REQUIRES TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE (§§ 7, 8, 24, 33)                                         

                                                   (REPRINTED WITH ADOPTED AMENDMENTS)

                                                                                 SECOND REPRINT    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; providing for the establishment of 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; 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

1-11  persons, including the driver, but which has been modified to carry 16 or

1-12  more persons, including the driver.


2-1    Sec. 3.  “Enforcement officer” means a member of the authority, a

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

2-3  designated by the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

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

2-5  carrier or contract carrier of passengers that is required to obtain from

2-6  the authority a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The term

2-7  includes, without limitation, a holder of a certificate that operates a

2-8  taxicab, traditional limousine, livery limousine or super-stretch

2-9  limousine.

2-10    Sec. 5.  “Livery limousine” means a motor vehicle which:

2-11    1.  Was a light truck, as that term is defined in 49 C.F.R. § 523.5, at

2-12  the time of its manufacture;

2-13    2.  Has a capacity of 11 or more persons but less than 16 persons,

2-14  including the driver; and

2-15    3.  Is engaged in the general transportation of persons for

2-16  compensation and not operated on a regular schedule or over regular

2-17  routes.

2-18    Sec. 5.5. “Super-stretch limousine” means a motor vehicle that:

2-19    1.  Has a capacity of 16 or more persons but not more than 30

2-20  persons, including the driver;

2-21    2.  Is engaged in the general transportation of persons for

2-22  compensation and not operated on a regular schedule or over regular

2-23  routes;

2-24    3.  Has a chassis that has been modified from its original design to

2-25  carry 16 or more persons but not more than 30 persons, including the

2-26  driver; and

2-27    4.  Is not a bus.

2-28    Sec. 6.  “Traditional limousine” means a motor vehicle that is

2-29  engaged in the general transportation of persons for compensation and

2-30  not operated on a regular schedule or over regular routes and:

2-31    1.  Was a passenger automobile, as that term is defined in 49 C.F.R. §

2-32  523.4, at the time of its manufacture and was later modified to increase

2-33  its length; or

2-34    2.  Has a capacity of less than 11 persons, including the driver.

2-35    Sec. 7.  A fully regulated carrier, other than a fully regulated carrier

2-36  that operates taxicabs or an operator of a tow car, shall pay to the

2-37  authority a fee of not more than $350 per year for each vehicle that the

2-38  authority has authorized the carrier to operate.

2-39    Sec. 8.  1.  A member or the deputy of the authority shall issue a

2-40  driver’s permit to each qualified person who wishes to be employed as a

2-41  driver by a fully regulated carrier of passengers. Before a member or the

2-42  deputy of the authority may issue a driver’s permit pursuant to this

2-43  section, the member or deputy shall:

2-44    (a) Require the applicant for the driver’s permit to submit a complete

2-45  set of his fingerprints and written permission authorizing the authority to

2-46  forward the fingerprints to the central repository for Nevada records of

2-47  criminal history for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation

2-48  for its report, and shall further investigate the background of the

2-49  applicant; and


3-1    (b) Require proof that the applicant:

3-2       (1) Has been a resident of this state for at least 30 days before the

3-3  date on which he filed his application for the driver’s permit; and

3-4       (2) Has a valid and appropriate license issued pursuant to NRS

3-5  483.340 which authorizes him to drive in this state the vehicle he will be

3-6  employed to drive.

3-7    2.  A member or the deputy of the authority may refuse to issue a

3-8  driver’s permit to an applicant if the applicant has been convicted of:

3-9    (a) A felony, other than a sexual offense, in this state or any other

3-10  jurisdiction within the 5 years immediately preceding the date on which

3-11  he filed his application;

3-12    (b) A felony involving any sexual offense in this state or any other

3-13  jurisdiction at any time before the date on which he filed his application;

3-14  or

3-15    (c) A violation of NRS 484.379 or 484.3795, or a law in another

3-16  jurisdiction that prohibits the same or similar conduct, within the 3 years

3-17  immediately preceding the date on which he filed his application.

3-18    3.  A member or the deputy of the authority may refuse to issue a

3-19  driver’s permit to an applicant who has been convicted of an offense

3-20  involving moral turpitude.

3-21    4.  There must be paid to the authority for:

3-22    (a) The issuance of an original driver’s permit, a fee of $50.

3-23    (b) The renewal of a driver’s permit, a fee of $25.

3-24    Sec. 9.  An application for the issuance of a driver’s permit must

3-25  include the social security number of the applicant.

3-26    Sec. 10.  1.  An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a driver’s

3-27  permit shall submit to the authority the statement prescribed by the

3-28  welfare division of the department of human resources pursuant to NRS

3-29  425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

3-30    2.  The authority shall include the statement required pursuant to

3-31  subsection 1 in:

3-32    (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the

3-33  issuance or renewal of the driver’s permit; or

3-34    (b) A separate form prescribed by the authority.

3-35    3.  A driver’s permit may not be issued or renewed by the authority if

3-36  the applicant:

3-37    (a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

3-38    (b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that

3-39  he is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in

3-40  compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or

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

3-42  owed pursuant to the order.

