requires two-thirds majority vote (§§ 7, 8, 24, 33)                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                        S.B. 576

 

Senate Bill No. 576–Senator O’Donnell

 

May 22, 2001

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation

 

SUMMARY—Makes various changes to provisions governing fully regulated carriers. (BDR 58‑1557)

 

FISCAL NOTE:    Effect on Local Government: Yes.

                                 Effect on the State: No.

 

~

 

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 transportation; imposing an annual fee upon certain fully regulated carriers; making various changes governing fully regulated carriers of passengers; requiring the drivers of fully regulated carriers of passengers to obtain drivers’ permits; imposing a fee for the issuance and renewal of such a permit; establishing standards of conduct for such drivers; providing for the impoundment of certain vehicles by the transportation services authority; requiring certain actions with regard to defects and unsafe conditions in vehicles; exempting certain holders of unrestricted gaming licenses that operate motor vehicles from the provisions governing fully regulated carriers; authorizing the transportation services authority to impose a fee for the issuance of identification decals to such exempted holders of unrestricted gaming licenses; requiring the transportation services authority to establish a system of allocation for limousines; providing that certain acts of drivers of fully regulated carriers of passengers are unlawful; temporarily prohibiting an increase in the number of limousines that may be operated in certain counties; 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. Chapter 706 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto

1-2  the provisions set forth as sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act.

1-3    Sec. 2.  1.  “Bus” means a motor vehicle:

1-4    (a) That is capable of carrying 16 or more persons, including the

1-5  driver; and

1-6    (b) With a chassis that when originally designed and constructed by

1-7  the original manufacturer was designed and constructed to carry 16 or

1-8  more persons, including the driver.

1-9    2.  The term does not include a motor vehicle with a chassis that

1-10  when originally manufactured was designed to carry less than 16


2-1  persons, including the driver, but which has been modified to carry 16 or

2-2  more persons, including the driver.

2-3    Sec. 3.  “Enforcement officer” means a member of the authority, a

2-4  manager of transportation of the authority or any other employee

2-5  designated by the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

2-6    Sec. 4.  “Fully regulated carrier of passengers” means a common

2-7  carrier or contract carrier of passengers that is required to obtain from

2-8  the authority a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The term

2-9  includes, without limitation, a holder of a certificate that operates a

2-10  taxicab, traditional limousine or livery limousine.

2-11    Sec. 5.  “Livery limousine” means a motor vehicle which:

2-12    1.  Was a light truck, as that term is defined in 49 C.F.R. § 523.5, at

2-13  the time of its manufacture;

2-14    2.  Has a capacity of 11 or more persons but less than 16 persons,

2-15  including the driver; and

2-16    3.  Is engaged in the general transportation of persons for

2-17  compensation and not operated on a regular schedule or over regular

2-18  routes.

2-19    Sec. 6.  “Traditional limousine” means a motor vehicle that is

2-20  engaged in the general transportation of persons for compensation and

2-21  not operated on a regular schedule or over regular routes and:

2-22    1.  Was a passenger automobile, as that term is defined in 49 C.F.R. §

2-23  523.4, at the time of its manufacture and was later modified to increase

2-24  its length; or

2-25    2.  Has a capacity of less than 11 persons, including the driver.

2-26    Sec. 7.  A fully regulated carrier, other than a fully regulated carrier

2-27  that operates taxicabs or an operator of a tow car, shall pay to the

2-28  authority a fee of not more than $350 per year for each vehicle that the

2-29  authority has authorized the carrier to operate.

2-30    Sec. 8.  1.  A member or the deputy of the authority shall issue a

2-31  driver’s permit to each qualified person who wishes to be employed as a

2-32  driver by a fully regulated carrier of passengers. Before a member or the

2-33  deputy of the authority may issue a driver’s permit pursuant to this

2-34  section, the member or deputy shall:

2-35    (a) Require the applicant for the driver’s permit to submit a complete

2-36  set of his fingerprints and written permission authorizing the authority to

2-37  forward the fingerprints to the central repository for Nevada records of

2-38  criminal history for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation

2-39  for its report, and shall further investigate the background of the

2-40  applicant; and

2-41    (b) Require proof that the applicant:

2-42      (1) Has been a resident of this state for at least 30 days before the

2-43  date on which he filed his application for the driver’s permit;

2-44      (2) Can read and orally communicate in the English language; and

2-45      (3) Has a valid and appropriate license issued pursuant to NRS

2-46  483.340 which authorizes him to drive in this state the vehicle he will be

2-47  employed to drive.

2-48    2.  A member or the deputy of the authority may refuse to issue a

2-49  driver’s permit to an applicant if the applicant has been convicted of:


3-1    (a) A felony, other than a sexual offense, in this state or any other

3-2  jurisdiction within the 5 years immediately preceding the date on which

3-3  he filed his application;

3-4    (b) A felony involving any sexual offense in this state or any other

3-5  jurisdiction at any time before the date on which he filed his application;

3-6  or

3-7    (c) A violation of NRS 484.379 or 484.3795, or a law in another

3-8  jurisdiction that prohibits the same or similar conduct, within the 3 years

3-9  immediately preceding the date on which he filed his application.

3-10    3.  A member or the deputy of the authority may refuse to issue a

3-11  driver’s permit to an applicant if, after the investigation of the

3-12  background of the applicant, the member or deputy of the authority

3-13  reasonably determines that the applicant is morally unfit or that the

3-14  issuance of a driver’s permit to the applicant would be detrimental to

3-15  public health, welfare or safety.

3-16    4.  There must be paid to the authority for:

3-17    (a) The issuance of an original driver’s permit, a fee of $50.

3-18    (b) The renewal of a driver’s permit, a fee of $25.

