requires two-thirds majority vote (§ 24)                                                 

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  A.B. 410

 

Assembly Bill No. 410–Assemblyman Carpenter

 

March 16, 2001

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining

 

SUMMARY—Makes various changes relating to guides and outfitters. (BDR 54‑1190)

 

FISCAL NOTE:            Effect on Local Government: Yes.

                                    Effect on the State: Yes.

 

~

 

EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.

Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT relating to professions; creating the outfitters and guides licensing board of Nevada; providing for licensure of outfitters and guides; providing penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

 

1-1    Section 1. Title 54 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a

1-2  new chapter to consist of the provisions set forth as sections 2 to 37,

1-3  inclusive, of this act.

1-4    Sec. 2.  1.  It is the policy of this state and the purpose of this

1-5  chapter to:

1-6    (a) Promote and encourage residents and nonresidents alike to

1-7  participate in the enjoyment and use of the deserts, mountains, rivers,

1-8  streams, lakes, reservoirs and other natural resources of this state, and

1-9  the fish and game therein, and to that end to regulate and license those

1-10  persons who undertake for compensation to provide equipment and

1-11  personal services to persons who participate in outdoor recreational

1-12  activities; and

1-13    (b) Safeguard the health, safety, welfare and freedom from injury or

1-14  danger of persons who engage in outdoor recreational activities by using

1-15  the services of commercial outfitters and guides in this state.

1-16    2.  It is not the intent of this chapter to:

1-17    (a) Interfere in any way with the business of livestock operations;

1-18    (b) Prevent the owner of pack animals from allowing other persons to

1-19  use those animals if no consideration is exchanged for that use;

1-20    (c) Interfere in any way with the right of the general public to enjoy

1-21  the recreational value of the deserts, mountains, rivers, streams, lakes,

1-22  reservoirs and other natural resources of this state when the services of

1-23  commercial outfitters and guides are not used; or


2-1    (d) Interfere with the right of the United States to manage the public

2-2  lands under its control.

2-3    Sec. 3.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

2-4  requires, the words and terms defined in sections 4 to 9, inclusive, of this

2-5  act have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

2-6    Sec. 4.  “Board” means the outfitters and guides licensing board of

2-7  Nevada.

2-8    Sec. 5.  “Guide” is any natural person who is employed by a licensed

2-9  outfitter to furnish personal services directly related to the conduct of

2-10  outdoor recreational activities for which the employing outfitter is

2-11  licensed.

2-12    Sec. 6.  “License year” means the period beginning on June 1 and

2-13  ending on May 31 of the following year.

2-14    Sec. 7.  “Licensee” means a person who is issued a license pursuant

2-15  to this chapter.

2-16    Sec. 8.  “Outdoor recreational activities” include, without limitation:

2-17    1.  Hunting animals, including, without limitation, birds;

2-18    2.  Float or power boating on rivers and streams of this state;

2-19    3.  Fishing on the lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams of this state;

2-20  and

2-21    4.  Hazardous desert or mountain excursions, including, without

2-22  limitation, excursions on horseback, rappelling and rafting.

2-23    Sec. 9.  “Outfitter” means any person who:

2-24    1.  Advertises or otherwise holds himself out to the public for hire for

2-25  engaging clients in outdoor recreational activities;

2-26    2.  For compensation, provides facilities and services to clients

2-27  engaged in outdoor recreational activities; and

2-28    3.  Maintains, leases, or otherwise uses equipment or

2-29  accommodations for engaging clients in outdoor recreational activities.

2-30    Sec. 10.  This chapter does not apply to:

2-31    1.  A person who, for accommodation and not for compensation or

2-32  gain or promise thereof, furnishes a pack or saddle horse, or other

2-33  equipment, to a hunter or a fisherman.

2-34    2.  A person who merely supplies equipment to a person who engages

2-35  in an outdoor recreational activity without a guide.

2-36    3.  Members of a nonprofit organization if:

2-37    (a) The organization is exempt from the payment of federal income

2-38  taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

2-39    (b) The purpose of the organization is to provide outdoor experiences

2-40  to persons under the age of 21 years and to the leaders of the

2-41  organization; and

2-42    (c) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the organization

2-43  provides outfitting and guiding services to its own bona fide members

2-44  without profit. If the members of the nonprofit organization provide

2-45  outfitting or guiding services to persons who are not its members and

2-46  leaders, the provisions of this chapter apply to that organization, its

2-47  members and leaders.

2-48    4.  An employee of this state or the Federal Government who is

2-49  performing the duties of his employment.


3-1    Sec. 11.  The outfitters and guides licensing board of Nevada,

3-2  consisting of four members appointed by the governor and one member

3-3  appointed by the board of wildlife commissioners, is hereby created.

3-4    Sec. 12.  1.  The board of wildlife commissioners shall appoint one

3-5  member of the board from its members.

3-6    2.  The governor shall appoint four members of the board as follows:

3-7    (a) Three members who are licensed outfitters or guides who have at

3-8  least 5 years of experience as an outfitter or guide in this state; and

3-9    (b) One member who is a game warden.