3-43    4.  If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to

3-44  subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a child

3-45  and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district

3-46  attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of

3-47  the amount owed pursuant to the order, the authority shall advise the

3-48  applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing


4-1  the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy

4-2  the arrearage.

4-3    Sec. 11.  1.  Before applying to a fully regulated carrier of

4-4  passengers for employment as a driver, a person must obtain a

4-5  physician’s certificate, with two copies thereof, from a physician who is

4-6  licensed to practice medicine in this state.

4-7    2.  A physician shall issue a certificate and two copies thereof to an

4-8  applicant if the physician finds that the applicant meets the applicable

4-9  health requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

4-10  Regulations, 49 C.F.R. §§ 391.41 et seq.

4-11    3.  A certificate from a physician issued pursuant to this section must:

4-12    (a) State that the physician has examined the applicant and found that

4-13  the applicant meets the applicable health requirements established by the

4-14  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 C.F.R. §§ 391.41 et seq.;

4-15  and

4-16    (b) Be signed and dated by the physician issuing the certificate.

4-17    4.  A certificate from a physician issued pursuant to this section

4-18  expires 2 years after the date on which it was issued and may be renewed.

4-19    Sec. 12.  1.  A fully regulated carrier of passengers shall not employ

4-20  a person as a driver unless the person has obtained and has on his

4-21  person:

4-22    (a) A valid driver’s license issued by this state pursuant to NRS

4-23  483.010 to 483.630, inclusive;

4-24    (b) A copy of a certificate from a physician issued pursuant to section

4-25  11 of this act; and

4-26    (c) A driver’s permit issued pursuant to section 8 of this act.

4-27    2.  A fully regulated carrier of passengers shall, at the time that it

4-28  employs a person to drive a vehicle:

4-29    (a) Provide that person with a complete copy of NRS 706.011 to

4-30  706.791, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act, and any

4-31  regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and

4-32    (b) Require the person to sign a statement acknowledging that he has

4-33  received a complete copy of NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and

4-34  sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act, and any regulations adopted

4-35  pursuant thereto, and has read and familiarized himself with the

4-36  provisions included therein.

4-37    Sec. 13.  1.  Each driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers

4-38  shall keep a daily trip sheet in a form to be prescribed by the authority.

4-39    2.  At the beginning of each period of duty, a driver shall record on

4-40  his daily trip sheet:

4-41    (a) His name and the number of the vehicle;

4-42    (b) The time at which he began his period of duty; and

4-43    (c) The odometer reading of the vehicle.

4-44    3.  During his period of duty, a driver shall record on his daily trip

4-45  sheet:

4-46    (a) The time, place of origin and destination of each trip; and

4-47    (b) The number of passengers and amount of fare for each trip.

4-48    4.  At the end of each period of duty, a driver shall record on his daily

4-49  trip sheet:


5-1    (a) The time at which he ended his period of duty; and

5-2    (b) The odometer reading of the vehicle.

5-3    5.  Each driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers shall file

5-4  each trip sheet with the carrier. The carrier or a person designated by the

5-5  carrier shall review and retain each of the daily trip sheets of its drivers

5-6  in a safe place for at least 3 years immediately following December 31 of

5-7  the year to which the daily trip sheets pertain. A carrier shall make the

5-8  daily trip sheets available for inspection by a member or the deputy of the

5-9  authority upon reasonable demand.

5-10    6.  A driver who fails to maintain a daily trip sheet or file a trip sheet

5-11  with a carrier as required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

5-12    7.  The provisions of this section do not relieve a carrier from any

5-13  obligation under its certificate of public convenience and necessity or

5-14  from its duty to comply with this chapter and the regulations adopted

5-15  pursuant to this chapter.

5-16    Sec. 14.  The authority shall adopt regulations governing the conduct

5-17  of the drivers of a fully regulated carrier of passengers to ensure the

5-18  safety and comfort of the general public.

5-19    Sec. 15.  (Deleted by amendment.)

5-20    Sec. 16.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a driver

5-21  of a fully regulated carrier of passengers shall not refuse or neglect to

5-22  transport any person to the destination requested by that person if:

5-23    (a) The person requests that the driver transport the person to that

5-24  destination; and

5-25    (b) The requested destination is located within the area of operation

5-26  authorized by the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to

5-27  the carrier.

5-28    2.  A driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers is not subject to

5-29  the provisions of subsection 1 if the driver can show beyond a reasonable

5-30  doubt that:

5-31    (a) The driver had good reason to fear for his personal safety;

5-32    (b) The vehicle has been previously engaged by another person;

5-33    (c) The driver is forbidden by statute or regulation to carry the person

5-34  requesting the transportation; or

5-35    (d) The person requesting service acted in a disorderly manner,

5-36  including, without limitation, the use of:

5-37      (1) Hostile or offensive gestures; or

5-38       (2) Indecent or offensive language.

5-39    3.  The authority shall adopt regulations that define when a person

5-40  acts in a disorderly manner, when a person uses hostile or offensive

5-41  gestures and when a person uses indecent or offensive language for the

5-42  purposes of paragraph (d) of subsection 2.

5-43    Sec. 17.  1.  If a driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers

5-44  violates any provision of sections 11 to 16, inclusive, of this act, or any

5-45  regulation adopted pursuant thereto, an enforcement officer may impose

5-46  the following sanctions:

5-47    (a) For a first offense, a warning or a fine of not more than $100, or

5-48  both a warning and a fine.