3-19    Sec. 9.  An application for the issuance of a driver’s permit must

3-20  include the social security number of the applicant.

3-21    Sec. 10.  1.  An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a driver’s

3-22  permit shall submit to the authority the statement prescribed by the

3-23  welfare division of the department of human resources pursuant to NRS

3-24  425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

3-25    2.  The authority shall include the statement required pursuant to

3-26  subsection 1 in:

3-27    (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the

3-28  issuance or renewal of the driver’s permit; or

3-29    (b) A separate form prescribed by the authority.

3-30    3.  A driver’s permit may not be issued or renewed by the authority if

3-31  the applicant:

3-32    (a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

3-33    (b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that

3-34  he is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in

3-35  compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or

3-36  other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount

3-37  owed pursuant to the order.

3-38    4.  If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to

3-39  subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a child

3-40  and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district

3-41  attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of

3-42  the amount owed pursuant to the order, the authority shall advise the

3-43  applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing

3-44  the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy

3-45  the arrearage.

3-46    Sec. 11.  1.  Before applying to a fully regulated carrier of

3-47  passengers for employment as a driver, a person must obtain a

3-48  physician’s certificate, with two copies thereof, from a physician who is

3-49  licensed to practice medicine in this state.


4-1    2.  A physician shall issue a certificate and two copies thereof to an

4-2  applicant if the physician finds that the applicant meets the applicable

4-3  health requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

4-4  Regulations, 49 C.F.R. §§ 391.41 et seq.

4-5    3.  A certificate from a physician issued pursuant to this section must:

4-6    (a) State that the physician has examined the applicant and found that

4-7  the applicant meets the applicable health requirements established by the

4-8  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 C.F.R. §§ 391.41 et seq.;

4-9  and

4-10    (b) Be signed and dated by the physician issuing the certificate.

4-11    4.  A certificate from a physician issued pursuant to this section

4-12  expires 2 years after the date on which it was issued and may be renewed.

4-13    Sec. 12.  1.  A fully regulated carrier of passengers shall not employ

4-14  a person as a driver unless the person has obtained and has on his

4-15  person:

4-16    (a) A valid driver’s license issued by this state pursuant to NRS

4-17  483.010 to 483.630, inclusive;

4-18    (b) A copy of a certificate from a physician issued pursuant to section

4-19  11 of this act; and

4-20    (c) A driver’s permit issued pursuant to section 8 of this act.

4-21    2.  A fully regulated carrier of passengers shall, at the time that it

4-22  employs a person to drive a vehicle:

4-23    (a) Provide that person with a complete copy of NRS 706.011 to

4-24  706.791, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act, and any

4-25  regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and

4-26    (b) Require the person to sign a statement acknowledging that he has

4-27  received a complete copy of NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and

4-28  sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act, and any regulations adopted

4-29  pursuant thereto, and has read and familiarized himself with the

4-30  provisions included therein.

4-31    Sec. 13.  1.  Each driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers

4-32  shall keep a daily trip sheet in a form to be prescribed by the authority.

4-33    2.  At the beginning of each period of duty, a driver shall record on

4-34  his daily trip sheet:

4-35    (a) His name and the number of the vehicle;

4-36    (b) The time at which he began his period of duty; and

4-37    (c) The odometer reading of the vehicle.

4-38    3.  During his period of duty, a driver shall record on his daily trip

4-39  sheet:

4-40    (a) The time, place of origin and destination of each trip; and

4-41    (b) The number of passengers and amount of fare for each trip.

4-42    4.  At the end of each period of duty, a driver shall record on his daily

4-43  trip sheet:

4-44    (a) The time at which he ended his period of duty; and

4-45    (b) The odometer reading of the vehicle.

4-46    5.  Each driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers shall file

4-47  each trip sheet with the carrier. The carrier or a person designated by the

4-48  carrier shall review and retain each of the daily trip sheets of its drivers

4-49  in a safe place for at least 3 years immediately following December 31 of


5-1  the year to which the daily trip sheets pertain. A carrier shall make the

5-2  daily trip sheets available for inspection by a member or the deputy of the

5-3  authority upon reasonable demand.

5-4    6.  A driver who fails to maintain a daily trip sheet or file a trip sheet

5-5  with a carrier as required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

5-6    7.  The provisions of this section do not relieve a carrier from any

5-7  obligation under its certificate of public convenience and necessity or

5-8  from its duty to comply with this chapter and the regulations adopted

5-9  pursuant to this chapter.

5-10    Sec. 14.  While a driver for a fully regulated carrier of passengers is

5-11  on duty:

5-12    1.  The driver:

5-13    (a) Must be appropriately dressed in accordance with the standards of

5-14  the business;

5-15    (b) Must be neat and clean in person and appearance;

5-16    (c) Shall refrain from talking loudly, uttering profanity and shouting

5-17  to other drivers;

5-18    (d) Shall attend his vehicle if the vehicle is being held out for hire;

5-19    (e) Shall discourage passengers from entering or leaving the vehicle

5-20  from the left side, except at the left curb of a one-way street or while the

5-21  vehicle is parked at an angle to the curb; and

5-22    (f) Shall operate his vehicle in accordance with all applicable state

5-23  and local laws and regulations, and with due regard for the safety,

5-24  comfort and convenience of passengers and the general public.

5-25    2.  The driver shall not:

5-26    (a) Have in his possession a lit cigar, cigarette or pipe while a

5-27  passenger is being carried in his vehicle;

5-28    (b) Chew tobacco or use snuff while a passenger is being carried in

5-29  his vehicle;

5-30    (c) Load or unload passengers or luggage at an intersection or

5-31  crosswalk, or at any place or in any manner that will interfere with the

5-32  orderly flow of traffic;

5-33    (d) Leave his vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition lock; or

5-34    (e) Carry passengers in a manner inconsistent with the

5-35  manufacturer’s recommendations or in a way to obstruct his vision for

5-36  safe operation of the vehicle.