3-10    3.  Each member of the board serves for a term of 3 years and is

3-11  entitled to receive compensation for each day the member is engaged in

3-12  the business of the board in an amount determined by the governor to be

3-13  reasonable for such service. The member representing the board of

3-14  wildlife commissioners must be paid by the board of wildlife

3-15  commissioners.

3-16    Sec. 13.  1.  A member may be removed from the board by the

3-17  appointing authority for good cause.

3-18    2.  If a member dies, resigns or is removed from office before the end

3-19  of his term or is otherwise unable to complete his term, the appointing

3-20  authority that appointed the member shall appoint a person to serve for

3-21  the remainder of the term of the member being replaced in the manner

3-22  required for appointing a member pursuant to section 12 of this act.

3-23    3.  If a vacancy occurs in a position held by a person who is

3-24  appointed pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 2 of section 12 of this

3-25  act, a professional association of outfitters and guides in this state shall

3-26  submit to the governor the names of two persons who are qualified

3-27  pursuant to that paragraph. Within 30 days after receiving the names

3-28  pursuant to this subsection, the governor shall appoint a person from the

3-29  names received to fill the vacancy.

3-30    Sec. 14.  1.  A majority of the members of the board constitutes a

3-31  quorum.

3-32    2.  The board shall meet at least four times a year, and at least two

3-33  meetings must be held in Reno, Nevada.

3-34    Sec. 15.  1.  The board shall appoint an executive director who

3-35  serves at the pleasure of the board.

3-36    2.  The executive director shall perform duties prescribed by the

3-37  board.

3-38    3.  The board may, in its discretion, refuse, sustain or reverse, by

3-39  majority vote, any action or decision of the executive director.

3-40    Sec. 16.  The board shall:

3-41    1.  Conduct examinations to determine the qualifications of

3-42  applicants for licenses issued pursuant to this chapter.

3-43    2.  Issue licenses to qualified applicants, with such restrictions and

3-44  limitations thereon as the board may find reasonable.

3-45    3.  Conduct hearings and proceedings to suspend, revoke or restrict

3-46  licenses issued pursuant to this chapter for due cause in the manner

3-47  provided in this chapter.

3-48    4.  Enforce the provisions of this chapter.


4-1    5.  Adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter,

4-2  including, without limitation, regulations which prescribe:

4-3    (a) Requirements for training, experience and knowledge of laws and

4-4  regulations for licensure pursuant to this chapter;

4-5    (b) The form and content of examinations to be given to applicants for

4-6  licenses pursuant to this chapter, whether oral, written or demonstrative,

4-7  or a combination thereof;

4-8    (c) The type and condition of equipment which must be used by a

4-9  licensee; and

4-10    (d) Standards and requirements for the operation of an outfitter and

4-11  conduct of a guide which are appropriate for:

4-12      (1) Protecting customers of an outfitter from injury or danger; and

4-13      (2) Conservation of wildlife and range resources.

4-14    6.  Cooperate with the federal and state governments in matters of

4-15  mutual concern regarding outfitters or guides in this state.

4-16    Sec. 17.  1.  The board, any member of the board, a panel of its

4-17  members or a hearing officer may issue subpoenas to compel the

4-18  attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, documents,

4-19  records of licensees, and any other articles related to this chapter.

4-20    2.  If any witness refuses to attend or testify or produce any article as

4-21  required by a subpoena, the board may file a petition with the district

4-22  court stating that:

4-23    (a) Due notice has been given for the time and place of attendance of

4-24  the witness or the production of the required articles;

4-25    (b) The witness has been subpoenaed pursuant to this section; and

4-26    (c) The witness has failed or refused to attend or produce the articles

4-27  required by the subpoena or has refused to answer questions propounded

4-28  to him,

4-29  and asking for an order of the court compelling the witness to attend and

4-30  testify before the board, a panel of its members or a hearing officer, or

4-31  produce the articles as required by the subpoena.

4-32    3.  Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall enter an order

4-33  directing the witness to appear before the court at a time and place to be

4-34  fixed by the court in its order, the time to be not more than 10 days after

4-35  the date of the order, and then and there show cause why he has not

4-36  attended or testified or produced the articles. A certified copy of the order

4-37  must be served upon the witness.

4-38    4.  If it appears to the court that the subpoena was regularly issued,

4-39  the court shall enter an order that the witness appear before the board, a

4-40  member of the board, a panel of its members or a hearing officer, as

4-41  appropriate, at the time and place fixed in the order and testify or

4-42  produce the required articles, and upon failure to obey the order the

4-43  witness must be dealt with as for contempt of court.

4-44    Sec. 18.  1.  The board may employ enforcement agents to conduct

4-45  investigations and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

4-46    2.  All enforcement agents appointed by the board who are certified

4-47  by the peace officers’ standards and training commission shall have the

4-48  power of peace officers as provided in section 40 of this act.