6-1    (b) For a second offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-2  the driver of not more than 3 days or a fine of not more than $200, or

6-3  both a suspension and a fine.

6-4    (c) For a third offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-5  the driver of not more than 6 days or a fine of not more than $300, or

6-6  both a suspension and a fine.

6-7    (d) For a fourth offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-8  the driver of 10 days or a fine of not more than $500, or both a

6-9  suspension and a fine.

6-10    (e) For a fifth or subsequent offense, the revocation of the driver’s

6-11  permit issued to the driver or a fine of not more than $500, or both the

6-12  revocation of the driver’s permit and a fine.

6-13    2.  For the purposes of subsection 1, only those violations occurring

6-14  in the 12 months immediately preceding the most current violation may

6-15  be considered. The enforcement officer shall inspect the record of the

6-16  offending driver to determine the number of offenses committed during

6-17  the immediately preceding 12-month period.

6-18    3.  The enforcement officer must conduct a hearing before he revokes

6-19  or suspends the driver’s permit of a driver or imposes a fine against a

6-20  driver pursuant to this section.

6-21    Sec. 18.  1.  A driver of a fully regulated carrier of passengers:

6-22    (a) Shall not drive a vehicle or go on duty while under the influence

6-23  of, or impaired by, any controlled substance, dangerous drug or

6-24  intoxicating liquor.

6-25    (b) Shall not drink or otherwise consume any intoxicating liquor

6-26  while on duty.

6-27    (c) Shall not, at any time, use or consume any controlled substance or

6-28  dangerous drug that may impair his ability to operate a motor vehicle

6-29  and shall not, at any time, use or consume any other controlled

6-30  substance or dangerous drug, except in accordance with a lawfully

6-31  issued prescription.

6-32    (d) Shall obey all provisions and restrictions of the certificate of

6-33  public convenience and necessity issued to the carrier.

6-34    2.  If a driver violates any provision of subsection 1, an enforcement

6-35  officer may, after a hearing, impose the following sanctions:

6-36    (a) For a first offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to the

6-37  driver of not more than 5 days or a fine of not more than $100, or both a

6-38  suspension and a fine.

6-39    (b) For a second offense, a suspension of the driver’s permit issued to

6-40  the driver of not more than 20 days or a fine of not more than $300, or

6-41  both a suspension and a fine.

6-42    (c) For a third or subsequent offense, the revocation of the driver’s

6-43  permit issued to the driver or a fine of not more than $500, or both the

6-44  revocation of the driver’s permit and a fine.

6-45  In addition to any fine set forth in this subsection, the enforcement

6-46  officer may revoke the driver’s permit issued to a driver for any violation

6-47  of paragraph (a) of subsection 1.

6-48    3.  For the purposes of this section, only those violations occurring in

6-49  the 12 months immediately preceding the most current violation may be


7-1  considered. The enforcement officer shall inspect the record of the

7-2  offending driver to determine the number of offenses committed during

7-3  the immediately preceding 12-month period.

7-4    Sec. 19.  1.  Each week, a common motor carrier or contract motor

7-5  carrier authorized to operate a taxicab, traditional limousine, livery

7-6  limousine, super-stretch limousine or bus shall perform a preventative

7-7  maintenance and safety inspection as recommended by the maintenance

7-8  specifications of the manufacturer of the vehicle.

7-9    2.  Any person, including, without limitation, a safety inspector,

7-10  service maintenance person, supervisor, manager, owner or driver, who

7-11  operates a motor vehicle for a common motor carrier or contract motor

7-12  carrier engaged in passenger or light express service shall:

7-13    (a) Report and notify the owner or manager of the common or

7-14  contract carrier of a safety defect or unsafe condition in a vehicle as soon

7-15  as possible after becoming aware of the defect or condition; and

7-16    (b) Return the vehicle to the maintenance facility for repair as soon as

7-17  possible after becoming aware of the defect or condition.

7-18  A common motor carrier or contract motor carrier that receives notice of

7-19  a defect or unsafe condition pursuant to this subsection shall not allow

7-20  the vehicle to be returned to service until the defect or condition has been

7-21  repaired.

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

7-23  apply in a county whose population is 400,000 or more.

7-24    Sec. 21.  The authority may:

7-25    1.  Determine the circumstances that require a temporary increase in

7-26  the number of traditional limousines, livery limousines or super-stretch

7-27  limousines that are operated by each fully regulated carrier of

7-28  passengers which operates such vehicles pursuant to section 22 of this

7-29  act; and

7-30    2.  Allocate a temporary increase in the number of traditional

7-31  limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch limousines pursuant to

7-32  section 23 of this act when the circumstances require the increase.

7-33    Sec. 22.  1.  In determining a system of allocation for traditional

7-34  limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch limousines, or a change

7-35  in the existing allocation of traditional limousines, livery limousines or

7-36  super-stretch limousines, the authority shall consider separately the

7-37  interests, welfare, convenience, necessity and well-being of the customers

7-38  of taxicab motor carriers and of other fully regulated carriers of

7-39  passengers. The authority may also consider additional factors,

7-40  including, without limitation:

7-41    (a) The increase in population during the year immediately preceding

7-42  the date of consideration of counties whose population is 400,000 or

7-43  more.