5-37    Sec. 15.  With respect to the destination of a passenger, a driver of a

5-38  fully regulated carrier of passengers shall not:

5-39    1.  Deceive or attempt to deceive any passenger who rides or desires

5-40  to ride in the vehicle;

5-41    2.  Convey or attempt to convey any passenger to a destination other

5-42  than the one directed by the passenger;

5-43    3.  Take a longer route than is necessary to the destination requested

5-44  by the passenger, unless otherwise directed to do so by the passenger; or

5-45    4.  Fail to comply with any reasonable and lawful request of the

5-46  passenger concerning speed and route to be taken.

5-47    Sec. 16.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a driver

5-48  of a fully regulated carrier of passengers shall not refuse or neglect to

5-49  transport any person to the destination requested by that person if:


6-1    (a) The person requests that the driver transport the person to that

6-2  destination; and

6-3    (b) The requested destination is located within the area of operation

6-4  authorized by the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to

6-5  the carrier.

6-6    2.  A driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers is not subject to

6-7  the provisions of subsection 1 if the driver can show beyond a reasonable

6-8  doubt that:

6-9    (a) The driver had good reason to fear for his personal safety;

6-10    (b) The vehicle has been previously engaged by another person;

6-11    (c) The driver is forbidden by statute or regulation to carry the person

6-12  requesting the transportation; or

6-13    (d) The person requesting service acted in a disorderly manner,

6-14  including, without limitation, the use of:

6-15      (1) Hostile or offensive gestures; or

6-16      (2) Indecent or offensive language.

6-17    3.  The authority shall adopt regulations that define when a person

6-18  acts in a disorderly manner, when a person uses hostile or offensive

6-19  gestures and when a person uses indecent or offensive language for the

6-20  purposes of paragraph (d) of subsection 2.

6-21    Sec. 17.  1.  If a driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers

6-22  violates any provision of sections 11 to 16, inclusive, of this act, an

6-23  enforcement officer may impose the following sanctions:

6-24    (a) For a first offense, a warning or a fine of not more than $100, or

6-25  both a warning and a fine.

6-26    (b) For a second offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-27  the driver of not more than 3 days or a fine of not more than $200, or

6-28  both a suspension and a fine.

6-29    (c) For a third offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-30  the driver of not more than 6 days or a fine of not more than $300, or

6-31  both a suspension and a fine.

6-32    (d) For a fourth offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-33  the driver of 10 days or a fine of not more than $500, or both a

6-34  suspension and a fine.

6-35    (e) For a fifth or subsequent offense, the revocation of the driver’s

6-36  permit issued to the driver or a fine of not more than $500, or both the

6-37  revocation of the driver’s permit and a fine.

6-38    2.  For the purposes of subsection 1, only those violations occurring

6-39  in the 12 months immediately preceding the most current violation may

6-40  be considered. The enforcement officer shall inspect the record of the

6-41  offending driver to determine the number of offenses committed during

6-42  the immediately preceding 12-month period.

6-43    3.  The enforcement officer must conduct a hearing before he revokes

6-44  or suspends the driver’s permit of a driver or imposes a fine against a

6-45  driver pursuant to this section.

6-46    Sec. 18.  1.  A driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers:

6-47    (a) Shall not drive a vehicle or go on duty while under the influence

6-48  of, or impaired by, any controlled substance, dangerous drug or

6-49  intoxicating liquor.


7-1    (b) Shall not drink or otherwise consume any intoxicating liquor

7-2  while on duty.

7-3    (c) Shall not, at any time, use or consume any controlled substance or

7-4  dangerous drug that may impair his ability to operate a motor vehicle

7-5  and shall not, at any time, use or consume any other controlled

7-6  substance or dangerous drug, except in accordance with a lawfully

7-7  issued prescription.

7-8    (d) Shall obey all provisions and restrictions of the certificate of

7-9  public convenience and necessity issued to the carrier.

7-10    2.  If a driver violates any provision of subsection 1, an enforcement

7-11  officer may, after a hearing, impose the following sanctions:

7-12    (a) For a first offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to the

7-13  driver of not more than 5 days or a fine of not more than $100, or both a

7-14  suspension and a fine.

7-15    (b) For a second offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

7-16  the driver of not more than 20 days or a fine of not more than $300, or

7-17  both a suspension and a fine.

7-18    (c) For a third or subsequent offense, the revocation of the driver’s

7-19  permit issued to the driver or a fine of not more than $500, or both the

7-20  revocation of the driver’s permit and a fine.

7-21  In addition to any fine set forth in this subsection, the enforcement

7-22  officer may revoke the driver’s permit issued to a driver for any violation

7-23  of paragraph (a) of subsection 1.

7-24    3.  For the purposes of this section, only those violations occurring in

7-25  the 12 months immediately preceding the most current violation may be

7-26  considered. The enforcement officer shall inspect the record of the

7-27  offending driver to determine the number of offenses committed during

7-28  the immediately preceding 12-month period.

7-29    Sec. 19.  1.  Each week, a common motor carrier or contract motor

7-30  carrier authorized to operate a taxicab, traditional limousine, livery

7-31  limousine or bus shall perform a preventative maintenance and safety

7-32  inspection as recommended by the maintenance specifications of the

7-33  manufacturer of the vehicle.

