay increase had not been built in for classified medical personnel in The Executive Budget. Obviously, there would need to be a pay increase for those personnel if state employees generally were going to receive pay increases. The classified medical portion could be built into the unclassified or the classified pay bill and it was staff’s recommendation that the additional cost be included. This way, the increases could be included in the salary adjustment pool. Those agencies which had classified medical personnel could access those dollars from the Board of Examiners’ salary adjustment pool should they be short of funds.
Mrs. Chowning asked if this salary adjustment would be part of the recommendation when closing those budgets, or if it would be part of the classified pay bill. Mr. Stevens responded affirmatively, one of the two bills would include provisions to increase the salaries for classified medical personnel. The dollars related to that increase would not be included in each of the individual budgets, but with staff recommendation, would be included in the salary adjustment pool. Otherwise, staff would have to go through each budget and make an entry for each one of those positions. If the aggregate amount was included in the salary adjustment pool, those agencies who encountered a shortfall could access the salary adjustment pool for those dollars and request the Budget Division and the Board of Examiners for that funding.
Chairman Arberry asked Mr. Parks to continue with his presentation.
BASED ON THE REVISED INMATE POPULATION PROJECTIONS, FUNDING FOR “INMATE-DRIVEN” COSTS IS INCREASED IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,298 IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND $151,355 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003. PAYMENTS TO CMS ARE REDUCED BY $5,124 IN FISCAL YEAR 2002 (SIX FEWER INMATES ARE PROJECTED TO BE HOUSED) AND INCREASED BY $6,901 IN FISCAL YEAR 2003 (NINE ADDITIONAL INMATES ARE PROJECTED TO BE HOUSED). TO PARTIALLY OFFSET GENERAL FUND COST, FUNDING FROM “NON-GENERAL” FUND SOURCES WAS UTILIZED AS HAS BEEN DONE IN PAST BIENNIUMS. FINALLY, THE CLOSING IS ADJUSTED TO DISPLAY THE “POPULATION GROWTH COSTS” IN “M200” INSTEAD OF THE “BASE”.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE, WITH TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS, APPROVED ALL OTHER DECISION UNITS IN THIS ACCOUNT.
SOUTHERN DESERT CORRECTIONAL CENTER (101-3738) PAGE PRISONS-58
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF A THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY PROGRAM SIMILAR TO THAT OFFERED TO OFFENDERS IN THE NORTH AT THE WARM SPRINGS CORRECTIONAL CENTER. THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS ELIMINATING THIRTEEN EXISTING CORRECTIONAL OFFICER POSITIONS AND CREATING ELEVEN NEW POSITIONS, WHICH CONSIST OF TWO CORRECTIONAL CASE WORKER SPECIALIST III’s, TWO MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT II’s, ONE REHABILITATION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR AND SIX SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELORS. THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS GENERAL FUND AS THE CASH MATCH FOR THE PROGRAM IN THE SOUTH. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THE CASH MATCH REQUIREMENT BE FUNDED BY THE INMATE WELFARE FUND.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCURS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO FUND START-UP COSTS FOR THE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER PROGRAM ESTABLISHED AT THE SOUTHERN DESERT CORRECTIONAL CENTER IN DECEMBER 2000. THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER, AGES 14-21.
THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL TO TRANSFER THE BOOT CAMP PROGRAM FROM THE INDIAN SPRINGS CONSERVATION CAMP (ISCC) TO THE SOUTHERN DESERT CORRECTIONAL CENTER (SDCC). SEVEN POSITIONS WOULD BE ELIMINATED, AND THE DEPARTMENT INDICATES INCUMBENTS, COMPRISING ONE SENIOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICER AND SIX CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, CAN BE ABSORBED IN EXISTING VACANCIES AT SDCC OR HIGH DESERT STATE PRISON (HDSP). THE REMAINING LIEUTENANT POSITION AND THE OPERATING BUDGET (CATEGORY 40) ARE RECOMMENDED FOR TRANSFER TO SDCC TO CONTINUE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGIMENTAL DISCIPLINE PROGRAM.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS INDICATED THE BOOT CAMP PROGRAM WILL BE HOUSED IN UNIT 7 WITH THE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER PROGRAM. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS REDUCING THE STAFFING RECOMMENDED FOR UNIT 7 FROM 9.6 TO 7 FTE AND TRANSFERRING THE REMAINING 3 CUSTODY STAFF IN UNIT 7 TO THE HIGH DESERT STATE PRISON TO PARTIALLY FILL THE STAFFING HOLE IN UNIT 8. THIS UNIT WAS NOT STAFFED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET. A MODIFICATION TO THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET RECOMMENDS TRANSFERRING 11.2 CUSTODY STAFF FROM UNIT 1 AT SDCC TO UNIT 8 AT HDSP TO COMPLETE THE STAFFING NEED.