7-44    (b) The increase in the volume of passengers during the year

7-45  immediately preceding the date of consideration at airports in counties

7-46  whose population is 400,000 or more.

7-47    (c) The increase in the number of occupied hotel and motel rooms

7-48  during the year immediately preceding the date of consideration in

7-49  counties whose population is 400,000 or more.


8-1    (d) The increase in the number of customers using the services of

8-2  traditional limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch limousines

8-3  during the year immediately preceding the date of consideration in

8-4  counties whose population is 400,000 or more.

8-5    2.  If circumstances require an increase in existing allocations, the

8-6  authority shall allocate the vehicles equally among the fully regulated

8-7  carriers of passengers who apply for an allocation and who are in the

8-8  area affected by the allocation.

8-9    3.  Unless a fully regulated carrier of passengers puts additionally

8-10  allocated traditional limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch

8-11  limousines into service within 90 days after the effective date of an

8-12  increased allocation, the increased allocation to that carrier is void.

8-13    4.  The authority may attach to the exercise of the rights granted by

8-14  an allocation any terms and conditions that, in its judgment, the public

8-15  interest may require. The authority shall determine from evidence

8-16  gathered at a hearing which arrangements for capitalization or other

8-17  security or assets must remain in place and which principals and

8-18  managers of the applicant must continue to be active in those capacities

8-19  to provide the fitness and ability required for continued operation under

8-20  the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to the fully

8-21  regulated carrier of passengers.

8-22    5.  Each year, the authority shall review any existing allocation of

8-23  traditional limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch limousines to

8-24  determine whether the allocation is appropriate pursuant to subsection 1.

8-25    6.  After considering all information relevant to the operation of

8-26  traditional limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch limousines in

8-27  a county whose population is 400,000 or more, the authority shall adopt

8-28  regulations relating to the number of such vehicles that will be allocated.

8-29  The regulations must reserve an allocation of such vehicles for

8-30  additional fully regulated carriers of passengers that may subsequently

8-31  apply for an allocation.

8-32    Sec. 23.  1.  In determining whether circumstances require a

8-33  temporary increase in the number of traditional limousines, livery

8-34  limousines and super-stretch limousines allocated pursuant to section 22

8-35  of this act, the authority shall consider separately the interests, welfare,

8-36  convenience, necessity and well-being of the customers of taxicab motor

8-37  carriers and of other fully regulated carriers of passengers.

8-38    2.  If circumstances require a temporary increase in the number of

8-39  vehicles allocated pursuant to section 22 of this act, the authority shall

8-40  allocate the temporary increase equally among the fully regulated

8-41  carriers of passengers who apply for an allocation and who are in the

8-42  area affected by the allocation.

8-43    3.  The authority shall determine:

8-44    (a) The number of additional vehicles to be allocated; and

8-45    (b) The duration of the temporary allocations, which may not exceed

8-46  15 days.

8-47    4.  The authority may adopt regulations governing temporary

8-48  increases in the allocation of vehicles pursuant to this section.


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

9-2  passengers or property is not subject to the provisions of this chapter

9-3  governing fully regulated carriers if:

9-4    (a) The person that owns and operates the motor vehicle holds a

9-5  nonrestricted license pursuant to which the holder operates any number

9-6  of slot machines together with any other game, gaming device, race book

9-7  or sports pool at one establishment;

9-8    (b) The person who holds the nonrestricted license is not in the

9-9  business of, and does not charge compensation for, transporting

9-10  passengers or property; and

9-11    (c) The use of the motor vehicle by the person who holds the

9-12  nonrestricted license to transport passengers or property is incidental to

9-13  the business for which the nonrestricted license was issued.

9-14    2.  A holder of a nonrestricted license shall apply to the authority for

9-15  the issuance of a decal, sticker or other type of identification for

9-16  placement on a motor vehicle used by the holder to transport passengers

9-17  and property in accordance with subsection 1. The authority shall issue a

9-18  decal, sticker or other type of identification to a holder of a nonrestricted

9-19  license if the authority determines that the motor vehicle upon which the

9-20  identification will be placed meets and will be operated in accordance

9-21  with the requirements of subsection 1. A decal, sticker or other type of

9-22  identification is valid for 1 year. The authority may impose a fee of not

9-23  more than $50 for the issuance of a decal, sticker or other type of

9-24  identification pursuant to this subsection.

9-25    3.  As used in this section, “nonrestricted license” has the meaning

9-26  ascribed to it in subsection 2 of NRS 463.0177.

9-27    Sec. 25.  NRS 706.011 is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-28    706.011  As used in NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and sections 2

9-29  to 24, inclusive, of this act, unless the context otherwise requires, the

9-30  words and terms defined in NRS 706.013 to 706.146, inclusive, and

9-31  sections 2 to 6, inclusive, of this act have the meanings ascribed to them in

9-32  those sections.

9-33    Sec. 26.  (Deleted by amendment.)