7-34    2.  Any person, including, without limitation, a safety inspector,

7-35  service maintenance person, supervisor, manager, owner or driver, who

7-36  operates a motor vehicle for a common motor carrier or contract motor

7-37  carrier engaged in passenger or light express service shall:

7-38    (a) Report and notify the owner or manager of the common or

7-39  contract carrier of a safety defect or unsafe condition in a vehicle as soon

7-40  as possible after becoming aware of the defect or condition; and

7-41    (b) Return the vehicle to the maintenance facility for repair as soon as

7-42  possible after becoming aware of the defect or condition.

7-43  A common motor carrier or contract motor carrier that receives notice of

7-44  a defect or unsafe condition pursuant to this subsection shall not allow

7-45  the vehicle to be returned to service until the defect or condition has been

7-46  repaired.

7-47    Sec. 20.  The provisions of sections 21, 22 and 23 of this act only

7-48  apply in a county whose population is 400,000 or more.

 


8-1    Sec. 21.  The authority may:

8-2    1.  Determine the circumstances that require a temporary increase in

8-3  the number of traditional limousines or livery limousines that are

8-4  operated by each fully regulated carrier of passengers which operates

8-5  such vehicles pursuant to section 22 of this act; and

8-6    2.  Allocate a temporary increase in the number of traditional

8-7  limousines and livery limousines pursuant to section 23 of this act when

8-8  the circumstances require the increase.

8-9    Sec. 22.  1.  In determining a system of allocation for traditional

8-10  limousines and livery limousines, or a change in the existing allocation

8-11  of traditional limousines and livery limousines, the authority shall

8-12  consider separately the interests, welfare, convenience, necessity and

8-13  well-being of the customers of taxicab motor carriers and of other fully

8-14  regulated carriers of passengers. The authority may also consider

8-15  additional factors, including, without limitation:

8-16    (a) The increase in population during the year immediately preceding

8-17  the date of consideration of counties whose population is 400,000 or

8-18  more.

8-19    (b) The increase in the volume of passengers during the year

8-20  immediately preceding the date of consideration at airports in counties

8-21  whose population is 400,000 or more.

8-22    (c) The increase in the number of occupied hotel and motel rooms

8-23  during the year immediately preceding the date of consideration in

8-24  counties whose population is 400,000 or more.

8-25    (d) The increase in the number of customers using the services of

8-26  traditional limousines and livery limousines during the year immediately

8-27  preceding the date of consideration in counties whose population is

8-28  400,000 or more.

8-29    2.  If circumstances require an increase in existing allocations, the

8-30  authority shall allocate the vehicles equally among the fully regulated

8-31  carriers of passengers who apply for an allocation and who are in the

8-32  area affected by the allocation.

8-33    3.  Unless a fully regulated carrier of passengers puts additionally

8-34  allocated traditional limousines or livery limousines into service within

8-35  90 days after the effective date of an increased allocation, the increased

8-36  allocation to that carrier is void.

8-37    4.  The authority may attach to the exercise of the rights granted by

8-38  an allocation any terms and conditions that, in its judgment, the public

8-39  interest may require. The authority shall determine from evidence

8-40  gathered at a hearing which arrangements for capitalization or other

8-41  security or assets must remain in place and which principals and

8-42  managers of the applicant must continue to be active in those capacities

8-43  to provide the fitness and ability required for continued operation under

8-44  the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to the fully

8-45  regulated carrier of passengers.

8-46    5.  Each year, the authority shall review any existing allocation of

8-47  traditional limousines and livery limousines to determine whether the

8-48  allocation is appropriate pursuant to subsection 1.


9-1    6.  After considering all information relevant to the operation of

9-2  traditional limousines and livery limousines in a county whose

9-3  population is 400,000 or more, the authority shall adopt regulations

9-4  relating to the number of such vehicles that will be allocated.

9-5    Sec. 23.  1.  In determining whether circumstances require a

9-6  temporary increase in the number of traditional limousines and livery

9-7  limousines allocated pursuant to section 22 of this act, the authority shall

9-8  consider separately the interests, welfare, convenience, necessity and

9-9  well-being of the customers of taxicab motor carriers and of other fully

9-10  regulated carriers of passengers.

9-11    2.  If circumstances require a temporary increase in the number of

9-12  vehicles allocated pursuant to section 22 of this act, the authority shall

9-13  allocate the temporary increase equally among the fully regulated

9-14  carriers of passengers who apply for an allocation and who are in the

9-15  area affected by the allocation.

9-16    3.  The authority shall determine:

9-17    (a) The number of additional vehicles to be allocated; and

9-18    (b) The duration of the temporary allocations, which may not exceed

9-19  15 days.

9-20    4.  The authority may adopt regulations governing temporary

9-21  increases in the allocation of vehicles pursuant to this section.

9-22    Sec. 24.  1.  A motor vehicle used for the transportation of

9-23  passengers or property is not subject to the provisions of this chapter

9-24  governing fully regulated carriers if:

9-25    (a) The person that owns and operates the motor vehicle holds a

9-26  nonrestricted license pursuant to which the holder operates any number

9-27  of slot machines together with any other game, gaming device, race book

9-28  or sports pool at one establishment;

9-29    (b) The person who holds the nonrestricted license is not in the

9-30  business of transporting passengers or property; and

9-31    (c) The use of the motor vehicle by the person who holds the

9-32  nonrestricted license to transport passengers or property is incidental to

9-33  the business for which the nonrestricted license was issued.

9-34    2.  A holder of a nonrestricted license may apply to the authority for

9-35  the issuance of a decal, sticker or other type of identification for

9-36  placement on a motor vehicle used by the holder to transport passengers

9-37  and property in accordance with subsection 1. The authority shall issue a

9-38  decal, sticker or other type of identification to a holder of a nonrestricted

9-39  license if the authority determines that the motor vehicle upon which the

9-40  identification will be placed meets and will be operated in accordance

9-41  with the requirements of subsection 1. A decal, sticker or other type of

9-42  identification is valid for 1 year. The authority may impose a fee of not

9-43  more than $50 for the issuance of a decal, sticker or other type of

9-44  identification pursuant to this subsection.