 


5-1    Sec. 19.  1.  By June 1 of each year:

5-2    (a) The board shall provide to the administrator of the division of

5-3  wildlife of the state department of conservation and natural resources, in

5-4  a manner and form prescribed by the executive director, the number of

5-5  each species of big game mammal taken by clients of licensed outfitters

5-6  during the immediately preceding license year and the area in which

5-7  each big game mammal was taken.

5-8    (b) Each licensed outfitter shall provide to the administrator of the

5-9  division of wildlife, in a manner and form prescribed by the executive

5-10  director, the number of each species of big game mammal taken by its

5-11  clients during the immediately preceding license year and the area in

5-12  which each big game mammal was taken.

5-13    2.  As used in this section, “big game mammal” has the meaning

5-14  ascribed to it in NRS 501.005.

5-15    Sec. 20.  1.  Each applicant for the issuance of a license pursuant to

5-16  this chapter must submit to the board an application for the issuance of a

5-17  license, as appropriate, on a form prescribed by the board.

5-18    2.  All applications for the issuance of an outfitter license must:

5-19    (a) Include, without limitation:

5-20      (1) A list of the outdoor recreational activities for which the

5-21  outfitter desires to be licensed; and

5-22      (2) A description of the boundaries of the geographical area in

5-23  which the outfitter desires to engage clients in the outdoor recreational

5-24  activities;

5-25    (b) Be signed by the applicant, under oath or affirmation that all

5-26  information supplied by him is true and correct; and

5-27    (c) Be notarized by a notary public.

5-28    3.  An application for an outfitter license submitted by a firm,

5-29  partnership, corporation or other organization must designate at least

5-30  one natural person conducting its business who meets the qualifications

5-31  and requirements for an outfitter license.

5-32    4.  All applications for a guide license must:

5-33    (a) Include, without limitation, a statement signed by the outfitter by

5-34  whom the applicant will be employed stating that the outfitter will employ

5-35  the applicant as a guide; and

5-36    (b) Be signed by the applicant.

5-37    5.  The board may investigate the background and qualifications of

5-38  an applicant as it deems appropriate.

5-39    Sec. 21.  An application for licensure pursuant to this chapter must

5-40  include the social security number of the applicant.

5-41    Sec. 22. 1.  An applicant for the issuance of a license issued

5-42  pursuant to this chapter shall submit to the board the statement

5-43  prescribed by the welfare division of the department of human resources

5-44  pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed

5-45  by the applicant.

5-46    2.  The board shall include the statement required pursuant to

5-47  subsection 1 in:

5-48    (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the

5-49  issuance of the license; or


6-1    (b) A separate form prescribed by the board.

6-2    3.  A license may not be issued or renewed by the board if the

6-3  applicant:

6-4    (a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

6-5    (b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that

6-6  he is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in

6-7  compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or

6-8  other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount

6-9  owed pursuant to the order.

6-10    4.  If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to

6-11  subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a child

6-12  and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district

6-13  attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of

6-14  the amount owed pursuant to the order, the board shall advise the

6-15  applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing

6-16  the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy

6-17  the arrearage.

6-18    Sec. 23.  1.  The board shall make a final decision on an application

6-19  submitted by an applicant who has held during the immediately

6-20  preceding license year a license of the same type for which the

6-21  application is made not later than:

6-22    (a) May 31 of the year in which the board receives all materials

6-23  required to be submitted to complete the application; or

6-24    (b) Thirty days after the date on which the board receives all materials

6-25  required to be submitted to complete the application,

6-26  whichever is later.

6-27    2.  The board shall make a final decision on an application submitted

6-28  by an applicant who did not hold during the immediately preceding

6-29  license year a license of the same type for which the application is made

6-30  not later than:

6-31    (a) February 15 of the year in which the board receives all materials

6-32  required to be submitted to complete the application; or

6-33    (b) Ninety days after the date on which the board receives all

6-34  materials required to be submitted to complete the application,

6-35  whichever is later.

6-36    Sec. 24.  1.  If an applicant has not been previously licensed by the

6-37  board, the applicant shall submit with his application an application fee

6-38  in an amount determined by the board pursuant to subsection 5.

6-39    2.  If the board approves an application for licensure pursuant to this

6-40  chapter, before issuing the license, the board must receive from the

6-41  applicant a license fee in the amount of:

6-42    (a) For an outfitter license, $300; and

6-43    (b) For a guide license, $95.

6-44    3.  The board shall charge a fee of $75 for every amendment to the

6-45  license of an outfitter other than an incidental amendment, as

6-46  determined by the board, and a fee of $10 for every incidental

6-47  amendment to the license of an outfitter and every amendment to the

6-48  license of a guide. The board shall adopt regulations that prescribe when


7-1  a license may be amended, the procedure for amending a license and

7-2  when an amendment to a license is incidental.

7-3    4.  The license fees and fees for amending a license collected

7-4  pursuant to this section must be used for the investigation of applicants,

7-5  for the enforcement of this chapter and for the administrative costs of the

7-6  board.

