(Reprinted with amendments adopted on April 2, 2003)

 

Senate Bill No. 249–Senators Raggio, Townsend, Rawson, Washington, Shaffer, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Cegavske, Coffin, Hardy, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, Nolan, Rhoads, Schneider, Tiffany, Titus and Wiener

 

March 7, 2003

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Government Affairs

 

SUMMARY—Creates Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs. (BDR 18‑766)

 

FISCAL NOTE:  Effect on Local Government: No.

                           Effect on the State: No.

 

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

 

AN ACT relating to the Executive Department of State Government; creating the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs; providing the duties of the Commission; requiring the Director of the Department of Administration to provide certain staff assistance to the Commission under certain circumstances; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

 

1-1  Section 1. Title 18 of NRS is hereby amended by adding

1-2  thereto a new chapter to consist of the provisions set forth as

1-3  sections 2 to 10, inclusive, of this act.

1-4  Sec. 2.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

1-5  requires, “Commission” means the Nevada Commission on

1-6  Minority Affairs created by section 3 of this act.

1-7  Sec. 3.  1.  The Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs,

1-8  consisting of 11 members appointed by the Governor, is hereby

1-9  created.

1-10      2.  The members appointed to the Commission must represent

1-11  a variety of minority groups.

2-1  3.  The Governor shall designate:

2-2  (a) One member of the Commission to serve as Chairman;

2-3  (b) One member of the Commission to serve as Vice

2-4  Chairman; and

2-5  (c) Such other officers from the membership of the

2-6  Commission as the Governor may determine to be necessary.

2-7  4.  The term of office of each Chairman, Vice Chairman and

2-8  any other officer of the Commission is 3 years.

2-9  5.  Not more than four members of the Commission may be

2-10  from the same minority group.

2-11      Sec. 4.  Except for the initial members, the term of office of

2-12  each member of the Commission is 3 years and commences on

2-13  July 1 of the year of appointment. The members shall continue in

2-14  office until their successors are appointed. Members are eligible

2-15  for reappointment, except that no member may serve for any part

2-16  of more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies must be filled by

2-17  appointment for the unexpired terms by the Governor.

2-18      Sec. 5.  Members of the Commission receive no compensation

2-19  for their services, but are entitled to be reimbursed for all travel

2-20  and other expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in

2-21  the performance of their duties, within the limits of money

2-22  available to the Commission.

2-23      Sec. 6.  1.  The Commission shall meet at the call of the

2-24  Chairman as frequently as required to perform its duties, but no

2-25  less than quarterly.

2-26      2.  A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a

2-27  quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority of those

2-28  present at any meeting is sufficient for any official action taken by

2-29  the Commission.

2-30      3.  The Commission shall, on or before January 31 of each

2-31  year, submit a report to the Governor summarizing the activities,

2-32  needs and recommendations of the Commission.

2-33      Sec. 7.  The Commission shall, within the limits of available

2-34  money:

2-35      1.  Study matters affecting the social and economic welfare

2-36  and well-being of minorities residing in the State of Nevada;

2-37      2.  Collect and disseminate information on activities,

2-38  programs and essential services available to minorities in the State

2-39  of Nevada;

2-40      3.  Work in coordination with the Governor to establish

2-41  criteria and goals for the achievement of increased economic

2-42  opportunities in this state for minorities;

2-43      4.  In cooperation with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission,

2-44  act as a liaison to inform persons regarding:

3-1  (a) The laws of this state that prohibit discriminatory

3-2  practices; and

3-3  (b) The procedures pursuant to which aggrieved persons may

3-4  file complaints or otherwise take action to remedy such

3-5  discriminatory practices;

3-6  5.  To the extent practicable, strive to create networks within

3-7  the business community between businesses that are owned by

3-8  minorities and businesses that are not owned by minorities;

3-9  6.  Advise the Governor on matters relating to minorities and

3-10  of concern to minorities; and

3-11      7.  Recommend proposed legislation to the Governor.

3-12      Sec. 8.  The Chairman of the Commission may, with the

3-13  approval of the Commission, appoint committees from its members

3-14  to assist in carrying out any of the functions or duties of the

3-15  Commission.

3-16      Sec. 9.  1.  The Director of the Department of

3-17  Administration shall provide staff assistance to the Commission as

3-18  the Governor deems appropriate.

3-19      2.  The Commission may engage the services of volunteer

3-20  workers and consultants without compensation as is necessary

3-21  from time to time.

3-22      Sec. 10.  The Commission may apply for and receive gifts,

3-23  grants, contributions or other money from governmental and

3-24  private agencies, affiliated associations and other persons for the

3-25  purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter and for

3-26  defraying expenses incurred by the Commission in the discharge

3-27  of its duties.

3-28      Sec. 11.  As soon as practicable after July 1, 2003, the

3-29  Governor shall appoint to the Nevada Commission on Minority

3-30  Affairs:

3-31      1.  Four members to terms that expire on June 30, 2004.

3-32      2.  Four members to terms that expire on June 30, 2005.

3-33      3.  Three members to terms that expire on June 30, 2006.

3-34      Sec. 12.  This act becomes effective on July 1, 2003.

 

3-35  H