9-45    3.  As used in this section, “nonrestricted license” has the meaning

9-46  ascribed to it in subsection 2 of NRS 463.0177.

9-47    Sec. 25.  NRS 706.011 is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-48    706.011  As used in NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and sections 2

9-49  to 24, inclusive, of this act, unless the context otherwise requires, the


10-1  words and terms defined in NRS 706.013 to 706.146, inclusive, and

10-2  sections 2 to 6, inclusive, of this act have the meanings ascribed to them in

10-3  those sections.

10-4    Sec. 26.  NRS 706.101 is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-5    706.101  “Operator” means a person, other than a lienholder, having a

10-6  property interest in or title to a vehicle. Except as otherwise provided in

10-7  this section, the term includes a person entitled to the use and possession of

10-8  a vehicle under a lease or contract for the purpose of transporting persons

10-9  or property. The term does not include a person who is the lessee of a

10-10  taxicab or limousine pursuant to NRS 706.473.

10-11  Sec. 27.  NRS 706.168 is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-12  706.168  1.  The authority of the transportation services authority to

10-13  supervise and regulate [motor] carriers , drivers and brokers respectively,

10-14  to the extent provided in this chapter, must be exercised separately. A

10-15  [motor] carrier is responsible only for his own acts and [those of his

10-16  employees or agents who are not brokers.] the acts of the driver or broker

10-17  that were directed or allowed by the carrier. A broker is responsible only

10-18  for his own acts and [those] the acts of his [employees or agents who are

10-19  not motor carriers.]employee or agent that were directed or allowed by

10-20  the broker.

10-21  2.  The provisions of this section do not relieve a carrier from any

10-22  obligation under its certificate of public convenience and necessity or

10-23  from its duty to comply with this chapter and the regulations adopted

10-24  pursuant to this chapter.

10-25  Sec. 28.  NRS 706.171 is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-26  706.171  1.  The authority and the department may:

10-27  (a) Make necessary and reasonable regulations governing the

10-28  administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter for which

10-29  they are each responsible.

10-30  (b) Adopt by reference any appropriate rule or regulation, as it exists at

10-31  the time of adoption, issued by the United States Department of

10-32  Transportation, the Surface Transportation Board, any other agency of the

10-33  Federal Government, or the National Association of Regulatory Utility

10-34  Commissioners.

10-35  (c) Require such reports and the maintenance of such records as they

10-36  determine to be necessary for the administration and enforcement of this

10-37  chapter.

10-38  (d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, examine, at any time

10-39  during the business hours of the day, the books, papers and records of any

10-40  fully regulated carrier, and of any other common, contract or private motor

10-41  carrier doing business in this state to the extent necessary for their

10-42  respective duties. The authority and the department may examine in other

10-43  states or require by subpoena the production inside this state of such books,

10-44  papers and records as are not maintained in this state.

10-45  (e) Temporarily waive any requirement for a certificate or permit when

10-46  an emergency exists as defined in NRS 706.561.

10-47  2.  No personnel records of an employee of a fully regulated carrier, or

10-48  of any other common, contract or private motor carrier may be examined

10-49  pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 1 unless the records contain


11-1  information relating to a matter of public safety or the authority and the

11-2  department determine that the examination is required to protect the

11-3  interests of the public.

11-4    3.  The department may adopt regulations to ensure the payment of any

11-5  fee due or authorized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

11-6    4.  If the authority or the department adopts regulations that refer or

11-7  relate to a bus, the term “bus,” as used in those regulations, has the

11-8  meaning ascribed to it in section 2 of this act.

11-9    5.  As used in this section, “personnel records” does not include:

11-10  (a) The name of the employee who is the subject of the record;

11-11  (b) The gross compensation and perquisites of the employee;

11-12  (c) Any record of the business expenses of the employee;

11-13  (d) The title or any description of the position held by the employee;

11-14  (e) The qualifications required for the position held by the employee;

11-15  (f) The business address of the employee;

11-16  (g) The telephone number of the employee at his place of business;

11-17  (h) The work schedule of the employee;

11-18  (i) The date on which the employee began his employment; and

11-19  (j) If applicable, the date on which the employment of the employee

11-20  was terminated.

11-21  Sec. 29.  NRS 706.2885 is hereby amended to read as follows:

11-22  706.2885  1.  A certificate of public convenience and necessity,

11-23  permit or license issued in accordance with this chapter is not a franchise

11-24  and may be revoked.

11-25  2.  The authority may at any time, for good cause shown, after

11-26  investigation and hearing , unless waived by the holder of the certificate,

11-27  license or permit, and upon 5 days’ written notice to the [grantee,] holder,

11-28  suspend any certificate, permit or license issued in accordance with the

11-29  provisions of NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24,

11-30  inclusive, of this act for a period not to exceed 60 days.

11-31  3.  Upon receipt of a written complaint or on its own motion, the

11-32  authority may, after investigation and hearing, revoke any certificate,

11-33  permit or license[.] for any violation of NRS 706.011 to 706.791,

11-34  inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act, or any regulation

11-35  adopted pursuant thereto, or for knowingly allowing or requiring any

11-36  employee to violate any provision of sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act

11-37  or any regulation of the authority relating thereto. If service of the notice

11-38  required by subsection 2 cannot be made or if the [grantee] holder

11-39  relinquishes his interest in the certificate, permit or license by so notifying

11-40  the authority in writing, the authority may revoke the certificate, permit or

11-41  license without a hearing.

11-42  4.  The proceedings thereafter are governed by the provisions of

11-43  chapter 233B of NRS.