7-7    5.  Each year, the board shall establish a one-time application fee of

7-8  not more than $800 for an application for licensure as an outfitter or $10

7-9  for an application for licensure as a guide to be charged to each

7-10  applicant who has not been previously issued such a license by the board.

7-11  Application fees collected by the board must be used to pay for the cost of

7-12  investigating applicants. The board shall prescribe by regulation a policy

7-13  for refunding any unused application fees or portions thereof.

7-14    Sec. 25. 1.  Before issuing a license to an applicant, the board shall

7-15  require that the applicant:

7-16    (a) File with the board a surety bond in a form acceptable to the board

7-17  executed by the applicant as principal with a corporation authorized to

7-18  transact surety business in this state as surety; or

7-19    (b) In lieu of such a bond, establish with the board a cash deposit as

7-20  provided in this section.

7-21    2.  Before granting a license to an applicant, the board shall require

7-22  that the applicant file with the board satisfactory evidence that his surety

7-23  bond or cash deposit is in full force, unless the applicant has been

7-24  relieved of the requirement as provided in this section.

7-25    3.  Failure of an applicant or licensee to file or maintain in full force

7-26  the required bond or to establish the required cash deposit constitutes

7-27  cause for the board to deny, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license.

7-28    4.  The amount of each bond or cash deposit required by this section

7-29  must be fixed by the board with reference to the financial and

7-30  professional responsibility of the licensee or applicant and the magnitude

7-31  of operations of the licensee or applicant, but must be not less than

7-32  $1,000 or more than $10,000. The bond must be continuous in form and

7-33  must be conditioned that the total aggregate liability of the surety for all

7-34  claims is limited to the face amount of the bond irrespective of the

7-35  number of years the bond is in force. The board may increase or reduce

7-36  the amount of any bond or cash deposit if evidence supporting a change

7-37  in the amount is presented when the applicant applies for a license

7-38  pursuant to this chapter or at a hearing conducted pursuant to this

7-39  chapter. Unless released earlier pursuant to subsection 5, any cash

7-40  deposit may be withdrawn 2 years after termination of the license in

7-41  connection with which it was established, or 2 years after completion of

7-42  all work authorized by the board after termination of the license,

7-43  whichever occurs later, if there is no outstanding claim against the cash

7-44  deposit.

7-45    5.  After a licensee has acted in the capacity of a licensed outfitter or

7-46  licensed guide in this state for not less than 5 consecutive years, the

7-47  board may relieve the licensee of the requirement of filing a bond or

7-48  establishing a cash deposit if evidence supporting the relief is presented

7-49  to the board. The board may at any time thereafter require the licensee to


8-1  file a new bond or establish a new cash deposit as provided in subsection

8-2  4. If a licensee is relieved of the requirement of establishing a cash

8-3  deposit, the cash deposit may be withdrawn 2 years after the relief is

8-4  granted, if there is no outstanding claim against the cash deposit.

8-5    Sec. 26. 1.  Each bond or cash deposit required by section 25 of this

8-6  act must be in favor of the State of Nevada for the benefit of any person

8-7  who is injured by any unlawful act or omission of the outfitter or guide.

8-8    2.  Any person claiming against the bond or cash deposit may bring

8-9  an action in a court of competent jurisdiction on the bond or against the

8-10  board on the cash deposit for the amount of damage he has suffered to

8-11  the extent covered by the bond or cash deposit. No action may be

8-12  commenced on the bond or cash deposit for 2 years after the commission

8-13  of the act on which the action is based. If an action is commenced on the

8-14  bond, the surety that executed the bond shall notify the board of the

8-15  action within 30 days after the date on which:

8-16    (a) The surety is served with a complaint and summons; or

8-17    (b) The action is commenced,

8-18  whichever occurs first.

8-19    3.  Upon receiving a request from a person for whose benefit a bond

8-20  or cash deposit is required, the board shall notify him that:

8-21    (a) A bond is in effect or that a cash deposit has been made, and the

8-22  amount of either;

8-23    (b) There is an action against a bond, if that is the case, and the court,

8-24  the title and number of the action and the amount sought by the plaintiff;

8-25  and

8-26    (c) There is an action against the board, if that is the case, and the

8-27  amount sought by the plaintiff.

8-28    4.  If a surety, or in the case of a cash deposit, the board, desires to

8-29  make payment without awaiting court action, the amount of the bond or

8-30  cash deposit must be reduced to the extent of any payment made by the

8-31  surety or the board in good faith under the bond or cash deposit. Any

8-32  payment must be based on written claims received by the surety or board

8-33  before the court action.

8-34    5.  The surety or the board may bring an action for interpleader

8-35  against all claimants upon the bond or cash deposit. If an action for

8-36  interpleader is commenced, the surety or the board must serve each

8-37  known claimant and publish notice of the action at least once each week

8-38  for 2 weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the

8-39  outfitter has his principal place of business. The surety is entitled to

8-40  deduct its costs of the action, including publication, from its liability

8-41  under the bond. The board is entitled to deduct its costs of the action,

8-42  including attorney’s fees and publication, from the cash deposit.

8-43    6.  Claims against a bond or cash deposit have equal priority, except

8-44  where otherwise provided by law, and if the bond or cash deposit is

8-45  insufficient to pay all those claims in full, they must be paid pro rata.

8-46  Partial payment of claims is not full payment, and the claimants may

8-47  bring actions against the licensee for the unpaid balances.

8-48    7.  The board shall not claim against the bond or cash deposit

8-49  required pursuant to section 25 of this act for the payment of an


9-1  administrative fine imposed for a violation of the provisions of this

9-2  chapter.

9-3    Sec. 27.  1.  The board shall not issue a license to an applicant if the

9-4  board determines that the applicant:

9-5    (a) Is incompetent or does not possess good moral character;

9-6    (b) Is less than 18 years of age; or

9-7    (c) Does not possess a working knowledge of the laws and regulations

9-8  of this state and of the Federal Government that relate to fish and game

9-9  or outfitters and guides.

9-10    2.  The board shall not issue an outfitter license to any applicant who

9-11  the board determines does not have sufficient financial responsibility to

9-12  conduct adequately the business of an outfitter.

9-13    3.  The board shall not issue a license to a firm, partnership,

9-14  corporation or other organization which does not have at least one

9-15  designated agent conducting its outfitting business who meets all the

9-16  qualifications and requirements of a licensed outfitter.

9-17    4.  The board may refuse to grant a license to an applicant who the

9-18  board determines has committed an act or omission that constitutes

9-19  grounds for revocation or suspension of a license pursuant to this

9-20  chapter.

9-21    Sec. 28.  1.  The board shall prescribe by regulation the form and

9-22  content of licenses issued pursuant to this chapter. The board may

9-23  prescribe by regulation limitations or qualifications placed upon a

9-24  license issued pursuant to this chapter. A limitation or qualification

9-25  placed upon a license must be clearly indicated on the face of the license

9-26  or as an attachment to the license and is part of the license.

9-27    2.  An outfitter license issued by the board must specify:

9-28    (a) The outdoor recreational activities that may be conducted by the

9-29  outfitter pursuant to the license;

9-30    (b) The geographical limits of the area in which the outfitter is

9-31  authorized to operate; and

9-32    (c) The species of game, if any, which may be hunted pursuant to the

9-33  license.

9-34    3.  When considering approving an outdoor recreational activity for a

9-35  license, the board shall consider the following matters, including,

9-36  without limitation:

9-37    (a) The length of time the applicant has operated in that area;

9-38    (b) The extent to which the applicant is qualified by reason of

9-39  experience, equipment or resources to operate in that area;

9-40    (c) The safety record of the applicant;

9-41    (d) The accessibility of the area, the particular terrain, and the

9-42  weather conditions normal to that area during the applicable season; and

9-43    (e) The total amount of geographical area requested by any applicant

9-44  for an outfitters license, giving due consideration to the effect which the

9-45  licensure of such an area would have upon the environment, the amount

9-46  of game which can be harvested and the number of persons that can be

9-47  adequately served in the area.

9-48    4.  A license issued by the board is valid from the date issued until the

9-49  end of the license year in which the license is issued.


10-1    5.  Only the person named on the license may conduct the activities

10-2  described in the license. A license may not be sold, assigned or otherwise

10-3  transferred.

10-4    6.  The board may adjust the geographical limit of operations of the

10-5  outfitter described in his license if the board determines that good cause

10-6  exists for the adjustment. The board shall adopt regulations to carry out

10-7  the provisions of this subsection.

10-8    Sec. 29.  A person engaged in the business, or acting in the capacity,

10-9  of an outfitter or a guide within this state shall not bring or maintain any

10-10  action in the courts of this state for the collection of compensation for the

10-11  performance of any services as an outfitter or a guide, without alleging

10-12  and proving that the person, partnership, or corporation was a licensed

10-13  outfitter or guide at the time the alleged cause of action arose.

10-14  Sec. 30.  1.  If the board denies an application, the board shall

10-15  notify the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the denial within 10

10-16  days after denying the application.

10-17  2.  If an applicant who receives notice pursuant to subsection 1

10-18  corrects, to the satisfaction of the board, the reasons stated by the board

10-19  for the denial within 30 days after receiving notice of denial, and if,

10-20  thereafter, a majority of the board approve the correction, the board shall

10-21  issue a license to the applicant.

10-22  Sec. 31.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, all

10-23  reasonable expenses incurred by the board in carrying out the provisions

10-24  of this chapter must be paid from the money that it receives. No part of

10-25  the salaries or expenses of the board may be paid out of the state general

10-26  fund.

10-27  2.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, all money collected

10-28  by the board from the imposition of fines must be deposited with the state

10-29  treasurer for credit to the state general fund. All other money received by

10-30  the board must be deposited in qualified banks, credit unions or savings

10-31  and loan associations in this state and paid out on its order for its

10-32  expenses.

10-33  3.  The board may delegate to a hearing officer or panel its authority

10-34  to take any disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter, impose and

10-35  collect fines therefor, and deposit the money therefrom in banks, credit

10-36  unions or savings and loan associations in this state.

10-37  4.  If a hearing officer or panel is not authorized to take disciplinary

10-38  action pursuant to subsection 3 and the board deposits the money

10-39  collected from the imposition of fines with the state general fund, it may

10-40  present a claim to the state board of examiners for recommendation to

10-41  the interim finance committee if money is needed to pay attorney’s fees

10-42  or the costs of an investigation, or both.

10-43  Sec. 32.  1.  The board may, upon its own motion, and shall, upon

10-44  the verified complaint in writing of any person setting forth facts which,

10-45  if proven, would constitute grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation

10-46  of a license pursuant to this chapter, investigate the actions of the

10-47  licensee. If, after an investigation, the board decides to proceed with

10-48  disciplinary action, the board may take action pursuant to this section.


11-1    2.  A written notice of the hearing must be served on the respondent

11-2  not less than 30 days before the date of the hearing, either personally or

11-3  by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail to the address of

11-4  the respondent last known to the board.

11-5    3.  If, after having been served with the notice of hearing, the

11-6  respondent fails to appear at the hearing and defend, the board may

11-7  proceed to hear evidence against the respondent and may enter an order

11-8  as is justified by the evidence. The order is final unless the respondent

11-9  petitions for a review thereof. Within 30 days after the date of any order,

11-10  upon a showing of good cause for failing to appear and defend, the

11-11  board may reopen the proceedings and may allow the respondent to

11-12  submit evidence in his behalf.

11-13  4.  At any hearing a respondent may be represented before the board

11-14  by counsel. The respondent is entitled, on application to the board, to the

11-15  issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses on his

11-16  behalf.

11-17  5.  A hearing may be conducted by:

11-18  (a) The board, less any member or members who have been

11-19  disqualified, without the appointment of persons to hear the case in place

11-20  of the disqualified members; or

11-21  (b) A member of the board appointed by the board, with the remaining

11-22  members of the board, less any member or members who have been

11-23  disqualified, to review the record, make a final decision and issue the

11-24  order,

11-25  unless the board, after disqualifications, consists of less than three

11-26  members to hear or review the case, in which circumstance, the governor

11-27  must appoint one or more qualified persons so that the panel which

11-28  hears or reviews the case consists of at least three persons.

11-29  Sec. 33.  1.  After giving notice and conducting a hearing, the board

11-30  may revoke, or may suspend for a period of not more than 1 year, any

11-31  license issued pursuant to this chapter for any one or a combination of

11-32  the following causes:

11-33  (a) For supplying false information or for failure to provide

11-34  information required to be furnished on the application for a license that

11-35  is currently in effect or for other fraud or deception in procuring a

11-36  license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

11-37  (b) For fraudulent, untruthful or misleading advertising.

11-38  (c) For conviction of a felony.

11-39  (d) For three or more forfeitures of any deposits of money or

11-40  collateral with a court or administrative agency or for a conviction for

11-41  violation of regulations of the United States Forest Service or the Bureau

11-42  of Land Management of the United States Department of the Interior.

11-43  (e) For unethical or unprofessional conduct as defined by regulations

11-44  of the board.

11-45  (f) For conviction of any violation of any state or federal law or

11-46  regulation relating to fish and game or outfitters and guides.

11-47  (g) For a substantial breach of any contract with any person using his

11-48  services.

11-49  (h) For willfully:


12-1      (1) Operating in a geographical area for which the licensee is not

12-2  licensed; or

12-3      (2) Engaging in any activity for which the licensee is not licensed.

12-4    (i) For the employment of an unlicensed guide by an outfitter.

12-5    (j) For the inhumane treatment of any animal used by the licensed

12-6  outfitter or guide in the conduct of his business, including, without

12-7  limitation, the failure to provide the animal with proper food, drink and

12-8  shelter.

12-9    (k) For failure by any firm, partnership, corporation or other

12-10  organization, or any combination thereof, licensed as an outfitter to have

12-11  at least one natural person conducting its outfitting business who meets

12-12  all the qualifications and requirements of a licensed outfitter.

12-13  (l) For failure of an outfitter to serve the public in any of the

12-14  following ways:

12-15     (1) By limiting its services to any individual, group, corporation or

12-16  club that limits its services to a membership; or

12-17     (2) By not offering services to the general public.

12-18  (m) For violation of or noncompliance with any applicable provision

12-19  of this chapter or any regulation of the board adopted pursuant to this

12-20  chapter.

12-21  2.  In addition to any other penalties prescribed by this chapter, the

12-22  board may impose a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each

12-23  violation. The board may recover:

12-24  (a) Attorney’s fees and costs incurred with respect to a hearing held

12-25  pursuant to subsection 1 from a licensee if he is found in violation

12-26  thereof; and

12-27  (b) Attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the recovery of a civil penalty

12-28  imposed.

12-29  Sec. 34.  1.  If the board receives a copy of a court order issued

12-30  pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of all

12-31  professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates and

12-32  permits issued to a person who is the holder of a license granted

12-33  pursuant to this chapter, the board shall deem the license issued to that

12-34  person to be suspended at the end of the 30th day after the date on which

12-35  the court order was issued unless the board receives a letter issued to the

12-36  holder of the license by the district attorney or other public agency

12-37  pursuant to NRS 425.550 stating that the holder of the certificate,

12-38  registration, license or permit has complied with the subpoena or warrant

12-39  or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

12-40  2.  The board shall reinstate a license issued pursuant to this chapter

12-41  that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if

12-42  the board receives a letter issued by the district attorney or other public

12-43  agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose license was

12-44  suspended stating that the person whose license was suspended has

12-45  complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage

12-46  pursuant to NRS 425.560.

12-47  Sec. 35.  Any person aggrieved by any action of the board in denying

12-48  the issuance of or in the suspension or revocation of a license pursuant

12-49  to this chapter may appeal the decision to the board by filing a written


13-1  request for a hearing before the board within 21 days after the decision

13-2  of the board.

13-3    Sec. 36.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and

13-4  section 10 of this act, a person shall not act in the capacity of an outfitter

13-5  or guide unless the person is licensed as an outfitter or guide, as

13-6  appropriate, pursuant to this chapter. Any natural person holding a

13-7  current and valid outfitter license may act as a guide without a guide

13-8  license if he possesses the qualifications of a guide as determined by the

13-9  board.

13-10  2.  A person licensed to operate as an outfitter shall only conduct his

13-11  outfitting operation within the geographical limit of the operations

13-12  described in his license.

13-13  3.  Any person convicted for violating the provisions of this chapter is

13-14  guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine of not less

13-15  than $100 nor more than $5,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail

13-16  for a term not to exceed 90 days, if other than a corporation, or by both

13-17  fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

13-18  Sec. 37.  1.  The board or its designated agent may commence and

13-19  prosecute in district court a civil enforcement action against any person

13-20  who is alleged to have violated this chapter or any regulation adopted

13-21  pursuant to this chapter. The board is not required to initiate or

13-22  prosecute an administrative action before commencing and prosecuting a

13-23  civil action.

13-24  2.  A civil proceeding may not be brought to recover for a violation of

13-25  this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter more

13-26  than 2 years after the board had knowledge of the violation.

13-27  3.  Any person who is found to have violated any provision of this

13-28  chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter must be

13-29  assessed the board’s costs, including the reasonable value of attorney’s

13-30  services, for preparing and litigating the case.

13-31  Sec. 38.  NRS 218.825 is hereby amended to read as follows:

13-32  218.825  1.  Each of the boards and commissions created by the

13-33  provisions of chapters [341C,] 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628 to 644,

13-34  inclusive, [and] 654 and 656 of NRS and sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of

13-35  this act shall engage the services of a certified public accountant or public

13-36  accountant, or firm of either of such accountants, to audit all its fiscal

13-37  records once each year for the preceding fiscal year or once every other

13-38  year for the 2 preceding fiscal years. The cost of the audit must be paid by

13-39  the board or commission audited.

13-40  2.  A report of each such audit must be filed by the board or

13-41  commission with the legislative auditor and the director of the budget on or

13-42  before December 1 of each year in which an audit is conducted. All audits

13-43  must be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing

13-44  standards and all financial statements must be prepared in accordance with

13-45  generally accepted principles of accounting for special revenue funds.

13-46  3.  The legislative auditor shall audit the fiscal records of any such

13-47  board or commission whenever directed to do so by the legislative

13-48  commission. When the legislative commission directs such an audit, it shall

13-49  also determine who is to pay the cost of the audit.


14-1    Sec. 39.  NRS 284.013 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-2    284.013  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, this chapter

14-3  does not apply to:

14-4    (a) Agencies, bureaus, commissions, officers or personnel in the

14-5  legislative department or the judicial department of state government,

14-6  including the commission on judicial discipline;

14-7    (b) Any person who is employed by a board, commission, committee or

14-8  council created in chapters 590, 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628, 630 to 644,

14-9  inclusive, 648, 652, 654 and 656 of NRS[;] and sections 2 to 37, inclusive

14-10  of this act; or

14-11  (c) Officers or employees of any agency of the executive department of

14-12  the state government who are exempted by specific statute.

14-13  2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the terms and

14-14  conditions of employment of all persons referred to in subsection 1,

14-15  including salaries not prescribed by law and leaves of absence, including,

14-16  without limitation, annual leave and sick and disability leave, must be fixed

14-17  by the appointing or employing authority within the limits of legislative

14-18  appropriations or authorizations.

14-19  3.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, leaves of absence

14-20  prescribed pursuant to subsection 2 must not be of lesser duration than

14-21  those provided for other state officers and employees pursuant to the

14-22  provisions of this chapter. The provisions of this subsection do not govern

14-23  the legislative commission with respect to the personnel of the legislative

14-24  counsel bureau.