9-34    Sec. 27.  NRS 706.168 is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-35    706.168  1.  The authority of the transportation services authority to

9-36  supervise and regulate [motor] carriers , drivers and brokers respectively,

9-37  to the extent provided in this chapter, must be exercised separately. A

9-38  [motor] carrier is responsible only for his own acts and [those of his

9-39  employees or agents who are not brokers.] the acts of the driver or broker

9-40  that were directed or allowed by the carrier. A broker is responsible only

9-41  for his own acts and [those] the acts of his [employees or agents who are

9-42  not motor carriers.]employee or agent that were directed or allowed by

9-43  the broker.

9-44    2.  The provisions of this section do not relieve a carrier from any

9-45  obligation under its certificate of public convenience and necessity or

9-46  from its duty to comply with this chapter and the regulations adopted

9-47  pursuant to this chapter.

9-48    Sec. 28.  NRS 706.171 is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-49    706.171  1.  The authority and the department may:


10-1    (a) Make necessary and reasonable regulations governing the

10-2  administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter for which

10-3  they are each responsible.

10-4    (b) Adopt by reference any appropriate rule or regulation, as it exists at

10-5  the time of adoption, issued by the United States Department of

10-6  Transportation, the Surface Transportation Board, any other agency of the

10-7  Federal Government, or the National Association of Regulatory Utility

10-8  Commissioners.

10-9    (c) Require such reports and the maintenance of such records as they

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

10-11  chapter.

10-12  (d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, examine, at any time

10-13  during the business hours of the day, the books, papers and records of any

10-14  fully regulated carrier, and of any other common, contract or private motor

10-15  carrier doing business in this state to the extent necessary for their

10-16  respective duties. The authority and the department may examine in other

10-17  states or require by subpoena the production inside this state of such books,

10-18  papers and records as are not maintained in this state.

10-19  (e) Temporarily waive any requirement for a certificate or permit when

10-20  an emergency exists as defined in NRS 706.561.

10-21  2.  No personnel records of an employee of a fully regulated carrier, or

10-22  of any other common, contract or private motor carrier may be examined

10-23  pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 1 unless the records contain

10-24  information relating to a matter of public safety or the authority and the

10-25  department determine that the examination is required to protect the

10-26  interests of the public.

10-27  3.  The department may adopt regulations to ensure the payment of any

10-28  fee due or authorized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

10-29  4.  If the authority or the department adopts regulations that refer or

10-30  relate to a bus, the term “bus,” as used in those regulations, has the

10-31  meaning ascribed to it in section 2 of this act.

10-32  5.  As used in this section, “personnel records” does not include:

10-33  (a) The name of the employee who is the subject of the record;

10-34  (b) The gross compensation and perquisites of the employee;

10-35  (c) Any record of the business expenses of the employee;

10-36  (d) The title or any description of the position held by the employee;

10-37  (e) The qualifications required for the position held by the employee;

10-38  (f) The business address of the employee;

10-39  (g) The telephone number of the employee at his place of business;

10-40  (h) The work schedule of the employee;

10-41  (i) The date on which the employee began his employment; and

10-42  (j) If applicable, the date on which the employment of the employee

10-43  was terminated.

10-44  Sec. 29.  NRS 706.2885 is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-45  706.2885  1.  A certificate of public convenience and necessity,

10-46  permit or license issued in accordance with this chapter is not a franchise

10-47  and may be revoked.

10-48  2.  The authority may at any time, for good cause shown, after

10-49  investigation and hearing , unless waived by the holder of the certificate,


11-1  license or permit, and upon 5 days’ written notice to the [grantee,] holder,

11-2  suspend any certificate, permit or license issued in accordance with the

11-3  provisions of NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24,

11-4  inclusive, of this act for a period not to exceed 60 days.

11-5    3.  Upon receipt of a written complaint or on its own motion, the

11-6  authority may, after investigation and hearing, revoke any certificate,

11-7  permit or license[.] for any violation of NRS 706.011 to 706.791,

11-8  inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act, or any regulation

11-9  adopted pursuant thereto, or for knowingly allowing or requiring any

11-10  employee to violate any provision of sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act

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

11-12  required by subsection 2 cannot be made or if the [grantee] holder

11-13  relinquishes his interest in the certificate, permit or license by so notifying

11-14  the authority in writing, the authority may revoke the certificate, permit or

11-15  license without a hearing.

11-16  4.  The proceedings thereafter are governed by the provisions of

11-17  chapter 233B of NRS.

11-18  5.  If the holder of a certificate or driver’s permit fails to appear at

11-19  the time and place stated in the notice for any hearing, the authority

11-20  shall enter a finding of default. Upon the entering of a finding of default,

11-21  the authority may suspend or revoke the certificate or driver’s permit of

11-22  the person who failed to appear and may impose the penalties as

11-23  provided in this chapter. For good cause shown, the authority may set

11-24  aside a finding of default entered pursuant to this subsection and proceed

11-25  with a hearing on the matter.

11-26  Sec. 30.  NRS 706.361 is hereby amended to read as follows:

11-27  706.361  1.  A person with a disability is entitled to the full and equal

11-28  enjoyment of the facilities of any common motor carrier of passengers,

11-29  contract motor carrier of passengers or other entity providing a means of

11-30  public conveyance and transportation operating within this state.

11-31  2.  A common motor carrier of passengers, a contract motor carrier of

11-32  passengers and other entities providing means of public conveyance and

11-33  transportation shall designate a person responsible for ensuring that the

11-34  carrier complies with the applicable provisions of the Americans with

11-35  Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 to 12213, inclusive, and 47

11-36  U.S.C. §§ 225 and 611, and the regulations adopted pursuant to that act.

11-37  3.  The person designated pursuant to subsection 2 shall conduct

11-38  training sessions for the employees of the carrier or entity. Each employee

11-39  must be provided at least 3 hours of training during one or more training

11-40  sessions. During the training sessions, the designee shall:

11-41  (a) Describe the carrier’s plan for compliance with the Americans with

11-42  Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations adopted pursuant to that act;

11-43  (b) Explain the obligations of the employees to assist a person with a

11-44  disability to store a mobility device;

11-45  (c) Explain the illegality of charging an additional fee or a higher fare to

11-46  a person with a disability; and

11-47  (d) Ensure that each employee is trained in accordance with the

11-48  requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 37.173.


12-1    4.  It is unlawful for any person to deny any of the privileges granted

12-2  by subsection 1.

12-3    5.  It is unlawful for any driver of a common motor carrier, or for a

12-4  contract motor carrier, common motor carrier or other entity providing a

12-5  means of public conveyance or transportation operating within this state,

12-6  to:

12-7    (a) Deny the equal enjoyment of its services and facilities to a person

12-8  with a disability by the arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable interference,

12-9  direct or indirect, with the use of aids and appliances used by a person with

12-10  a disability;

12-11  (b) Fail to designate a person pursuant to subsection 2; or

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

12-13  subsection 3.

12-14  6.  As used in this section, “disability” has the meaning ascribed to it in

12-15  49 C.F.R. § 37.3.

12-16  Sec. 31.  NRS 706.366 is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-17  706.366  1.  It is unlawful for a driver of a common motor carrier of

12-18  passengers , or for a common motor carrier, contract motor carrier or

12-19  other means of public conveyance or transportation operating in this state ,

12-20  to:

12-21  (a) Refuse service to a visually, aurally or physically handicapped

12-22  person because he is accompanied by a guide dog, hearing dog, helping

12-23  dog or other service animal;

12-24  (b) Refuse service to a person who is training a guide dog, hearing dog,

12-25  helping dog or other service animal because he is accompanied by such an

12-26  animal; or

12-27  (c) Charge an additional fee for such an animal.

12-28  2.  This section does not relieve a visually, aurally or physically

12-29  handicapped person or a person who trains a guide dog, hearing dog,

12-30  helping dog or other service animal from liability for damage which may

12-31  be caused by his animal.

12-32  3.  Visually, aurally or physically handicapped persons accompanied by

12-33  guide dogs, hearing dogs, helping dogs or other service animals are subject

12-34  to the same conditions and limitations that apply to persons who are not so

12-35  handicapped and accompanied.

12-36  4.  For the purposes of this section, the terms “guide dog,” “hearing

12-37  dog,” “helping dog” and “service animal” have the meanings ascribed to

12-38  them respectively in NRS 426.075, 426.081, 426.083 and 426.097.

12-39  Sec. 32.  (Deleted by amendment.)

12-40  Sec. 33.  NRS 706.391 is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-41  706.391  1.  Upon thefiling of an application for a certificate of

12-42  public convenience and necessity to operate as a motor carrier other than

12-43  an operator of a tow car [,] and the payment of a nonrefundable

12-44  application fee of $200, the authority shall fix a time and place for hearing

12-45  [thereon.] on the application.

12-46  2.  The authority shall issue [such] a certificate of public convenience

12-47  and necessity to a person who submits an application and application fee

12-48  pursuant to subsection 1, if it finds that:


13-1    (a) The applicant is fit, willing and able to perform the services of a

13-2  common motor carrier;

13-3    (b) The proposed operation will be consistent with the legislative

13-4  policies set forth in NRS 706.151;

13-5    (c) The granting of the certificate will not unreasonably and adversely

13-6  affect other carriers operating in the territory for which the certificate is

13-7  sought; and

13-8    (d) The proposed service will benefit the traveling and shipping public

13-9  and the motor carrier business in this state.

13-10  3.  The authority shall not find that the potential creation of competition

13-11  in a territory which may be caused by the granting of a certificate, by itself,

13-12  will unreasonably and adversely affect other carriers operating in the

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

13-14  4.  An applicant for such a certificate [has] :

13-15  (a) Has the burden of proving to the authority that the proposed

13-16  operation will meet the requirements of subsection 2 [.] ; and

13-17  (b) Must pay the amounts billed to him by the authority for reasonable

13-18  costs incurred by the authority in conducting an investigation or hearing

13-19  regarding the applicant.

13-20  5.  The authority may issue a certificate of public convenience and

13-21  necessity to operate as a common motor carrier, or issue it for:

13-22  (a) The exercise of the privilege sought.

13-23  (b) The partial exercise of the privilege sought.

13-24  6.  The authority may attach to the certificate such terms and conditions

13-25  as, in its judgment, the public interest may require.