11-44  5.  If the holder of a certificate or driver’s permit fails to appear at

11-45  the time and place stated in the notice for any hearing, the authority

11-46  shall enter a finding of default. Upon the entering of a finding of default,

11-47  the authority may suspend or revoke the certificate or driver’s permit of

11-48  the person who failed to appear and may impose the penalties as

11-49  provided in this chapter. For good cause shown, the authority may set


12-1  aside a finding of default entered pursuant to this subsection and proceed

12-2  with a hearing on the matter.

12-3    Sec. 30.  NRS 706.361 is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-4    706.361  1.  A person with a disability is entitled to the full and equal

12-5  enjoyment of the facilities of any common motor carrier of passengers,

12-6  contract motor carrier of passengers or other entity providing a means of

12-7  public conveyance and transportation operating within this state.

12-8    2.  A common motor carrier of passengers, a contract motor carrier of

12-9  passengers and other entities providing means of public conveyance and

12-10  transportation shall designate a person responsible for ensuring that the

12-11  carrier complies with the applicable provisions of the Americans with

12-12  Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 to 12213, inclusive, and 47

12-13  U.S.C. §§ 225 and 611, and the regulations adopted pursuant to that act.

12-14  3.  The person designated pursuant to subsection 2 shall conduct

12-15  training sessions for the employees of the carrier or entity. Each employee

12-16  must be provided at least 3 hours of training during one or more training

12-17  sessions. During the training sessions, the designee shall:

12-18  (a) Describe the carrier’s plan for compliance with the Americans with

12-19  Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations adopted pursuant to that act;

12-20  (b) Explain the obligations of the employees to assist a person with a

12-21  disability to store a mobility device;

12-22  (c) Explain the illegality of charging an additional fee or a higher fare to

12-23  a person with a disability; and

12-24  (d) Ensure that each employee is trained in accordance with the

12-25  requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 37.173.

12-26  4.  It is unlawful for any person to deny any of the privileges granted

12-27  by subsection 1.

12-28  5.  It is unlawful for any driver of a common motor carrier, or for a

12-29  contract motor carrier, common motor carrier or other entity providing a

12-30  means of public conveyance or transportation operating within this state,

12-31  to:

12-32  (a) Deny the equal enjoyment of its services and facilities to a person

12-33  with a disability by the arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable interference,

12-34  direct or indirect, with the use of aids and appliances used by a person with

12-35  a disability;

12-36  (b) Fail to designate a person pursuant to subsection 2; or

12-37  (c) Fail to conduct the training sessions in the manner described in

12-38  subsection 3.

12-39  6.  As used in this section, “disability” has the meaning ascribed to it in

12-40  49 C.F.R. § 37.3.

12-41  Sec. 31.  NRS 706.366 is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-42  706.366  1.  It is unlawful for a driver of a common motor carrier of

12-43  passengers , or for a common motor carrier, contract motor carrier or

12-44  other means of public conveyance or transportation operating in this state ,

12-45  to:

12-46  (a) Refuse service to a visually, aurally or physically handicapped

12-47  person because he is accompanied by a guide dog, hearing dog, helping

12-48  dog or other service animal;


13-1    (b) Refuse service to a person who is training a guide dog, hearing dog,

13-2  helping dog or other service animal because he is accompanied by such an

13-3  animal; or

13-4    (c) Charge an additional fee for such an animal.

13-5    2.  This section does not relieve a visually, aurally or physically

13-6  handicapped person or a person who trains a guide dog, hearing dog,

13-7  helping dog or other service animal from liability for damage which may

13-8  be caused by his animal.

13-9    3.  Visually, aurally or physically handicapped persons accompanied by

13-10  guide dogs, hearing dogs, helping dogs or other service animals are subject

13-11  to the same conditions and limitations that apply to persons who are not so

13-12  handicapped and accompanied.

13-13  4.  For the purposes of this section, the terms “guide dog,” “hearing

13-14  dog,” “helping dog” and “service animal” have the meanings ascribed to

13-15  them respectively in NRS 426.075, 426.081, 426.083 and 426.097.

13-16  Sec. 32.  NRS 706.386 is hereby amended to read as follows:

13-17  706.386  1.  It is unlawful, except as otherwise provided in NRS

13-18  373.117, 706.446, 706.453 and 706.745, for any fully regulated common

13-19  motor carrier to operate as a carrier of intrastate commerce and any

13-20  operator of a tow car to perform towing services within this state without

13-21  first obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the

13-22  authority.

13-23  2.  A person who violates the provisions of subsection 1 is guilty of a

13-24  gross misdemeanor.

13-25  Sec. 33.  NRS 706.391 is hereby amended to read as follows:

13-26  706.391  1.  Upon thefiling of an application for a certificate of

13-27  public convenience and necessity to operate as a motor carrier other than

13-28  an operator of a tow car [,] and the payment of a nonrefundable

13-29  application fee of $200, the authority shall fix a time and place for hearing

13-30  [thereon.] on the application.

13-31  2.  The authority shall issue [such] a certificate of public convenience

13-32  and necessity to a person who submits an application and application fee

13-33  pursuant to subsection 1, if it finds that:

13-34  (a) The applicant is fit, willing and able to perform the services of a

13-35  common motor carrier;

13-36  (b) The proposed operation will be consistent with the legislative

13-37  policies set forth in NRS 706.151;

13-38  (c) The granting of the certificate will not unreasonably and adversely

13-39  affect other carriers operating in the territory for which the certificate is

13-40  sought; and

13-41  (d) The proposed service will benefit the traveling and shipping public

13-42  and the motor carrier business in this state.

13-43  3.  The authority shall not find that the potential creation of competition

13-44  in a territory which may be caused by the granting of a certificate, by itself,

13-45  will unreasonably and adversely affect other carriers operating in the

13-46  territory for the purposes of paragraph (c) of subsection 2.