14-25  4.  Any board, commission, committee or council created in chapters

14-26  590, 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628, 630 to 644, inclusive, 648, 652, 654 and

14-27  656 of NRS and sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of this act which contracts for

14-28  the services of a person, shall require the contract for those services to be

14-29  in writing. The contract must be approved by the state board of examiners

14-30  before those services may be provided.

14-31  Sec. 40.  Chapter 289 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto a

14-32  new section to read as follows:

14-33  1.  A person employed as an enforcement officer for the outfitters and

14-34  guides licensing board of Nevada pursuant to subsection 2 of section 18

14-35  of this act is a peace officer for the purposes of:

14-36  (a) Enforcement of the provisions of sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of this

14-37  act and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

14-38  (b) Responding to express requests from other law enforcement

14-39  agencies for aid and assistance in enforcing other laws.

14-40  2.  For purposes of this section, a request from a law enforcement

14-41  agency means only a request relating to a particular violation or

14-42  suspicion of a violation of law and does not constitute a continuous

14-43  request for assistance outside the purview of enforcement of the

14-44  provisions of sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of this act.

14-45  Sec. 41.  NRS 289.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-46  289.010  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

14-47  1.  “Choke hold” means the holding of a person’s neck in a manner

14-48  specifically intended to restrict the flow of oxygen or blood to the person’s


15-1  lungs or brain. The term includes the arm-bar restraint, carotid restraint and

15-2  lateral vascular neck restraint.

15-3    2.  “Peace officer” means any person upon whom some or all of the

15-4  powers of a peace officer are conferred pursuant to NRS 289.150 to

15-5  289.360, inclusive[.] , and sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of this act.

15-6    3.  “Punitive action” means any action which may lead to dismissal,

15-7  demotion, suspension, reduction in salary, written reprimand or transfer of

15-8  a peace officer for purposes of punishment.

15-9    Sec. 42.  NRS 502.148 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-10  502.148  1.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any

15-11  person who wishes to apply for a restricted nonresident deer tag pursuant to

15-12  NRS 502.147 must complete an application on a form prescribed and

15-13  furnished by the division. A licensed master guide may complete the

15-14  application for an applicant. The application must be signed by the

15-15  applicant and the master guide who will be responsible for conducting the

15-16  restricted nonresident deer hunt.

15-17  2.  The application must be accompanied by a fee for the tag of $300,

15-18  plus any other fees which the division may require. The commission shall

15-19  establish the time limits and acceptable methods for submitting such

15-20  applications to the division.

15-21  3.  Any application for a restricted nonresident deer tag which contains

15-22  an error or omission must be rejected and the fee for the tag returned to the

15-23  applicant.

15-24  4.  A person who is issued a restricted nonresident deer tag is not

15-25  eligible to apply for any other deer tag issued in this state for the same

15-26  hunting season as that restricted nonresident deer hunt.

15-27  5.  [All] Fifty percent of the fees collected pursuant to this section

15-28  must be deposited with the state treasurer for credit to the wildlife account

15-29  in the state general fund[.] and fifty percent of the fees collected pursuant

15-30  to this section must be distributed to the outfitters and guides licensing

15-31  board of Nevada for use in the manner as other money received by that

15-32  board pursuant to sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of this act.

15-33  Sec. 43.  NRS 608.0116 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-34  608.0116  “Professional” means pertaining to an employee who is

15-35  licensed or certified by the State of Nevada for and engaged in the practice

15-36  of law or any of the professions regulated by chapters 623 to 645,

15-37  inclusive, of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 37, inclusive, of this act.

15-38  Sec. 44.  1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2 to 37,

15-39  inclusive, of this act, a person who acts as a guide or an outfitter is not

15-40  required to be licensed as a guide or an outfitter pursuant to the provisions

15-41  of this act before July 1, 2003.

15-42  2.  As used in this section:

15-43  (a) “Guide” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 5 of this act.

15-44  (b) “Outfitter” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 9 of this act.

15-45  Sec. 45.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 13 of this act, the

15-46  initial members appointed to the board pursuant to paragraph (a) of

15-47  subsection 2 must be persons who the governor determines to be qualified

15-48  to serve as such members and who have at least 5 years of experience as an

15-49  outfitter or guide in this state.


16-1    Sec. 46.  The amendatory provisions of this act do not apply to

16-2  offenses committed before the effective date of this act.

16-3    Sec. 47.  1.  This act becomes effective upon passage and approval.

16-4    2.  Sections 21, 22 and 34 of this act expire by limitation on the date on

16-5  which the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 666 requiring each state to establish

16-6  procedures under which the state has authority to withhold or suspend, or

16-7  to restrict the use of professional, occupational and recreational licenses of

16-8  persons who:

16-9    (a) Have failed to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to a

16-10  proceeding to determine the paternity of a child or to establish or enforce

16-11  an obligation for the support of a child; or

16-12  (b) Are in arrears in the payment for the support of one or more

16-13  children,

16-14  are repealed by the Congress of the United States.

 

16-15  H