13-26  7.  The authority may dispense with the hearing on the application if,

13-27  upon the expiration of the time fixed in the notice thereof, no petition to

13-28  intervene has been filed on behalf of any person who has filed a protest

13-29  against the granting of the certificate.

13-30  Sec. 34.  (Deleted by amendment.)

13-31  Sec. 35.  NRS 706.473 is hereby amended to read as follows:

13-32  706.473  1.  In a county whose population is less than 400,000, a

13-33  person who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity which

13-34  was issued for the operation of a taxicab business may, upon approval from

13-35  the authority, lease a taxicab to an independent contractor who does not

13-36  hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity. A person [may lease

13-37  only one taxicab to each independent contractor with whom he enters into a

13-38  lease agreement.] who holds a certificate of public convenience and

13-39  necessity shall not lease more than one vehicle to each lessee. The taxicab

13-40  may be used only in a manner authorized by the lessor’s certificate of

13-41  public convenience and necessity [.] and must not be used to convey

13-42  passengers or light express without compensation therefor.

13-43  2.  A person who enters into a lease agreement with an independent

13-44  contractor pursuant to this section shall submit a copy of the agreement to

13-45  the authority for its approval. The agreement is not effective until approved

13-46  by the authority. The authority shall review an agreement submitted to it

13-47  and shall not approve an agreement unless the agreement contains all

13-48  information that is required to be included in such an agreement.


14-1    3.  A person who leases a taxicab to an independent contractor is

14-2  jointly and severally [liable] responsible with the independent contractor

14-3  for any violation of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted

14-4  pursuant thereto, and shall ensure that the independent contractor complies

14-5  with such provisions and regulations.

14-6    4.  [The authority or any of its employees may intervene in a civil

14-7  action involving a lease agreement entered into pursuant to this section.]

14-8  Each person who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity

14-9  and who enters into a lease agreement pursuant to this section shall

14-10  make each such lease agreement available for public inspection at an

14-11  office in this state at which the person operates vehicles pursuant to the

14-12  certificate.

14-13  Sec. 36.  NRS 706.476 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-14  706.476  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 706.478:

14-15  1.  A vehicle used [as a taxicab, limousine or other passenger vehicle in

14-16  passenger service] by any person or entity in this state to provide any kind

14-17  of transportation of passengers or property that is subject to the

14-18  jurisdiction of the authority must be impounded by the authority if a

14-19  certificate of public convenience and necessity has not been issued

14-20  authorizing [its operation.] the operation of the vehicle. A hearing must be

14-21  held by the authority [no] not later than the conclusion of the second

14-22  normal business day after impoundment, weekends and holidays excluded.

14-23  As soon as practicable after impoundment, the authority shall notify the

14-24  registered owner of the vehicle[:

14-25  (a) That the registered owner of the vehicle must post a bond in the

14-26  amount of $20,000 to ensure his presence at all proceedings held pursuant

14-27  to this section;

14-28  (b) Of the] of:

14-29  (a) The time set for the hearing; and

14-30  [(c) Of his]

14-31  (b) His right to be represented by counsel during all phases of the

14-32  proceedings.

14-33  2.  The authority shall hold the vehicle until the registered owner of the

14-34  vehicle appears and[:

14-35  (a) Proves that he] proves that:

14-36  (a) He is the registered owner of the vehicle;

14-37  (b) [Proves that he] He holds a valid certificate of public convenience

14-38  and necessity;

14-39  [(c) Proves that the] and

14-40  (c) The vehicle meets all required standards of the authority . [; and

14-41  (d) Posts a bond in the amount of $20,000 with the authority.]

14-42  The authority shall return the vehicle to its registered owner when the

14-43  owner meets the requirements of this subsection and pays all costs of

14-44  impoundment.

14-45  3.  If the registered owner is unable to meet the requirements of

14-46  paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection 2, the authority may assess an

14-47  administrative fine against the registered owner for each such violation in

14-48  the amount of $5,000. The maximum amount of the administrative fine that

14-49  may be assessed against a registered owner for a single impoundment of


15-1  his vehicle pursuant to this section is $10,000. The authority shall return

15-2  the vehicle after any administrative fine imposed pursuant to this

15-3  subsection and all costs of impoundment have been paid.

15-4    Sec. 37.  NRS 706.756 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-5    706.756  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, any person

15-6  who:

15-7    (a) Operates a vehicle or causes it to be operated in any carriage to

15-8  which the provisions of NRS 706.011 to 706.861, inclusive, and sections 2

15-9  to 24, inclusive, of this act apply without first obtaining a [certificate,]

15-10  driver’s permit or license, or in violation of the terms thereof;

15-11  (b) Fails to make any return or report required by the provisions of NRS

15-12  706.011 to 706.861, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this act,

15-13  or by the authority or the department pursuant to the provisions of NRS

15-14  706.011 to 706.861, inclusive[;] , and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this

15-15  act;

15-16  (c) Violates, or procures, aids or abets the violating of, any provision of

15-17  NRS 706.011 to 706.861, inclusive[;] , and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of

15-18  this act;

15-19  (d) Fails to obey any order, decision or regulation of the authority or the

15-20  department;

15-21  (e) Procures, aids or abets any person in his failure to obey such an

15-22  order, decision or regulation of the authority or the department;

15-23  (f) Advertises, solicits, proffers bids or otherwise holds himself out to

15-24  perform transportation as a common or contract carrier in violation of any

15-25  of the provisions of NRS 706.011 to 706.861, inclusive[;] , and sections 2

15-26  to 24, inclusive, of this act;

15-27  (g) Advertises as providing:

15-28     (1) The services of a fully regulated carrier; or

15-29     (2) Towing services,

15-30  without including the number of his certificate of public convenience and

15-31  necessity or contract carrier’s permit in each advertisement;

15-32  (h) Knowingly offers, gives, solicits or accepts any rebate, concession

15-33  or discrimination in violation of the provisions of this chapter;

15-34  (i) Knowingly, willfully and fraudulently seeks to evade or defeat the

15-35  purposes of this chapter;

15-36  (j) Operates or causes to be operated a vehicle which does not have the

15-37  proper identifying device;

15-38  (k) Displays or causes or permits to be displayed a certificate, permit,

15-39  license or identifying device, knowing it to be fictitious or to have been

15-40  canceled, revoked, suspended or altered;

15-41  (l) Lends or knowingly permits the use of by one not entitled thereto

15-42  any certificate, permit, license or identifying device issued to the person so

15-43  lending or permitting the use thereof; [or]

15-44  (m) Refuses or fails to surrender to the authority or the department any

15-45  certificate, permit, license or identifying device which has been suspended,

15-46  canceled or revoked pursuant to the provisions of this chapter[,] ; or

15-47  (n) Knowingly makes or causes to be made, either directly or

15-48  indirectly, a false statement on an application, account or other


16-1  statement required by the authority or who violates any provision of

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

16-3  is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished

16-4  by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or by imprisonment

16-5  in the county jail for not more than 6 months, or by both fine and

16-6  imprisonment.

16-7    2.  A person convicted of a misdemeanor for a violation of the

16-8  provisions of NRS 706.386 or 706.421 shall be punished:

16-9    (a) For the first offense, by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than

16-10  $1,000;

16-11  (b) For a second offense within 12 consecutive months and each

16-12  subsequent offense, by a fine of $1,000; or

16-13  (c) For any offense, by imprisonment in the county jail for not more

16-14  than 6 months, or by both the prescribed fine and imprisonment.

16-15  3.  Any person who operates or permits the operation of a vehicle in

16-16  passenger service without a certificate of public convenience and necessity

16-17  issued pursuant to NRS 706.391 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If a law

16-18  enforcement officer witnesses a violation of this subsection, he may cause

16-19  the vehicle to be towed immediately from the scene[.] and impounded in

16-20  accordance with NRS 706.476.

16-21  4.  The fines provided in this section are mandatory and must not be

16-22  reduced under any circumstances by the court.

16-23  5.  Any bail allowed must not be less than the appropriate fine provided

16-24  for by this section.

16-25  6.  A conviction of a person pursuant to this section does not bar the

16-26  authority from suspending or revoking any certificate, license or permit

16-27  of the person so convicted. The imposition of a fine or the suspension or

16-28  revocation of a certificate, license or permit by the authority pursuant to

16-29  NRS 706.011 to 706.791, inclusive, and sections 2 to 24, inclusive, of this

16-30  act does not operate as a defense in any proceeding held pursuant to this

16-31  section.

16-32  Sec. 38.  1.  On or before July 1, 2002, in each county whose

16-33  population is 400,000 or more, the transportation services authority shall

16-34  adopt the regulations required pursuant to subsection 6 of section 22 of this

16-35  act after considering all information that is relevant to traditional

16-36  limousines, livery limousines and super-stretch limousines and without

16-37  considering conditions relating to taxicab motor carriers. The regulations

16-38  must not become effective before July 1, 2002.

16-39  2.  As used in this section:

16-40  (a) “Fully regulated carrier of passengers” has the meaning ascribed to

16-41  it in section 4 of this act.

16-42  (b) “Livery limousine” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 5 of this

16-43  act.

16-44  (c) “Super-stretch limousine” has the meaning ascribed to it in section

16-45  5.5 of this act.

16-46  (d) “Taxicab motor carrier” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS

16-47  706.126.

16-48  (e) “Traditional limousine” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 6 of

16-49  this act.


17-1    Sec. 39.  The amendatory provisions of this act do not apply to

17-2  offenses committed before the effective date of this act.

17-3    Sec. 40.  1.  This section and sections 1 to 23, inclusive, and 25 to 39,

17-4  inclusive, of this act become effective upon passage and approval.

17-5    2.  Section 24 of this act becomes effective on July 1, 2001.

17-6    3.  The provisions of sections 9 and 10 of this act expire by limitation

17-7  on the date on which the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 666 requiring each state

17-8  to establish procedures under which the state has authority to withhold or

17-9  suspend, or to restrict the use of professional, occupational and recreational

17-10  licenses of persons who:

17-11  (a) Have failed to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to a

17-12  procedure to determine the paternity of a child or to establish or enforce an

17-13  obligation for the support of a child; or

17-14  (b) Are in arrears in the payment for the support of one or more

17-15  children,

17-16  are repealed by the Congress of the United States.

 

17-17  H