13-47  4.  An applicant for such a certificate [has] :

13-48  (a) Has the burden of proving to the authority that the proposed

13-49  operation will meet the requirements of subsection 2 [.] ; and


14-1    (b) Must pay the amounts billed to him by the authority for reasonable

14-2  costs incurred by the authority in conducting an investigation or hearing

14-3  regarding the applicant.

14-4    5.  The authority may issue a certificate of public convenience and

14-5  necessity to operate as a common motor carrier, or issue it for:

14-6    (a) The exercise of the privilege sought.

14-7    (b) The partial exercise of the privilege sought.

14-8    6.  The authority may attach to the certificate such terms and conditions

14-9  as, in its judgment, the public interest may require.

14-10  7.  The authority may dispense with the hearing on the application if,

14-11  upon the expiration of the time fixed in the notice thereof, no petition to

14-12  intervene has been filed on behalf of any person who has filed a protest

14-13  against the granting of the certificate.

14-14  Sec. 34.  NRS 706.421 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-15  706.421  1.  It is unlawful for any contract motor carrier to act as such

14-16  within this state in intrastate commerce without first having obtained a

14-17  permit therefor.

14-18  2.  A person who violates the provisions of subsection 1 is guilty of a

14-19  gross misdemeanor.

14-20  Sec. 35.  NRS 706.473 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-21  706.473  1.  In a county whose population is less than 400,000, a

14-22  person who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity which

14-23  was issued for the operation of a taxicab business may, upon approval from

14-24  the authority, lease a taxicab to an independent contractor who does not

14-25  hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity. A person [may lease

14-26  only one taxicab to each independent contractor with whom he enters into a

14-27  lease agreement.] who holds a certificate of public convenience and

14-28  necessity shall not lease more than one vehicle to each lessee. The taxicab

14-29  may be used only in a manner authorized by the lessor’s certificate of

14-30  public convenience and necessity [.] and must not be used to convey

14-31  passengers or light express without compensation therefor.

14-32  2.  A person who enters into a lease agreement with an independent

14-33  contractor pursuant to this section shall submit a copy of the agreement to

14-34  the authority for its approval. The agreement is not effective until approved

14-35  by the authority. The authority shall review an agreement submitted to it

14-36  and shall not approve an agreement unless the agreement contains all

14-37  information that is required to be included in such an agreement.

14-38  3.  A person who leases a taxicab to an independent contractor is

14-39  jointly and severally [liable] responsible with the independent contractor

14-40  for any violation of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted

14-41  pursuant thereto, and shall ensure that the independent contractor complies

14-42  with such provisions and regulations.

14-43  4.  [The authority or any of its employees may intervene in a civil

14-44  action involving a lease agreement entered into pursuant to this section.]

14-45  Each person who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity

14-46  and who enters into a lease agreement pursuant to this section shall

14-47  make each such lease agreement available for public inspection at an

14-48  office in this state at which the person operates vehicles pursuant to the

14-49  certificate.


15-1    Sec. 36.  NRS 706.476 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-2    706.476  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 706.478:

15-3    1.  A vehicle used [as a taxicab, limousine or other passenger vehicle in

15-4  passenger service] by any person or entity in this state to provide any kind

15-5  of transportation of passengers or property that is subject to the

15-6  jurisdiction of the authority must be impounded by the authority if a

15-7  certificate of public convenience and necessity has not been issued

15-8  authorizing [its operation.] the operation of the vehicle. A hearing must be

15-9  held by the authority [no] not later than the conclusion of the second

15-10  normal business day after impoundment, weekends and holidays excluded.

15-11  As soon as practicable after impoundment, the authority shall notify the

15-12  registered owner of the vehicle[:

15-13  (a) That the registered owner of the vehicle must post a bond in the

15-14  amount of $20,000 to ensure his presence at all proceedings held pursuant

15-15  to this section;

15-16  (b) Of the] of:

15-17  (a) The time set for the hearing; and

15-18  [(c) Of his]

15-19  (b) His right to be represented by counsel during all phases of the

15-20  proceedings.

15-21  2.  The authority shall hold the vehicle until the registered owner of the

15-22  vehicle appears and[:

15-23  (a) Proves that he] proves that:

15-24  (a) He is the registered owner of the vehicle;

15-25  (b) [Proves that he] He holds a valid certificate of public convenience

15-26  and necessity;

15-27  [(c) Proves that the] and

15-28  (c) The vehicle meets all required standards of the authority . [; and

15-29  (d) Posts a bond in the amount of $20,000 with the authority.]

15-30  The authority shall return the vehicle to its registered owner when the

15-31  owner meets the requirements of this subsection and pays all costs of

15-32  impoundment.

15-33  3.  If the registered owner is unable to meet the requirements of

15-34  paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection 2, the authority may assess an

15-35  administrative fine against the registered owner for each such violation in

15-36  the amount of $5,000. The maximum amount of the administrative fine that

15-37  may be assessed against a registered owner for a single impoundment of

15-38  his vehicle pursuant to this section is $10,000. The authority shall return

15-39  the vehicle after any administrative fine imposed pursuant to this

15-40  subsection and all costs of impoundment have been paid.