THE ONE-SHOT FOR EQUIPMENT AT THIS FACILITY, AS APPROVED BY THE 1999 LEGISLATURE (A.B. 690), HAS AN AVAILABLE BALANCE OF $188,891. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL TO EXTEND THE REVERSION DATE FOR $12,659 IN ONE-SHOT FUNDS BEYOND JUNE 30, 2001 TO JUNE 30, 2002, FOR NEW EQUIPMENT ITEMS RECOMMENDED IN THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS APPLIED FOR A GRANT FROM THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE UP TO HALF OF THE COST FOR BULLETPROOF VESTS. THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO ITS APPLICATION UNTIL AFTER SESSION ENDS. FUNDING FOR PROTECTIVE VESTS IS RECOMMENDED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR LCC AND THE ELY STATE PRISON (ESP).
Chairman Arberry inquired why the prison employees were in need of bulletproof vests. Obviously, the prisoners would not be carrying guns and the employees certainly would not be shooting at each other, the Chairman commented. Mr. Parks stated the vests were not only bulletproof, but resistant to sharp objects as well, such as knives.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING IS RECOMMENDED IN THE ONE-SHOT (S.B. 442) FOR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT. IF GRANT FUNDING IS APPROVED, ONLY A PORTION OF THE RECOMMENDED GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS WILL BE NEEDED. THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS ISSUING A LETTER OF INTENT REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT TO TRANSFER THE REMAINING BALANCE OF GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR VESTS TO A RESERVE FOR REVERSION IF GRANT FUNDING IS RECEIVED. LASTLY, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS FUNDING TO ADD A CHAPLAIN POSITION THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET.
ALL REMAINING BUDGETS CLOSED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE HAD NO MAJOR CHANGES OUTSIDE OF TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ON THESE ACCOUNTS WILL RESULT IN A GENERAL FUND INCREASE OF $952,559 OVER THE BIENNIUM AS COMPARED TO THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES AND TRANSPORTATION FOR THEIR DILIGENT EFFORTS IN FORMULATING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS. THEY INCLUDE SPEAKER PERKINS, MRS. CHOWNING, MRS. De BRAGA, MR. MARVEL, AND MR. BEERS.
Mr. Parks also thanked Carla Watson for all her hard work. Unfortunately, the one question about the medical personnel was the only part of those budgets that Ms. Watson had not covered.
MR. MARVEL MOVED TO ACCEPT THE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT.
MR. HETTRICK SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ms. Tiffany inquired how the energy situation had been handled at the prisons. She wondered if the budget had been provided 15 percent increases or taken care of in some other fashion.
Mr. Parks apprised Ms. Tiffany that energy needs in each prison varied due to the types of heating or cooling fuels in use. He suggested Ms. Watson could provide some calculations. Ms. Watson testified The Executive Budget provided for 16 percent inflationary increase per year for electricity and 15 percent inflationary increase per year for natural gas. The Department of Prisons projected that in nearly every institution and camp those increases would not be sufficient. However, the subcommittee did provide for the fuel oil at High Desert State Prison which was substantially underfunded. The total amount projected by the department for the institutions and camps was provided to leadership for statewide consideration.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
Ms. Watson commented two issues had come to the attention of staff late yesterday afternoon for the committee’s consideration. The subcommittee approved the move of the Director’s Office to commercial space and copier lease funding had been inadvertently omitted in the amount of $9,200 for each fiscal year. The department asked the committee’s consideration for including this sum in the Director’s Office budget. Additionally, Ms. Watson continued, at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, they had been informed the water utilities would be increased by $23,356 per year and they would need the additional funding to cover those costs.