15-41  Sec. 37.  NRS 706.756 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-42  706.756  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, any person

15-43  who:

15-44  (a) Operates a vehicle or causes it to be operated in any carriage to

15-45  which the provisions of NRS 706.011 to 706.861, inclusive, and sections 2

15-46  to 24, inclusive, of this act apply without first obtaining a [certificate,]

15-47  driver’s permit or license, or in violation of the terms thereof;

15-48  (b) Fails to make any return or report required by the provisions of NRS

15-49  706.011 to 706.861, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act,


16-1  or by the authority or the department pursuant to the provisions of NRS

16-2  706.011 to 706.861, inclusive[;] , and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this

16-3  act;

16-4    (c) Violates, or procures, aids or abets the violating of, any provision of

16-5  NRS 706.011 to 706.861, inclusive[;] , and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of

16-6  this act;

16-7    (d) Fails to obey any order, decision or regulation of the authority or the

16-8  department;

16-9    (e) Procures, aids or abets any person in his failure to obey such an

16-10  order, decision or regulation of the authority or the department;

16-11  (f) Advertises, solicits, proffers bids or otherwise holds himself out to

16-12  perform transportation as a common or contract carrier in violation of any

16-13  of the provisions of NRS 706.011 to 706.861, inclusive[;] , and sections 2

16-14  to 24, inclusive, of this act;

16-15  (g) Advertises as providing:

16-16     (1) The services of a fully regulated carrier; or

16-17     (2) Towing services,

16-18  without including the number of his certificate of public convenience and

16-19  necessity or contract carrier’s permit in each advertisement;

16-20  (h) Knowingly offers, gives, solicits or accepts any rebate, concession

16-21  or discrimination in violation of the provisions of this chapter;

16-22  (i) Knowingly, willfully and fraudulently seeks to evade or defeat the

16-23  purposes of this chapter;

16-24  (j) Operates or causes to be operated a vehicle which does not have the

16-25  proper identifying device;

16-26  (k) Displays or causes or permits to be displayed a certificate, permit,

16-27  license or identifying device, knowing it to be fictitious or to have been

16-28  canceled, revoked, suspended or altered;

16-29  (l) Lends or knowingly permits the use of by one not entitled thereto

16-30  any certificate, permit, license or identifying device issued to the person so

16-31  lending or permitting the use thereof; [or]

16-32  (m) Refuses or fails to surrender to the authority or the department any

16-33  certificate, permit, license or identifying device which has been suspended,

16-34  canceled or revoked pursuant to the provisions of this chapter[,] ; or

16-35  (n) Knowingly makes or causes to be made, either directly or

16-36  indirectly, a false statement on an application, account or other

16-37  statement required by the authority or who violates any provision of

16-38  sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act,

16-39  is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished

16-40  by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or by imprisonment

16-41  in the county jail for not more than 6 months, or by both fine and

16-42  imprisonment.

16-43  2.  A person convicted of a gross misdemeanor for a violation of the

16-44  provisions of NRS 706.386 or 706.421 shall be punished:

16-45  (a) For the first offense, by a fine of not less than [$500] $1,000 nor

16-46  more than [$1,000;] $2,000;

16-47  (b) For a second offense within 12consecutive months and each

16-48  subsequent offense, by a fine of [$1,000;] $2,000; or


17-1    (c) For any offense, by imprisonment in the county jail for not more

17-2  than [6 months,] 1 year, or by both the prescribed fine and imprisonment.

17-3    3.  Any person who operates or permits the operation of a vehicle in

17-4  passenger service without a certificate of public convenience and necessity

17-5  issued pursuant to NRS 706.391 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If a law

17-6  enforcement officer witnesses a violation of this subsection, he may cause

17-7  the vehicle to be towed immediately from the scene[.] and impounded in

17-8  accordance with NRS 706.476.

17-9    4.  The fines provided in this section are mandatory and must not be

17-10  reduced under any circumstances by the court.

17-11  5.  Any bail allowed must not be less than the appropriate fine provided

17-12  for by this section.

17-13  6.  A conviction of a person pursuant to this section does not bar the

17-14  authority from suspending or revoking any certificate, license or permit

17-15  of the person so convicted. The imposition of a fine or the suspension or

17-16  revocation of a certificate, license or permit by the authority pursuant to

17-17  NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this

17-18  act does not operate as a defense in any proceeding held pursuant to this

17-19  section.

17-20  Sec. 38.  1.  On or before July 1, 2002, in each county whose

17-21  population is 400,000 or more, the transportation services authority shall

17-22  adopt the regulations required pursuant to subsection 6 of section 22 of this

17-23  act after considering all information that is relevant to traditional

17-24  limousines and livery limousines and without considering conditions

17-25  relating to taxicab motor carriers.

17-26  2.  A fully regulated carrier of passengers shall not, before the effective

17-27  date of those regulations, increase the number of traditional limousines or

17-28  livery limousines that it operates in a county whose population is 400,000

17-29  or more.

17-30  3.  As used in this section:

17-31  (a) “Fully regulated carrier of passengers” has the meaning ascribed to

17-32  it in section 4 of this act.

17-33  (b) “Livery limousine” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 5 of this

17-34  act.

17-35  (c) “Taxicab motor carrier” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS

17-36  706.126.

17-37  (d) “Traditional limousine” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 6

17-38  of this act.

17-39  Sec. 39.  The amendatory provisions of this act do not apply to

17-40  offenses committed before the effective date of this act.

17-41  Sec. 40.  1.  This section and sections 1 to 23, inclusive, and 25 to 39,

17-42  inclusive, of this act become effective upon passage and approval.

17-43  2.  Section 24 of this act becomes effective on July 1, 2001.

17-44  3.  The provisions of sections 9 and 10 of this act expire by limitation

17-45  on the date on which the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 666 requiring each state

17-46  to establish procedures under which the state has authority to withhold or

17-47  suspend, or to restrict the use of professional, occupational and recreational

17-48  licenses of persons who:


18-1    (a) Have failed to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to a

18-2  procedure to determine the paternity of a child or to establish or enforce an

18-3  obligation for the support of a child; or

18-4    (b) Are in arrears in the payment for the support of one or more

18-5  children,

18-6  are repealed by the Congress of the United States.

 

18-7  H