Chairman Arberry inquired why those issues were just brought before staff yesterday. Ms. Watson responded she received an e-mail late in the afternoon when the agency had just discovered each of those situations.
Chairman Arberry stated he had just conferred with Mr. Stevens about the occurrence of other such situations. He wanted to ensure this was not a pattern. However, since this was the first occurrence, he suggested the amounts be added into the budgets. The Chairman did not want to do the same for any other agencies. If any other requests were received from agencies indicating an omission, he asked staff to inform the agencies the funding would not be added to their budgets. Chairman Arberry asked for an amended motion.
MR. MARVEL AMENDED HIS MOTION TO ACCEPT THE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT WITH THE INCLUSION OF THE ADDITIONAL REQUEST FOR FUNDING.
MR. HETTRICK SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
BUDGETS CLOSED.
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Assembly Bill 52: Limits fees which providers of health services that accept insurance payments may collect from patients. (BDR 40-655)
Chairman Arberry called attention to A. B. 52. Mr. Stevens explained this bill involved several items. One concerned an audit of the University Medical Center and the other item was balanced billing.
Chairman Arberry asked Mr. Stevens to hold the bill for the time being.
Assembly Bill 177: Authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds to carry out Environmental Improvement Program in Lake Tahoe Basin. (BDR S-701)
Mr. Stevens indicated A. B. 177 authorized bonds to continue the environmental improvement projects which were set forth when the President of the United States visited the area a couple of years ago. This bill would authorize $16.2 million in bonds for the upcoming biennium.
Mr. Stevens referred to page 3 of the bill. At the top of the page, the projects were set forth which would be funded and in subsection 3, there was a contingency amount at lines 17 and 18 of almost $1.9 million. This sum represented 14-15 percent of the total amount and Mr. Stevens wanted to make sure the committee was aware of that contingency amount. State Lands would use the contingency funds to increase the cost of any of the projects which were bid higher than listed in the bill.
If the committee was comfortable with the contingency amount, Mr. Stevens indicated staff would recommend do pass. If the committee had a concern about the contingency amount, there could be some modifications made.
The Chairman asked the pleasure of the committee.
MR. HETTRICK MOVED DO PASS A. B. 177.
MR. MARVEL SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
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Assembly Bill 278: Authorizes Office of Veterans’ Services to accept gifts and grants for support of World War II Memorial Campaign. (BDR S-247)
Mr. Stevens told the committee this bill was heard some time ago. In its current form, the bill would provide a General Fund appropriation for the World War II memorial as well as $50,000 for the Nevada Veterans Center and Museum in Las Vegas.
Mr. Hettrick commented he had spoken again with Rusty Humphries, the radio talk show host, and Mr. Humphries was still willing to put money into this project. Given the situation with the state budget, Mr. Hettrick moved to amend the bill by removing both sections which contained funding. Mr. Hettrick advised that Mr. Humphries said he would send the state at least two and one-half to three times the amount of money requested in the bill to be funded with tax dollars. Donations could be allowed if anyone else wanted to add to the funding. Mr. Hettrick suggested Section 2 be removed and Section 1 be amended to allow donations.
MR. HETTRICK MOVED AMEND AND DO PASS A. B. 278.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
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Chairman Arberry requested Mr. Hettrick handle the bill explanation on the Assembly floor.
Assembly Bill 297: Makes various changes regarding educational personnel. (BDR 34-297)
Mr. Stevens divulged there were some amendments to A. B. 297 which would remove the funding from the bill. The proposed amendments would delete Sections 1 through 4 and 8 through 10. Sections 5, 6, and 7 would be retained along with Section 11, the effective date.
Ms. Giunchigliani added she had worked with the Governor’s staff and the amended language, which came from the Department of Education, was acceptable.
MR. PERKINS MOVED AMEND AND DO PASS A. B. 297.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
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Assembly Bill 285: Provides for appeal of decision of appointing authority regarding use of catastrophic leave by state employee. (BDR 23-438)
Chairman Arberry asked Mr. Stevens to summarize the bill. Mr. Stevens reported A. B. 285 would provide for the appeal of the decision concerning catastrophic leave by state employees and would set up a committee where those appeals could be heard. There was a $20,000 impact which was placed on the bill by the Department of Personnel.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED DO PASS A. B. 285.
MRS. De BRAGA SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
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Chairman Arberry asked Mrs. De Braga to handle the bill explanation on the Assembly floor.
Assembly Bill 641: Makes various changes to Multistate Highway Transportation Agreement. (BDR 43-1330)
Mr. Stevens observed the committee had heard the bill on a previous occasion, and would make changes to the Multistate Highway Transportation Agreement. There was a $7,500 appropriation from the Highway Fund in each year of the biennium to provide salary per diem travel expenses. Mr. Stevens believed the Department of Transportation objected to the Highway Fund appropriation included in the bill, but did not otherwise object. He was unsure if this issue was of concern to the committee, but Mr. Stevens wanted to mention the fact.
Mrs. Chowning noted she had not heard an amendment, but much work had gone into the budget accounts trying to save Highway Fund expenditures. She did not believe $7,500 was an exorbitant sum for the benefit the state would derive.
MRS. CHOWNING MOVED DO PASS A. B. 641.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH MS. LESLIE ABSENT AT THE TIME OF THE VOTE.
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Senate Bill 251: Makes supplemental appropriation to Department of Education for shortfall in money budgeted for contractual obligations for Terra Nova Tests. (BDR S-1262)
Mr. Stevens remarked S. B. 251 was a supplemental appropriation which was included in The Executive Budget. The appropriation of $38,890 for the Department of Education would be for Terra Nova testing which would make the budget whole for this fiscal year. Staff recommended approval.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED DO PASS S. B. 251.
MS. CHOWNING SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman Arberry asked Ms. Leslie to handle the bill explanation on the Assembly floor.
Assembly Bill 250: Requires screening of newborn children for hearing impairments under certain circumstances. (BDR 40-155)
Mr. Stevens said this bill would require screening of newborn children for hearing impairments. The bill was heard on April 23rd.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED DO PASS A. B. 250.
MS. LESLIE SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Hettrick explained he did not have a problem with the bill; however, he did not want to put the rural hospitals in a position of not being able to perform the screening because of a lack of personnel. Mr. Hettrick asked if some enabling language could be added to protect the rural hospitals in the event they were unable to provide services.
Ms. Leslie responded she had some clarifying language. The Legal Division had indicated this issue would be covered. However, because Mr. Dini also raised the question, Ms. Leslie would be more than willing to clarify further when the bill reached the Senate.
Ms. Giunchigliani indicated she would be willing to amend the bill. Possibly, after the bill was amended, the bill could be reviewed to ensure the language carried the correct intent to not impact the rural hospitals.
Chairman Arberry commented the committee wished to amend and do pass the bill without seeing the amendment. Mr. Hettrick pointed out it was very clear the amendment was not controversial, it was clarification language to ensure the rural hospitals were covered. He did not want the bill to be mandatory if the services could not be provided in the rural hospitals.
MS. GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED AMEND AND DO PASS A. B. 250.
MS. LESLIE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Assembly Bill 313: Creates statutory presumptions that hepatitis is occupational disease for certain employees. (BDR 53-843)
Mr. Stevens commented when he reviewed the amendment made by the committee yesterday, there was some confusion with reference to his explanation of presumptive eligibility. Mr. Dini had corrected Mr. Stevens and said the bill impacted volunteer firemen. Mr. Stevens stated Mr. Dini was correct and he apologized for the mistake. Upon further review, the bill did not remove presumptive eligibility, it removed volunteer firemen. Mr. Stevens inquired if that impacted the committee’s attitude on the bill and whether or not it should be approved. The bill was on General File on the Assembly floor today.
Ms. Giunchigliani added the issue had been the volunteer firemen which added the fiscal note and was the only thing the committee had considered. When the bill passed out of Assembly Commerce and Labor, it had the presumptive eligibility which was necessary in this piece of legislation. She felt the amendment would be fine.
There being no further business before the committee, Chairman Arberry adjourned the meeting at 10:36 a.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Reba Coombs
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
DATE: