NRS: CHAPTER 218E - LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATIONS AND HEARINGS; LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION AND OTHER COMMITTEES

[Rev. 6/29/2024 3:19:19 PM--2023]

CHAPTER 218E - LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATIONS AND HEARINGS; LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION AND OTHER COMMITTEES

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Scope of Investigatory Power

NRS 218E.005 Definitions.

NRS 218E.010 “Committee” defined.

NRS 218E.012 “Documentary evidence” defined.

NRS 218E.015 Power of Houses and committees to conduct investigations and hold hearings.

Subpoenas; Oaths; Contempt

NRS 218E.030 Power to issue subpoenas; exceptions.

NRS 218E.035 Contents and service of subpoenas; legal force and effect.

NRS 218E.040 Administration of oaths.

NRS 218E.045 Conduct constituting contempt; enforcement proceedings before district court.

NRS 218E.050 Power of Houses to imprison for contempt; issuance and service of citation for contempt.

NRS 218E.055 Hearing on citation for contempt.

NRS 218E.060 Arrest, fine and imprisonment upon finding of contempt; warrant.

NRS 218E.065 Imprisonment for contempt not bar to other proceedings.

Hearings; Witnesses; Privileges; Unlawful Acts

NRS 218E.080 Power of Houses to provide for hearings and proceedings; unlawful for sworn witness to willfully misrepresent facts when testifying in hearing or proceeding.

NRS 218E.085 Privilege regarding defamatory matter; unlawful for person to knowingly misrepresent facts when testifying in hearing or proceeding or in certain communications to Legislator.

NRS 218E.090 Rules and privileges governing certain state employees who testify on their own behalf; required disclosures; unlawful for state agency to take certain actions because of such testimony.

NRS 218E.095 Unlawful for person to neglect or refuse to obey subpoena, to be sworn, affirm or testify or to produce documentary evidence.

SUPPLEMENTAL POWERS OF INTERIM COMMITTEES

NRS 218E.105 Definitions.

NRS 218E.110 “Committee” defined.

NRS 218E.115 “Documentary evidence” defined.

NRS 218E.120 “Secretary of the committee” defined.

NRS 218E.125 Provisions supplement and do not impair other powers, privileges and immunities.

NRS 218E.130 Power to conduct investigations and hold hearings; administration of oaths; deposition of witnesses.

NRS 218E.135 Power to issue subpoenas; contents and service; legal force and effect; enforcement proceedings before district court.

NRS 218E.140 Fees and mileage for witnesses.

LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

Organization and Administration

NRS 218E.150 Creation; membership; vacancies; officers; terms.

NRS 218E.155 Meetings; rules; quorum; attendance of alternate members.

NRS 218E.160 Compensation, allowances and expenses of members of Legislative Commission and Audit Subcommittee.

Powers and Duties

NRS 218E.175 General powers and duties.

NRS 218E.180 Additional powers and duties.

NRS 218E.185 Investigative powers; delegation to certain committees and subcommittees.

Studies and Investigations

NRS 218E.200 Power to conduct studies and investigations; assignment of matters to Joint Interim Standing Committees; establishment of subcommittees and interim or special committees; designation of members; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.205 Priorities and limitations concerning studies and investigations; requests for drafting legislative measures; restrictions on staff; review and approval of budgets.

NRS 218E.210 Biennial study of newly enacted statutes to determine any differential treatment of sexes or adverse effect on women.

Audit Subcommittee

NRS 218E.240 Creation; membership; meetings; quorum.

Budget Subcommittee

NRS 218E.255 Creation; membership; functions.

Special Committees

NRS 218E.270 Special committee to receive Governor’s message on condition of State.

NRS 218E.275 Special committees to consider issues during legislative interim.

JOINT INTERIM STANDING COMMITTEES

NRS 218E.320 Creation; membership; officers; vacancies.

NRS 218E.325 Meetings; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.330 General powers and duties; budgets; reports.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF FISCAL MATTERS

Interim Finance Committee

NRS 218E.400 Creation; membership; officers; terms; meetings; voting; investigations; hearings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.405 Exercise of powers and duties during legislative interim; performance of certain powers and duties during regular or special session; subcommittee to review matters involving State Public Works Division.

Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee

NRS 218E.410 Creation; membership; Secretary; alternates; officers; terms; vacancies.

NRS 218E.415 Meetings; quorum; general objectives and functions; investigations and hearings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee

NRS 218E.420 Creation; membership; budget; officers; meetings; investigations; hearings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

Legislative Committees for the Fundamental Review of the Base Budgets of State Agencies

NRS 218E.435 “Committee” defined.

NRS 218E.440 Creation; membership; officers; terms; vacancies; quorum; staff.

NRS 218E.445 Meetings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.450 General powers and duties; cooperation of state agencies; reports.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Subcommittee on Public Lands

NRS 218E.500 Legislative findings and declarations.

NRS 218E.505 “Subcommittee” defined.

NRS 218E.510 Creation; membership; officers; terms; vacancies; alternates.

NRS 218E.515 Meetings; rules; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.520 General powers.

NRS 218E.525 Additional powers and duties.

Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System

NRS 218E.550 “Committee” defined.

NRS 218E.555 Creation; membership; budget; officers; terms; vacancies; reports.

NRS 218E.560 Meetings; rules; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.565 General duties.

NRS 218E.570 General powers.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF EDUCATION

Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education

NRS 218E.615 General powers.

Legislative Bureau of Educational Accountability and Program Evaluation

NRS 218E.625 Creation; personnel; general powers and duties; confidentiality of certain information.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

NRS 218E.745 “Committee” defined.

NRS 218E.750 Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs: Creation; membership; budget; officers; terms; vacancies.

NRS 218E.755 Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs: Meetings; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

NRS 218E.760 Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs: General powers.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF ENERGY

NRS 218E.815 General powers of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure.

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APPENDIX

INTERIM STUDIES 2023-2025

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GENERAL PROVISIONS

Scope of Investigatory Power

NRS 218E.005 Definitions. As used in NRS 218E.005 to 218E.095, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 218E.010 and 218E.012 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.010 “Committee” defined.

1. “Committee” means:

(a) Any committee of either House;

(b) Any joint committee of both Houses; or

(c) Any other committee or commission created or authorized by the Legislature to conduct or perform legislative business at the direction of or on behalf of the Legislature.

2. The term includes, without limitation, a subcommittee.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 297; A 1995, 1871; 2011, 3207; 2013, 3741)

NRS 218E.012 “Documentary evidence” defined. “Documentary evidence” means any account, book, correspondence, file, message, paper, record or other type of document in any form, including, without limitation, in any written, audio, visual, digital or electronic form.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.015 Power of Houses and committees to conduct investigations and hold hearings. The Assembly, the Senate and committees may conduct investigations and hold hearings regarding any matter which is pertinent to their legislative business or possible future legislative action.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2011, 3208; 2013, 3741)

Subpoenas; Oaths; Contempt

NRS 218E.030 Power to issue subpoenas; exceptions.

1. The Assembly, the Senate and committees, pursuant to their investigative powers, may issue legislative subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence that is pertinent to their legislative business or possible future legislative action.

2. Legislative subpoenas may be issued by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the chair of a committee in accordance with the rules governing the committee.

3. Except in cases of impeachment or removal as provided by Article 7 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada, a legislative subpoena must not be issued to:

(a) The Governor or any of the Governor’s immediate staff.

(b) Any justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals or judge of a district court.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2011, 3208; 2013, 1768, 3741)

NRS 218E.035 Contents and service of subpoenas; legal force and effect.

1. To be properly issued, a legislative subpoena must:

(a) Be addressed to the witness;

(b) Describe the nature of the legislative proceedings for which the legislative subpoena is being issued;

(c) Require the attendance and testimony of the witness at a definite time and place fixed in the legislative subpoena or require the production of the documentary evidence at a definite time and place fixed in the legislative subpoena, or both;

(d) State particular reasons why the attendance and testimony of the witness or the production of the documentary evidence is pertinent to legislative business or possible future legislative action; and

(e) Be signed, as applicable, by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly or the chair of the committee who issued the legislative subpoena.

2. A legislative subpoena may be served by any person who is 18 years of age or older.

3. If a legislative subpoena is properly issued to and served on a witness pursuant to this section:

(a) The legislative subpoena has the same legal force and effect as a subpoena or order issued by the district court; and

(b) The witness shall comply with the provisions of the legislative subpoena in the same manner as a subpoena or order issued by the district court.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2011, 3208; 2013, 3742)

NRS 218E.040 Administration of oaths. The following persons may administer oaths to witnesses who appear before the Senate, the Assembly or a committee:

1. The President of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate or any member of the Senate.

2. The Chief Clerk of the Assembly or any member of the Assembly.

3. The secretary of the committee or any member of the committee.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2011, 3208; 2013, 3742)

NRS 218E.045 Conduct constituting contempt; enforcement proceedings before district court.

1. If a legislative subpoena is properly issued to and served on a witness, the witness commits contempt if the witness, without a reason recognized by law:

(a) Neglects or refuses to comply with the provisions of the legislative subpoena;

(b) Neglects or refuses to be sworn or to affirm before testifying or neglects or refuses to testify as to any relevant matter; or

(c) Neglects or refuses to produce any relevant documentary evidence in the possession or under the control of the witness.

2. In addition to any other remedies or penalties provided by law, if a witness commits contempt, the district court of any county shall, on application of the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly or the chair of the committee, compel the witness’s obedience by proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2001, 3205; 2011, 3208; 2013, 3742)

NRS 218E.050 Power of Houses to imprison for contempt; issuance and service of citation for contempt.

1. If a witness commits contempt before:

(a) The Senate or the Assembly, any member of the House may offer a resolution to have the recusant witness cited to show cause why the witness should not be imprisoned for contempt.

(b) A committee while the Legislature is in regular or special session, any member of the committee may offer a resolution in the House of which the Legislator is a member to have the recusant witness cited to show cause why the witness should not be imprisoned for contempt, but only if the resolution is first approved by a majority vote of the committee.

2. If the resolution is adopted by the House, the House shall issue a citation, signed by the presiding officer of the House:

(a) Directing the recusant witness to appear before the House at a time and place specified in the citation to show cause, if any, why the witness should not be imprisoned for contempt; and

(b) Accompanied by a copy of the original legislative subpoena if the recusant witness failed to appear, or stating briefly the questions which the witness failed to answer or the documentary evidence which the witness failed to produce.

3. The time and place stated in the citation for the hearing must afford the recusant witness a reasonable opportunity to prepare an appropriate defense.

4. The citation must be served personally upon the recusant witness and may be served by any peace officer or by the Sergeant at Arms or any regularly appointed Assistant Sergeant at Arms of the House.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2011, 3209; 2013, 3743)

NRS 218E.055 Hearing on citation for contempt. The recusant witness is entitled at the hearing:

1. To the assistance of counsel.

2. To present witnesses and offer evidence on the recusant witness’s behalf.

3. To argue orally, in person or by counsel, within such reasonable limits as may be imposed by the presiding officer of the House, and to submit written arguments.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 298; A 2011, 3209)

NRS 218E.060 Arrest, fine and imprisonment upon finding of contempt; warrant.

1. If the House finds by resolution that the recusant witness has in fact committed contempt:

(a) The House may require the witness to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, as fixed by the resolution, for each day the witness remains in contempt.

(b) The House shall issue a warrant for the arrest of the witness if the House finds that the witness should be imprisoned.

2. A warrant issued for the arrest of the witness pursuant to subsection 1 must:

(a) Be signed by the presiding officer;

(b) Be directed to the Sergeant at Arms or any regularly appointed Assistant Sergeant at Arms of the House or any peace officer; and

(c) Order the Sergeant at Arms, Assistant Sergeant at Arms or peace officer to arrest the contemner and deliver the contemner to the Sheriff of Carson City or a designated county for imprisonment in the jail.

3. A copy of the warrant must be delivered with the contemner to the designated sheriff and must fix the term of imprisonment as:

(a) The remaining duration of the regular or special session; or

(b) A specified term, unless the Legislature adjourns sine die before the completion of that term.

4. The warrant may provide for the release of the contemner before the expiration of the term of imprisonment if the contemner testifies or produces evidence as originally required.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 299; A 1989, 1967; 2011, 3209)

NRS 218E.065 Imprisonment for contempt not bar to other proceedings. The imprisonment of a recusant witness for contempt is not a bar to any other proceeding, civil or criminal, for the same act.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 299)

Hearings; Witnesses; Privileges; Unlawful Acts

NRS 218E.080 Power of Houses to provide for hearings and proceedings; unlawful for sworn witness to willfully misrepresent facts when testifying in hearing or proceeding.

1. Each House may provide for hearings and proceedings.

2. A person who appears and is sworn as a witness before a House or committee for a hearing or proceeding and who willfully misrepresents any fact when testifying in the hearing or proceeding is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1389; A 1973, 299; 2011, 3210)

NRS 218E.085 Privilege regarding defamatory matter; unlawful for person to knowingly misrepresent facts when testifying in hearing or proceeding or in certain communications to Legislator.

1. A witness is absolutely privileged to publish defamatory matter as part of a hearing or proceeding before a House or committee in which the witness is testifying or in communications to a Legislator preliminary to that hearing or proceeding, if the matter has some relation to the hearing or proceeding.

2. A person who knowingly misrepresents any fact when testifying in a hearing or proceeding before a House or committee or in communications to a Legislator preliminary to that hearing or proceeding is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Added to NRS by 1993, 2849; A 2011, 3210)

NRS 218E.090 Rules and privileges governing certain state employees who testify on their own behalf; required disclosures; unlawful for state agency to take certain actions because of such testimony.

1. An employee of a state agency who testifies before a House or committee on the employee’s own behalf and not on behalf of the state agency shall, before commencing such testimony, state that fact clearly on the record.

2. It is unlawful for a state agency which is the employer of an employee who complies with subsection 1 and testifies or seeks to testify before a House or committee on the employee’s own behalf to:

(a) Deprive the employee of employment with the state agency or to take any reprisal or retaliatory action against the employee as a consequence of the testimony or potential testimony;

(b) Threaten the employee that the testimony or potential testimony will result in the termination of employment with the state agency or in any reprisal or retaliatory action against the employee; or

(c) Directly or indirectly intimidate, threaten, coerce, command or influence or attempt to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command or influence the employee in an effort to interfere with or prevent the testimony of the employee.

3. It is unlawful for a state agency to:

(a) Deprive or threaten to deprive an employee of employment with the state agency;

(b) Take or threaten to take any reprisal or retaliatory action against the employee; or

(c) Directly or indirectly intimidate, threaten, coerce, command or influence or attempt to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command or influence the employee,

Ê in an attempt to affect the behavior of another employee who is testifying or seeks to testify before a House or committee on the other employee’s own behalf.

4. The provisions of this section do not apply to an employee in the classified service who has not completed the employee’s probationary period.

5. For the purposes of this section:

(a) “Reprisal or retaliatory action” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 281.611.

(b) “State agency” means an agency, bureau, board, commission, department, division, officer, employee or agent or any other unit of the Executive Department.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 1870; A 2001, 3052; 2011, 3210)

NRS 218E.095 Unlawful for person to neglect or refuse to obey subpoena, to be sworn, affirm or testify or to produce documentary evidence.

1. If a legislative subpoena is properly issued to and served on a person, the person shall not, without a reason recognized by law:

(a) Neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions of the legislative subpoena;

(b) Neglect or refuse to be sworn or to affirm before testifying or neglect or refuse to testify as to any relevant matter; or

2. In addition to any other remedies or penalties provided by law, a person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

[1911 C&P § 69; RL § 6334; NCL § 10018]—(NRS A 2011, 3211; 2013, 3743)

SUPPLEMENTAL POWERS OF INTERIM COMMITTEES

NRS 218E.105 Definitions. As used in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 218E.110, 218E.115 and 218E.120 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.110 “Committee” defined.

1. “Committee” means the Legislative Commission, a Joint Interim Standing Committee and any other legislative committee or subcommittee created by a specific statute, concurrent resolution or order of the Legislative Commission to conduct studies or investigations or perform any other legislative business during the legislative interim.

2. The term does not include any legislative committee or subcommittee appointed by the Legislature or either House to conduct or perform legislative business during a regular or special session, including, without limitation, any joint, standing, temporary, special or select committee or committee of the whole.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739; A 2021, 2507)

NRS 218E.115 “Documentary evidence” defined. “Documentary evidence” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 218E.012.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.120 “Secretary of the committee” defined. “Secretary of the committee” means the Director or any other person designated or authorized to serve as a secretary of the committee.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.125 Provisions supplement and do not impair other powers, privileges and immunities.

1. The provisions of NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive, are intended to supplement the other provisions of this chapter and any other law governing the legislative proceedings of a committee, and the provisions of NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive, do not limit the application of such other provisions.

2. The powers, privileges and immunities granted by the provisions of NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive, are in addition to any other powers, privileges and immunities recognized by law, and all such powers, privileges and immunities are cumulative, so that the application or attempted application of any one does not bar the application or attempted application of any other.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.130 Power to conduct investigations and hold hearings; administration of oaths; deposition of witnesses.

1. A committee may conduct investigations and hold hearings regarding any matter which is pertinent to its legislative business or possible future legislative action and may exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive.

2. The secretary of the committee or any member of the committee may administer oaths to witnesses who appear before the committee.

3. The chair of the committee, or the secretary of the committee on behalf of the chair, may cause the deposition of witnesses to be taken, whether the witnesses reside within or without the State, in the manner prescribed by court rules for taking depositions in civil actions in the district court.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3739)

NRS 218E.135 Power to issue subpoenas; contents and service; legal force and effect; enforcement proceedings before district court.

1. For the purposes of conducting investigations and holding hearings in connection with the functions and duties of a committee, the chair of the committee may issue legislative subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence that is pertinent to the committee’s legislative business or possible future legislative action.

2. To be properly issued, a legislative subpoena must:

(a) Be addressed to the witness;

(b) Describe the nature of the legislative proceedings for which the legislative subpoena is being issued;

(d) State particular reasons why the attendance and testimony of the witness or the production of the documentary evidence is pertinent to the committee’s legislative business or possible future legislative action; and

(e) Be signed by the chair of the committee.

3. A legislative subpoena may be served by any person who is 18 years of age or older.

4. If a legislative subpoena is properly issued to and served on a witness pursuant to this section:

(a) The legislative subpoena has the same legal force and effect as a subpoena or order issued by the district court; and

(b) The witness shall comply with the provisions of the legislative subpoena in the same manner as a subpoena or order issued by the district court.

5. In addition to any other remedies or penalties provided by law, if a witness fails to comply with the provisions of a legislative subpoena, the chair of the committee who issued the legislative subpoena, or the secretary of the committee on behalf of the chair, may file a petition to enforce compliance with the legislative subpoena in the district court for any county where the committee regularly holds its meetings or where the witness resides, works or maintains a place of business. The petition must:

(a) Set forth the name of the witness and, if the witness is a custodian of documentary evidence, the name of the organization for whom the witness serves as a custodian;

(b) Include a copy of the legislative subpoena;

(c) State that the legislative subpoena was issued and served on the witness pursuant to this section and provided the witness with notice of the definite time and place fixed in the legislative subpoena for the attendance and testimony of the witness or the production of the documentary evidence, or both;

(d) State that the witness failed to comply with the provisions of the legislative subpoena; and

(e) Request an order of the court enforcing the legislative subpoena and compelling the witness to comply with its provisions.

6. Upon the filing of the petition to enforce compliance with the legislative subpoena, the court shall:

(a) Enter an order directing the witness to:

(1) Appear at a hearing before the court at a time and place fixed by the court in the order, which must not be more than 10 days after the date of the order; and

(2) Show cause why the witness has not complied with the provisions of the legislative subpoena; and

(b) Serve a certified copy of the order upon the witness.

7. If, at the hearing to show cause, the court finds that the legislative subpoena was properly issued and served pursuant to this section and that the witness has not proven a reason recognized by law for the failure to comply with its provisions, the court shall enter an order requiring the witness to comply with the provisions of the legislative subpoena at a time and place fixed by the court in the order. If the witness fails to comply with the court’s order, the witness commits contempt of court and shall be punished as provided by law for such contempt of court.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3740)

NRS 218E.140 Fees and mileage for witnesses.

1. Each witness who appears and is prepared to testify before a committee in compliance with a legislative subpoena, except a state officer or employee, is entitled to receive for such attendance, whether or not the witness testifies, the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases in the district court.

2. The fees and mileage must be audited and paid upon the presentation of proper claims sworn to by the witness and approved by the chair of the committee.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3741)

LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

Organization and Administration

NRS 218E.150 Creation; membership; vacancies; officers; terms.

1. There is hereby created in the Legislative Counsel Bureau a Legislative Commission consisting of 12 members.

2. At each regular session:

(a) The Senate shall, by resolution, designate six Senators as regular members of the Legislative Commission and six Senators as alternates; and

(b) The Assembly shall, by resolution, designate six members of the Assembly as regular members of the Legislative Commission and six members of the Assembly as alternates.

3. The Legislature shall determine by a joint rule at each regular session:

(a) The method of determining the majority party and the minority party regular and alternate membership on the Legislative Commission.

(b) The method of filling vacancies on the Legislative Commission.

(d) The term of office of the Chair.

4. The members of the Legislative Commission serve until their successors are appointed by resolution as provided in this section, except that the membership of any member who does not become a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection:

(a) Terminates on the day next after the general election; and

(b) The vacancy must be filled as provided by the joint rule adopted pursuant to subsection 3.

[2:134:1953; A 1955, 68]—(NRS A 1957, 387; 1961, 457; 1963, 1029; 1969, 1412; 1975, 705; 2009, 459, 1563; 2011, 3211)

NRS 218E.155 Meetings; rules; quorum; attendance of alternate members.

1. The members of the Legislative Commission shall meet at such times and at such places as is specified by a call of the Chair or a majority of the Legislative Commission.

2. The Director shall act as the nonvoting recording Secretary of the Legislative Commission.

3. The Legislative Commission shall prescribe rules for its own management and government.

4. Seven members of the Legislative Commission constitute a quorum, and a quorum may exercise all the power and authority conferred on the Legislative Commission.

5. If any regular member of the Legislative Commission informs the Secretary that the member will be unable to attend a scheduled meeting of the Legislative Commission:

(a) The Secretary shall notify the proper alternate member; and

(b) The alternate member may then replace the regular member at that meeting only, with all the duties, rights and privileges of the replaced member.

[3:134:1953]—(NRS A 1961, 9, 251; 1963, 1030; 1967, 1397; 1969, 1413; 2011, 3212)

NRS 218E.160 Compensation, allowances and expenses of members of Legislative Commission and Audit Subcommittee.

1. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of the Legislative Commission or the Audit Subcommittee attends a meeting or is otherwise engaged in the official business of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, the member is entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

2. An alternate member of the Legislative Commission who:

(a) Replaces a regular member at a meeting of the Legislative Commission or on official business of the Legislative Counsel Bureau is entitled to receive the same compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses as a regular member for the same service.

(b) Attends a meeting of the Legislative Commission but does not replace a regular member is entitled to the travel expenses provided pursuant to NRS 218A.655.

3. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

[4:134:1953]—(NRS A 1961, 205; 1965, 1461; 1967, 1397; 1975, 296; 1977, 1569; 1979, 612; 1981, 1178; 1985, 399; 1989, 1217; 2011, 3212)

Powers and Duties

NRS 218E.175 General powers and duties.

1. The general objectives and functions of the Legislative Commission are to:

(a) Assist the Legislature in retaining status coordinate with the Executive and Judicial Departments.

(b) Investigate and inquire into subjects upon which the Legislature may act by the enactment or amendment of statutes, governmental problems, important issues of public policy or questions of statewide interest.

(c) Assure that the most effective use is made of the audit, fiscal, legal and research services and facilities provided by the Legislative Counsel Bureau to the Legislature and its members.

(d) Coordinate and oversee interim studies and other legislative committees meeting in the interim between regular sessions.

2. In addition to the powers conferred and duties imposed by this title or any law or resolution, the Legislative Commission, in order to carry out its general objectives and functions:

(a) Shall receive recommendations and suggestions for legislation or investigation from:

(1) Members of the Legislative Commission and other Legislators; and

(2) Any board, commission, department or officer of the Executive or Judicial Department or any local government.

(b) May receive recommendations and suggestions for legislation or investigation from:

(1) Bar associations, chambers of commerce, labor unions and other organized associations and groups; and

(2) Individual citizens.

(c) May hold hearings on any subject or matter which is a proper subject for legislative action or which concerns governmental problems, important issues of public policy or questions of statewide interest, whenever it considers such hearings necessary or desirable in the performance of its duties or the exercise of its powers.

(Added to NRS by 1965, 1463; A 1973, 1660; 1975, 1395; 1993, 2249; 2009, 1154; 2011, 3213)

NRS 218E.180 Additional powers and duties. The Legislative Commission may:

1. Carry forward the participation of the State of Nevada as a member of the Council of State Governments and the National Conference of State Legislatures, and may pay annual dues to those organizations to the extent of legislative appropriation. The Legislative Commission is designated as Nevada’s Commission on Interstate Cooperation.

2. Encourage and assist the government of this State to develop and maintain friendly contact by correspondence, by conference, and otherwise, with the other states, with the Federal Government and with local units of government.

3. Establish such delegations and committees as official agencies of the Legislative Counsel Bureau as may be deemed advisable to confer with similar delegations and committees from other states concerning problems of mutual interest. The membership of those delegations and committees must be designated by the Legislative Commission and may consist of Legislators and employees of the State other than members of the Legislative Commission. For each day or portion of a day during which members of those delegations and committees attend meetings or are otherwise engaged in the business of those delegations and committees, the members:

(a) Shall serve without salary.

(b) Are entitled to receive out of the Legislative Fund:

(1) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

(2) The travel expenses provided pursuant to NRS 218A.655.

4. Endeavor to advance cooperation between this State and other units of government whenever it seems advisable to do so by:

(a) Formulating proposals for interstate compacts and reciprocal or uniform legislation; and

(b) Facilitating the adoption of uniform or reciprocal administrative rules and regulations, informal cooperation of governmental offices, personal cooperation among governmental officials and employees, interchange and clearance of research and information and any other suitable process.

5. Supervise the functions assigned to the Divisions of the Legislative Counsel Bureau by this title or any law or resolution.

6. Authorize the Director to enter into agreements for the acquisition of property it deems necessary to support the Legislature and its staff. The Director may expend money from the Legislative Fund for this purpose.

[10:134:1953]—(NRS A 1957, 386; 1961, 253; 1963, 1014; 1965, 1455; 1971, 2206; 1973, 119, 1118; 1975, 296; 1979, 612; 1985, 399; 1989, 1218, 1493; 1993, 2250; 2011, 3213, 3670)

NRS 218E.185 Investigative powers; delegation to certain committees and subcommittees.

1. In the discharge of any duty imposed or power conferred by this title or any law or resolution, the Legislative Commission may exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive.

2. The Legislative Commission may delegate its authority pursuant to subsection 1 to a subcommittee or interim or special committee established pursuant to NRS 218E.200 or to a Joint Interim Standing Committee created pursuant to NRS 218E.320.

(Added to NRS by 1965, 1462; A 1993, 2251; 2011, 3214; 2013, 3744; 2021, 2507)

Studies and Investigations

1. The Legislative Commission may conduct studies or investigations concerning governmental problems, important issues of public policy or questions of statewide interest or may assign such studies or investigations to a Joint Interim Standing Committee.

2. The Legislative Commission may establish subcommittees and interim or special committees as official agencies of the Legislative Counsel Bureau to conduct such studies or investigations or otherwise to deal with such governmental problems, important issues of public policy or questions of statewide interest or may assign such matters to a Joint Interim Standing Committee. The subcommittees and interim or special committees may exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive.

3. The membership of any subcommittees and interim or special committees established pursuant to subsection 2:

(a) Must be designated by the Legislative Commission; and

(b) May consist of members of the Legislative Commission and Legislators other than members of the Legislative Commission, employees of the State of Nevada or citizens of the State of Nevada.

4. For each day or portion of a day during which the members of any subcommittees and interim or special committees established pursuant to subsection 2 who are not Legislators attend meetings or are otherwise engaged in the business of the subcommittees and interim or special committees, the members:

(a) Shall serve without salary.

(b) Are entitled to receive out of the Legislative Fund the per diem allowances and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally.

5. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which the members of any subcommittees and interim or special committees established pursuant to subsection 2 who are Legislators attend meetings of the subcommittees and interim or special committees or are otherwise engaged in the business of the subcommittees and interim or special committees, the members are entitled to receive out of the Legislative Fund:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

[10:134:1953]—(NRS A 1957, 386; 1961, 253; 1963, 1014; 1965, 1455; 1971, 2206; 1973, 119, 1118; 1975, 296; 1979, 612; 1985, 399; 1989, 1218, 1493; 1993, 2250; 2011, 3216; 2013, 3745; 2021, 2507)

NRS 218E.205 Priorities and limitations concerning studies and investigations; requests for drafting legislative measures; restrictions on staff; review and approval of budgets.

1. Between regular sessions, the Legislative Commission:

(a) Shall fix the work priority of all studies and investigations assigned to it by a statute or concurrent resolution or directed by an order of the Legislative Commission or conducted by a Joint Interim Standing Committee or subcommittee thereof, within the limits of available time, money and staff.

(b) Shall not make studies or investigations directed by a resolution of only one House or studies or investigations proposed but not approved during the preceding regular session.

2. All requests for the drafting of legislative measures to be recommended as the result of a study or investigation must be made in accordance with NRS 218D.160.

3. Except as otherwise provided by NRS 218E.210, between regular sessions, a study or investigation may not be initiated or continued by the Fiscal Analysts, the Legislative Auditor, the Legislative Counsel or the Research Director and their staffs, except studies and investigations which have been specifically authorized by the Legislature or the Legislative Commission.

4. A study or investigation may not be carried over from one regular session to the next without additional authorization by a statute, concurrent resolution or order of the Legislative Commission, except audits in progress whose carryover has been approved by the Legislative Commission.

5. Except as otherwise provided by a specific statute, the staff of the Legislative Counsel Bureau shall not serve as primary administrative or professional staff for a committee established by a statute, concurrent resolution or order of the Legislative Commission to conduct a study or investigation, unless the chair of the committee is required by the statute, concurrent resolution or order of the Legislative Commission to be a Legislator.

6. The Legislative Commission shall review and approve the budget and work program and any changes to the budget or work program for each study or investigation conducted by the Legislative Commission or a committee or subcommittee established by the Legislative Commission.

(Added to NRS by 1963, 1027; A 1967, 839; 1969, 131; 1973, 1660; 1977, 344; 1983, 1372; 1989, 1985; 1993, 2249; 2009, 1153; 2011, 3216, 3266; 2015, 3191; 2019, 3124; 2021, 2508)

NRS 218E.210 Biennial study of newly enacted statutes to determine any differential treatment of sexes or adverse effect on women.

1. The Legislative Counsel Bureau shall, after every regular session, conduct a study of the newly enacted statutes to determine whether any of those statutes:

(a) Patently treats the sexes differently; or

(b) Upon application, may affect women more adversely than it affects men.

2. The Legislative Counsel Bureau shall compile and publish the results of the study. The publication must contain an index.

(Added to NRS by 1989, 1985; A 2011, 3217)

Audit Subcommittee

NRS 218E.240 Creation; membership; meetings; quorum.

1. There is hereby created an Audit Subcommittee of the Legislative Commission consisting of five members.

2. The Chair of the Legislative Commission shall:

(a) Appoint the members of the Audit Subcommittee from among the members of the Legislative Commission and the Interim Finance Committee; and

(b) Designate one of the members of the Audit Subcommittee as Chair.

3. The Chair of the Legislative Commission shall designate five Legislators from among the members of the Legislative Commission and the Interim Finance Committee to serve as alternates for the members of the Audit Subcommittee.

4. The Legislative Auditor or a member of the staff of the Audit Division appointed by the Legislative Auditor shall serve as Secretary of the Audit Subcommittee.

5. The Audit Subcommittee shall meet at the times and places specified by a call of the Chair.

6. Three members of the Audit Subcommittee constitute a quorum, and a quorum may exercise all the power and authority conferred on the Audit Subcommittee.

(Added to NRS by 1981, 1176; A 1989, 1494; 1991, 392; 2011, 3217)

Budget Subcommittee

NRS 218E.255 Creation; membership; functions.

1. There is hereby created a Budget Subcommittee of the Legislative Commission.

2. The Chair of the Legislative Commission shall appoint to the Budget Subcommittee:

(a) The persons designated by the Speaker designate of the Assembly to be members of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means for the next regular session; and

(b) The persons designated by the Majority Leader designate of the Senate to be members of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance for the next regular session.

3. The Budget Subcommittee shall conclude its activities before the next regular session is convened.

4. The Budget Subcommittee shall consider fiscal issues that may require consideration by the Legislature at the next regular session.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 2817; A 1997, 2705; 1999, 2202; 2011, 3218)

Special Committees

NRS 218E.270 Special committee to receive Governor’s message on condition of State. If the Governor elects to communicate the message required pursuant to Section 10 of Article 5 of the Nevada Constitution before the commencement of a regular session, the Chair of the Legislative Commission may, on behalf of the Legislative Commission pursuant to NRS 218E.200, appoint a special committee to receive that message. A special committee appointed pursuant to this section:

1. Must consist of all persons elected or appointed to serve as Legislators during the next regular session.

2. Must be chaired by the Speaker designate of the Assembly.

3. Shall receive the Governor’s message and conclude its activities upon the completion of that message.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 2187; A 2011, 3218)

NRS 218E.275 Special committees to consider issues during legislative interim. The Legislative Commission may, pursuant to NRS 218E.200, appoint one or more special committees before the commencement of a regular session. Each special committee appointed pursuant to this section:

1. Must consist of all persons designated by the:

(a) Speaker designate of the Assembly to serve as members of an Assembly Standing Committee, other than the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means, for the next regular session; or

(b) Majority Leader designate of the Senate to serve as members of a Senate Standing Committee, other than the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, for the next regular session.

2. May meet to consider issues that may require consideration during the next regular session by the standing committee upon which the members of the special committee have been designated to serve.

3. Shall conclude its activities before the commencement of the next regular session.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 2187; A 2011, 3218)

JOINT INTERIM STANDING COMMITTEES

NRS 218E.320 Creation; membership; officers; vacancies.

1. There are hereby created the following Joint Interim Standing Committees of the Legislature:

(a) Commerce and Labor;

(b) Education;

(d) Growth and Infrastructure;

(e) Health and Human Services;

(f) Judiciary;

(g) Legislative Operations and Elections;

(h) Natural Resources; and

(i) Revenue.

2. Each Joint Interim Standing Committee consists of eight regular members and five alternate members. As soon as is practicable after the adjournment of each regular session:

(a) The Speaker of the Assembly shall appoint three members of the Assembly as regular members of each Committee and two members of the Assembly as alternate members of each Committee.

(b) The Minority Leader of the Assembly shall appoint two members of the Assembly as regular members of each Committee and one member of the Assembly as an alternate member of each Committee.

(c) The Majority Leader of the Senate shall appoint two Senators as regular members of each Committee and one Senator as an alternate member of each Committee.

(d) The Minority Leader of the Senate shall appoint one Senator as a regular member of each Committee and one Senator as an alternate member of each Committee.

3. Before making their respective appointments, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leaders of the Senate and Assembly shall consult so that, to the extent practicable:

(a) At least five of the regular members appointed to each Joint Interim Standing Committee served on the corresponding standing committee or committees during the preceding regular session.

(b) Not more than five of the regular members appointed to each Joint Interim Standing Committee are members of the same political party.

4. The Legislative Commission shall select the Chair and Vice Chair of each Joint Interim Standing Committee from among the members of the Committee. The Chair must be appointed from one House of the Legislature and the Vice Chair from the other House. The position of Chair must alternate each biennium between the Houses of the Legislature. Each of those officers holds the position until a successor is appointed after the next regular session. If a vacancy occurs in the position of Chair or Vice Chair, the vacancy must be filled in the same manner as the original selection for the remainder of the unexpired term.

5. The membership of any member of a Joint Interim Standing Committee who does not become a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection terminates on the day next after the general election. The Speaker designate of the Assembly or the Majority Leader designate of the Senate, as the case may be, may appoint a member to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

6. Vacancies on a Joint Interim Standing Committee must be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 2505)

NRS 218E.325 Meetings; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. Except as otherwise ordered by the Legislative Commission, the members of a Joint Interim Standing Committee shall meet not earlier than November 1 of each odd-numbered year and not later than August 31 of the following even-numbered year at the times and places specified by a call of the Chair or a majority of the Committee.

2. The Director or his or her designee shall act as the nonvoting recording Secretary of each Joint Interim Standing Committee.

3. Five members of a Joint Interim Standing Committee constitute a quorum, and a quorum may exercise all the power and authority conferred on the Committee, except that any recommended legislation proposed by a Committee must be approved by a majority of the members of the Senate and a majority of the members of the Assembly serving on the Committee.

4. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of a Joint Interim Standing Committee attends a meeting of the Committee or is otherwise engaged in the work of the Committee, the member is entitled to receive the:

(a) Compensation provided for a majority of the members of the Legislature during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) Per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

Ê The compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses of the members of a Committee must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 2506)

NRS 218E.330 General powers and duties; budgets; reports.

1. A Joint Interim Standing Committee may:

(a) Evaluate and review issues within the jurisdiction of the corresponding standing committee or committees from the preceding regular session;

(b) Exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive; and

(c) Within the limits of the Committee’s budget, conduct studies directed by the Legislature or the Legislative Commission.

2. In addition to the authorized scope of issues set forth in paragraph (a) of subsection 1:

(a) The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Health and Human Services shall, either as part of its regular work or through appointment of a subcommittee, evaluate and review issues relating to child welfare.

(b) The Joint Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary shall, either as part of its regular work or through appointment of a subcommittee, evaluate and review issues relating to juvenile justice.

(c) The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections may evaluate and review issues relating to governmental purchasing, including, without limitation, recommendations submitted to the Joint Interim Standing Committee by the Commission to Study Governmental Purchasing pursuant to NRS 332.215.

3. The Legislative Commission shall review and approve the budget and work program of each Joint Interim Standing Committee and any changes to the budget or work program.

4. A Joint Interim Standing Committee shall prepare a comprehensive report of the Committee’s activities in the interim and its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation. The report must be submitted to the Director for distribution to the next regular session.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 2507)

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF FISCAL MATTERS

Interim Finance Committee

NRS 218E.400 Creation; membership; officers; terms; meetings; voting; investigations; hearings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. There is hereby created in the Legislative Counsel Bureau an Interim Finance Committee. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Interim Finance Committee is composed of the members of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Standing Committee on Finance during the current or immediately preceding regular session.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the immediate past Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance is the Chair of the Interim Finance Committee for the period ending with the convening of each even-numbered regular session. The immediate past Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means is the Chair of the Interim Finance Committee during the next legislative interim, and the position of Chair alternates between the Houses according to this pattern. The term of the Chair of the Interim Finance Committee terminates if a new Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means or the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, as the case may be, is designated for the next regular session, in which case that person so designated serves as the Chair of the Interim Finance Committee until the convening of that regular session.

3. If any regular member of the Interim Finance Committee informs the Secretary that the member will be unable to attend a particular meeting, the Secretary shall notify the Speaker of the Assembly or the Majority Leader of the Senate, as the case may be, to appoint an alternate for that meeting from the same House and political party as the absent member.

4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, the term of a member of the Interim Finance Committee expires upon the convening of the next regular session unless the member is replaced by the appointing authority. If the Speaker designate of the Assembly or the Majority Leader designate of the Senate designates members of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means or the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, as applicable, for the next regular session, the designated members become members of the Interim Finance Committee. A member may be reappointed.

5. The membership of any member who does not become a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection terminates on the day next after the general election. The Speaker designate of the Assembly or the Majority Leader designate of the Senate, as the case may be, shall appoint an alternate to fill the vacancy on the Interim Finance Committee. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, each alternate serves on the Interim Finance Committee:

(a) If the alternate is a member of the Assembly, until the Speaker designate of the Assembly designates the members of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means for the next regular session or appoints a different alternate.

(b) If the alternate is a member of the Senate, until the Majority Leader designate of the Senate designates the members of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance for the next regular session or appoints a different alternate.

6. The Director shall act as the Secretary of the Interim Finance Committee.

7. A majority of the members of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means and a majority of the members of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, jointly, may call a meeting of the Interim Finance Committee if the Chair does not do so.

8. In all matters requiring action by the Interim Finance Committee, the vote of the Assembly members and the Senate members must be taken separately. No action may be taken unless it receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the Assembly members and a majority of the Senate members.

9. The Interim Finance Committee may conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its functions and duties and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive.

10. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of the Interim Finance Committee and appointed alternate attends a meeting of the Interim Finance Committee or is otherwise engaged in the business of the Interim Finance Committee, the member or appointed alternate is entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

11. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses must be paid from the Contingency Fund in the State Treasury.

(Added to NRS by 1969, 1013; A 1971, 1545; 1977, 165, 1569; 1979, 613; 1981, 228, 522, 2042; 1983, 1962; 1985, 60, 400, 448, 807; 1987, 161, 1667, 1668; 1989, 590, 958, 1219; 1991, 463, 1746, 2071; 1993, 218; 1995, 78, 2674, 2809; 1997, 658; 2009, 459, 1563; 2011, 3219; 2013, 3746)

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the Interim Finance Committee may exercise the powers conferred upon it by law only when the Legislature is not in a regular or special session.

2. During a regular or special session, the Interim Finance Committee may also perform the duties imposed on it by NRS 228.1111, subsection 5 of NRS 284.115, NRS 285.070, subsection 2 of NRS 321.335, NRS 322.007, subsection 2 of NRS 323.020, NRS 323.050, subsection 1 of NRS 323.100, subsection 3 of NRS 341.126, NRS 341.142, paragraph (f) of subsection 1 of NRS 341.145, subsection 3 of NRS 349.073, NRS 353.220, 353.224, 353.2705 to 353.2771, inclusive, 353.288, 353.335, 353.3375, 353C.224, 353C.226, paragraph (b) of subsection 4 of NRS 407.0762, NRS 428.375, 433.732, 439.4905, 439.620, 439.630, 445B.830, subsection 1 of NRS 445C.320 and NRS 538.650. In performing those duties, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means may meet separately and transmit the results of their respective votes to the Chair of the Interim Finance Committee to determine the action of the Interim Finance Committee as a whole.

3. The Chair of the Interim Finance Committee may appoint a subcommittee consisting of six members of the Committee to review and make recommendations to the Committee on matters of the State Public Works Division of the Department of Administration that require prior approval of the Interim Finance Committee pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 341.126, NRS 341.142 and paragraph (f) of subsection 1 of NRS 341.145. If the Chair appoints such a subcommittee:

(a) The Chair shall designate one of the members of the subcommittee to serve as the chair of the subcommittee;

(b) The subcommittee shall meet throughout the year at the times and places specified by the call of the chair of the subcommittee; and

(Added to NRS by 1995, 2674; A 1997, 658, 2543; 1999, 2764; 2001, 1918, 2677, 2682; 2003, 109, 110, 1747; 2005, 1235, 1333; 2007, 3273; 2009, 1182, 1414, 2067; 2011, 33, 285, 2514, 2946, 3220; 2013, 51, 2724; 2015, 337, 2423; 2021, 674, 2853; 2023, 482)

Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee

NRS 218E.410 Creation; membership; Secretary; alternates; officers; terms; vacancies.

1. There is hereby created the Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee, consisting of the following members:

(a) Five members of the Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, three of whom must be members of the majority political party and two of whom must be members of the minority political party; and

(b) Three members of the Senate appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate, two of whom must be members of the majority political party and one of whom must be a member of the minority political party.

2. The Director shall act as Secretary of the Subcommittee.

3. If any regular member of the Subcommittee informs the Secretary that the member will be unable to attend a particular meeting, the Secretary shall notify the Speaker of the Assembly or the Majority Leader of the Senate, as the case may be, to appoint an alternate for the meeting from the same House and political party as the absent member.

4. The Chair of the Interim Finance Committee shall appoint a Chair of the Subcommittee from one House and a Vice Chair of the Subcommittee from the other House.

5. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, the term of a member of the Subcommittee expires upon the convening of the next regular legislative session, unless the member is replaced by the appointing authority.

6. The membership of any member of the Subcommittee described in subsection 1 who is not a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection terminates on the day next after the general election.

7. Vacancies on the Subcommittee must be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 3026)

NRS 218E.415 Meetings; quorum; general objectives and functions; investigations and hearings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. The members of the Subcommittee on Education Accountability of the Interim Finance Committee shall meet at least twice annually at the times and places specified by a call of the Chair of the Subcommittee or a majority of the Subcommittee.

2. A meeting held jointly by the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Standing Committee on Finance during a regular session that has agenda items similar to subsection 4 constitutes a meeting of the Subcommittee.

3. A majority of the members of the Subcommittee constitutes a quorum.

4. The general objectives and functions of the Subcommittee are to discuss, evaluate and make recommendations relating to accountability in public education in this State to improve the educational achievements and outcomes for pupils. The Subcommittee may study, without limitation:

(a) Fiscal policy, school finance or similar or related financial activities;

(b) The sufficiency of current revenue and expenditures relating to public education in this State and the anticipated revenue and expenditures that are necessary to improve educational achievements and outcomes for pupils;

(d) Corrective action plans for public schools to improve educational achievements and outcomes; and

(e) The rules, regulations and policies of individual school districts or public schools.

5. The Subcommittee may conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its functions and duties and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive, including, without limitation, compelling the attendance at any meeting of the Subcommittee of:

(a) The Superintendent of Public Instruction;

(b) Any member of the State Board of Education;

(d) Any superintendent or chief financial officer of a school district in this State; or

(e) The Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Authority.

6. Except during a regular or special session of the Legislature, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of the Subcommittee or appointed alternate attends a meeting of the Subcommittee or is otherwise engaged in the business of the Subcommittee, the member or appointed alternate, as applicable, is entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

7. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses of a member or appointed alternate of the Subcommittee must be paid from the Contingency Fund in the State Treasury.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 3027)

Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee

NRS 218E.420 Creation; membership; budget; officers; meetings; investigations; hearings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. There is hereby created an Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee of the Legislature to:

(a) Review the operation of the Public Employees’ Retirement System, the Judicial Retirement System established pursuant to chapter 1A of NRS and the Public Employees’ Benefits Program; and

(b) Make recommendations to the Public Employees’ Retirement Board and the Board of the Public Employees’ Benefits Program, the Legislative Commission and the Legislature.

2. The Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee consists of six members appointed as follows:

(a) Three members of the Senate, one of whom is the Chair of the Committee on Finance during the preceding regular session and two of whom are appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate.

(b) Three members of the Assembly, one of whom is the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means during the preceding regular session and two of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

3. The Legislative Commission shall review and approve the budget and work program for the Committee and any changes to the budget or work program.

4. The immediate past Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance is the Chair of the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee for the period ending with the convening of each odd-numbered regular session. The immediate past Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means is the Chair of the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee during the next legislative interim, and the position of Chair alternates between the Houses according to this pattern.

5. The Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee may exercise the powers conferred on it by law only when the Legislature is not in a regular or special session and shall meet at the call of the Chair.

6. The Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee may conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its functions and duties and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive.

7. The Director shall provide a Secretary for the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee.

8. For each day or portion of a day during which members of the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee attend a meeting of the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee or are otherwise engaged in the business of the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee, the members are entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

9. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3039; A 2001 Special Session, 94; 2009, 1151; 2011, 3221, 3670; 2013, 3747)

Legislative Committees for the Fundamental Review of the Base Budgets of State Agencies

NRS 218E.435 “Committee” defined. As used in NRS 218E.435 to 218E.450, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “committee” means a legislative committee for the fundamental review of the base budgets of state agencies.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 2672; A 2011, 3222; 2013, 3748)

NRS 218E.440 Creation; membership; officers; terms; vacancies; quorum; staff.

1. If:

(a) The Legislature, by concurrent resolution, during a regular session; or

(b) The Interim Finance Committee, by resolution, while the Legislature is not in a regular session,

Ê determines that the performance of a fundamental review of the base budget of a particular agency is necessary, the Interim Finance Committee shall create a legislative committee for the fundamental review of the base budgets of state agencies.

2. The Interim Finance Committee:

(a) May create more than one such committee if the number of agencies designated for review warrants additional committees; and

(b) If more than one such committee is created, shall determine which agencies are to be reviewed by the respective committees.

3. For each such committee, the Interim Finance Committee shall:

(a) Appoint all the members;

(b) Appoint an equal number of members from the Senate and the Assembly;

(d) Designate the chair.

4. Any member of a committee who is not a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection continues to serve after the general election until the next regular or special session convenes.

5. Vacancies on a committee must be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

6. A majority of the members appointed to a committee constitutes a quorum.

7. The Director shall assign employees of the Legislative Counsel Bureau to provide such technical, clerical and operational assistance to a committee as the functions and operations of the committee may require.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 2672; A 2005, 1233; 2009, 1562; 2011, 3222)

NRS 218E.445 Meetings; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. The members of a committee shall meet throughout each year at the times and places specified by a call of the chair or a majority of the committee. The Director or the Director’s designee shall act as the nonvoting recording secretary.

2. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of a committee attends a meeting of the committee or is otherwise engaged in the business of the committee, the member is entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

3. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 2673; A 2011, 3223)

NRS 218E.450 General powers and duties; cooperation of state agencies; reports.

1. A committee shall, during the legislative interim, perform a fundamental review of the base budget of each state agency assigned to it for review.

2. A committee may request the state agency under review and any other agency to submit information, analyses and reports which are pertinent to the reviews conducted pursuant to this section. Each agency of the State shall cooperate fully and provide the material requested within the period specified by a committee.

3. A committee may conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with the reviews conducted pursuant to this section and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive.

4. A committee shall, before the convening of the next regular session, transmit a report of each review conducted pursuant to this section, and any related recommendations, to the Interim Finance Committee and the Legislative Commission.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 2673; A 2005, 1234; 2011, 3223; 2013, 3748)

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Subcommittee on Public Lands

NRS 218E.500 Legislative findings and declarations. The Legislature finds and declares that:

1. Policies and issues relating to public lands and state sovereignty as impaired by federal ownership of land are matters of continuing concern to this State.

2. This concern necessarily includes an awareness that all federal statutes, policies and regulations which affect the management of public lands are likely to have extensive effects within the State and must not be ignored or automatically dismissed as beyond the reach of the state’s policymakers.

3. Experience with federal regulations relating to public lands has demonstrated that the State of Nevada and its citizens are subjected to regulations which sometimes are unreasonable, arbitrary, beyond the intent of the Congress or the scope of the authority of the agency adopting them and that as a result these regulations should be subjected to legislative review and comment, and judicially tested where appropriate, to protect the rights and interests of the State and its citizens.

4. Other western states where public lands comprise a large proportion of the total area have shown an interest in matters relating to public lands and those states, along with Nevada, have been actively participating in cooperative efforts to acquire, evaluate and share information and promote greater understanding of the issues. Since Nevada can both contribute to and benefit from such interstate activities, it is appropriate that a subcommittee on matters relating to public lands be assigned primary responsibility for participating in them.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 5; A 1983, 208; 2021, 2509)

NRS 218E.505 “Subcommittee” defined. As used in NRS 218E.500 to 218E.525, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “Subcommittee” means the Subcommittee on Public Lands of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 5; A 1983, 209; 2011, 3224; 2013, 3748; 2021, 2510)

NRS 218E.510 Creation; membership; officers; terms; vacancies; alternates.

1. There is hereby created the Subcommittee on Public Lands of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources, consisting of members appointed by the Chair of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources, who must include:

(a) Two members of the Senate who are members of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources;

(b) Two members of the Assembly who are members of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources;

(c) One elected officer representing the governing body of a local political subdivision, appointed with appropriate regard for his or her experience with and knowledge of matters relating to public lands; and

(d) One member representing tribal governments in Nevada who is recommended by the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Inc., or its successor organization, appointed with appropriate regard for his or her experience with and knowledge of matters relating to public lands;

2. The members who are Legislators must be appointed to provide representation from the various geographical regions of the State.

3. The Chair of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources shall appoint a Chair of the Subcommittee from one House and a Vice Chair of the Subcommittee from the other House. Each Chair and Vice Chair holds office for a term of 2 years commencing on July 1 of each odd-numbered year. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Chair or Vice Chair, the vacancy must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

4. Any member of the Subcommittee described in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection 1 who is not a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection continues to serve after the general election until the next regular or special session convenes.

5. Vacancies on the Subcommittee must be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

6. The Chair of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources may appoint alternates for members of the Subcommittee. The Chair of the Subcommittee:

(a) May designate an alternate appointed by the Chair of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources to serve in place of a regular member who is unable to attend a meeting; and

(b) Shall, for a member who is a Legislator, designate an alternate appointed by the Chair of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources who is a member of the same House and political party as the regular member to serve in place of the regular member if one is available.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 5; A 1983, 209; 1985, 589; 2009, 1150, 1561; 2011, 3224; 2021, 477, 2510, 2536)

NRS 218E.515 Meetings; rules; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. Except as otherwise ordered by the Legislative Commission, the members of the Subcommittee shall meet not earlier than November 1 of each odd-numbered year and not later than August 31 of the following even-numbered year at the times and places specified by a call of the Chair of the Subcommittee or a majority of the Subcommittee.

2. The Research Director or the Research Director’s designee shall act as the nonvoting recording Secretary.

3. The Subcommittee shall prescribe rules for its own management and government.

4. A majority of the members of the Subcommittee constitutes a quorum, and a quorum may exercise all the power and authority conferred on the Subcommittee.

5. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which members of the Subcommittee who are Legislators attend a meeting of the Subcommittee or are otherwise engaged in the business of the Subcommittee, the members are entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

6. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses of the members of the Subcommittee who are Legislators must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

7. The member of the Subcommittee who represents a local political subdivision is entitled to receive the subsistence allowances and travel expenses provided by law for his or her position for each day of attendance at a meeting of the Subcommittee and while engaged in the business of the Subcommittee, to be paid by the local political subdivision.

8. While engaged in the business of the Subcommittee, to the extent of legislative appropriation, the member of the Subcommittee who represents tribal governments is entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 5; A 1981, 170; 1983, 209; 1985, 398, 1131; 1987, 1208; 1989, 426, 1217, 1222; 2009, 1151, 1561; 2011, 3225; 2019, 3125; 2021, 478, 2511)

NRS 218E.520 General powers.

1. The Subcommittee may:

(a) Review and comment on any administrative policy, rule or regulation of the:

(1) Secretary of the Interior which pertains to policy concerning or management of public lands under the control of the Federal Government; and

(2) Secretary of Agriculture which pertains to policy concerning or management of national forests;

(b) Conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its review, including, but not limited to, investigating the effect on the State, its citizens, political subdivisions, businesses and industries of those policies, rules, regulations and related laws, and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive;

(c) Consult with and advise the State Land Use Planning Agency on matters concerning federal land use, policies and activities in this State;

(d) Direct the Legislative Counsel Bureau to assist in its research, investigations, review and comment;

(e) Recommend to the Legislature as a result of its review any appropriate state legislation or corrective federal legislation;

(f) Advise the Attorney General if it believes that any federal policy, rule or regulation which it has reviewed encroaches on the sovereignty respecting land or water or their use which has been reserved to the State pursuant to the Constitution of the United States;

(g) Enter into a contract for consulting services for land planning and any other related activities, including, but not limited to:

(1) Advising the Subcommittee and the State Land Use Planning Agency concerning the revision of the plans pursuant to NRS 321.7355;

(2) Assisting local governments in the identification of lands administered by the Federal Government in this State which are needed for residential or economic development or any other purpose; and

(3) Assisting local governments in the acquisition of federal lands in this State;

(h) Apply for any available grants and accept any gifts, grants or donations to assist the Subcommittee in carrying out its duties; and

(i) Review and comment on any other matter relating to the preservation, conservation, use, management or disposal of public lands deemed appropriate by the Chair of the Subcommittee or by a majority of the members of the Subcommittee.

2. Any reference in this section to federal policies, rules, regulations and related federal laws includes those which are proposed as well as those which are enacted or adopted.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 5; A 1981, 170; 1989, 1674; 2005, 1041; 2013, 3748; 2021, 2511)

NRS 218E.525 Additional powers and duties.

1. The Subcommittee shall:

(a) Actively support the efforts of state and local governments in the western states regarding public lands and state sovereignty as impaired by federal ownership of land.

(b) Advance knowledge and understanding in local, regional and national forums of Nevada’s unique situation with respect to public lands.

(c) Support legislation that will enhance state and local roles in the management of public lands and will increase the disposal of public lands.

2. The Subcommittee:

(a) Shall review the programs and activities of:

(1) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada;

(2) All public water authorities, districts and systems in the State of Nevada, including, without limitation, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, the Virgin Valley Water District, the Carson Water Subconservancy District, the Humboldt River Basin Water Authority and the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District; and

(3) All other public or private entities with which any county in the State has an agreement regarding the planning, development or distribution of water resources, or any combination thereof;

(b) Shall submit recommendations for legislation to the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources;

(c) Shall, on or before January 15 of each odd-numbered year, submit to the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources for transmittal to the Legislature a report concerning the review conducted pursuant to paragraph (a); and

(d) May review and comment on other issues relating to water resources in this State, including, without limitation:

(1) The laws, regulations and policies regulating the use, allocation and management of water in this State; and

(2) The status of existing information and studies relating to water use, surface water resources and groundwater resources in this State.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 208; A 2003, 2506; 2007, 672; 2011, 3226; 2021, 2512)

Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System

NRS 218E.550 “Committee” defined. As used in NRS 218E.550 to 218E.570, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “Committee” means the Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System created by NRS 218E.555.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 2504; A 2011, 3733; 2013, 2367, 3749)

NRS 218E.555 Creation; membership; budget; officers; terms; vacancies; reports.

1. There is hereby created the Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System consisting of three members of the Senate and three members of the Assembly, appointed by the Legislative Commission with appropriate regard for their experience with and knowledge of matters relating to the management of natural resources. The members must be appointed to provide representation from the various geographical regions of the State.

2. The Legislative Commission shall review and approve the budget and work program for the Committee and any changes to the budget or work program.

3. The members of the Committee shall elect a Chair from one House and a Vice Chair from the other House. Each Chair and Vice Chair holds office for a term of 2 years commencing on July 1 of each odd-numbered year.

4. Any member of the Committee who is not a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection continues to serve after the general election until the next regular or special session convenes.

5. Vacancies on the Committee must be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

6. The Committee shall report annually to the Legislative Commission concerning its activities and any recommendations.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 2504; A 2009, 1152, 1562; 2011, 3227, 3734; 2013, 2367)

NRS 218E.560 Meetings; rules; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

1. Except as otherwise ordered by the Legislative Commission, the members of the Committee shall meet not earlier than September 1 of each odd-numbered year and not later than August 31 of the following even-numbered year at the times and places specified by a call of the Chair or a majority of the Committee.

2. The Director or the Director’s designee shall act as the nonvoting recording Secretary.

3. The Committee shall adopt rules for its own management and government.

4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, four members of the Committee constitute a quorum, and a quorum may exercise all the power and authority conferred on the Committee.

5. Any recommended legislation proposed by the Committee must be approved by a majority of the members of the Senate and by a majority of the members of the Assembly appointed to the Committee.

6. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of the Committee attends a meeting or is otherwise engaged in the business of the Committee, the member is entitled to receive:

(a) The compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) The per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

7. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses and any other expenses of the Committee must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 2505; A 2009, 1153; 2011, 3228; 2019, 3125)

NRS 218E.565 General duties. The Committee shall:

1. Provide appropriate review and oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System;

2. Review the budget, programs, activities, responsiveness and accountability of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System in such a manner as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Committee;

3. Study the role, authority and activities of:

(a) The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency regarding the Lake Tahoe Basin; and

(b) The Marlette Lake Water System regarding Marlette Lake; and

4. Continue to communicate with members of the Legislature of the State of California to achieve the goals set forth in the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 2505; A 2011, 3734; 2013, 2367)

NRS 218E.570 General powers. The Committee may:

1. Conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its review and study and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive;

2. Apply for any available grants and accept any gifts, grants or donations and use any such gifts, grants or donations to aid the Committee in carrying out its duties pursuant to NRS 218E.550 to 218E.570, inclusive;

3. Direct the Legislative Counsel Bureau to assist in its research, investigations, review and study; and

4. Recommend to the Legislature, as a result of its review and study, any appropriate legislation.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 2505; A 2013, 3749)

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF EDUCATION

Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education

NRS 218E.615 General powers. The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education may:

1. Evaluate, review and comment upon issues related to education within this State, including, but not limited to:

(a) Programs to enhance accountability in education;

(b) Legislative measures regarding education;

(c) The progress made by this State, the school districts and the public schools in this State in satisfying the goals and objectives of the statewide system of accountability for public schools;

(d) Methods of financing public education;

(e) The condition of public education in the elementary and secondary schools;

(f) The program to reduce the ratio of pupils per class per licensed teacher prescribed in NRS 388.700, 388.710 and 388.720;

(g) The development of any programs to automate the receipt, storage and retrieval of the educational records of pupils; and

(h) Any other matters that, in the determination of the Committee, affect the education of pupils within this State.

2. Conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its duties pursuant to this section.

3. Request that the Legislative Counsel Bureau assist in the research, investigations, hearings and reviews of the Committee.

4. Make recommendations to the Legislature concerning the manner in which public education may be improved.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 1776; A 2003, 19th Special Session, 82; 2005, 1982; 2011, 2378; 2013, 1937, 2640, 3291, 3750; 2021, 2513)

Legislative Bureau of Educational Accountability and Program Evaluation

NRS 218E.625 Creation; personnel; general powers and duties; confidentiality of certain information.

1. The Legislative Bureau of Educational Accountability and Program Evaluation is hereby created within the Fiscal Analysis Division. The Fiscal Analysts shall appoint to the Legislative Bureau of Educational Accountability and Program Evaluation a Chief and such other personnel as the Fiscal Analysts determine are necessary for the Bureau to carry out its duties pursuant to this section.

2. The Bureau shall, as the Fiscal Analysts determine is necessary or at the request of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education:

(a) Collect and analyze data and issue written reports concerning:

(1) The effectiveness of the provisions of chapter 385A of NRS in improving the accountability of the schools of this State;

(2) The statewide program to reduce the ratio of pupils per class per licensed teacher prescribed in NRS 388.700, 388.710 and 388.720;

(3) The statewide program to educate persons with disabilities that is set forth in NRS 388.5223 to 388.5243, inclusive;

(4) The results of the examinations of the National Assessment of Educational Progress that are administered pursuant to NRS 390.830; and

(5) Any program or legislative measure, the purpose of which is to reform the system of education within this State.

(b) Conduct studies and analyses to evaluate the performance and progress of the system of public education within this State. Such studies and analyses may be conducted:

(1) As the Fiscal Analysts determine are necessary; or

(2) At the request of the Legislature.

Ê This paragraph does not prohibit the Bureau from contracting with a person or entity to conduct studies and analyses on behalf of the Bureau.

(c) On or before October 1 of each even-numbered year, submit a written report of its findings pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) to the Director for transmission to the next regular session. The Bureau shall, on or before October 1 of each odd-numbered year, submit a written report of its findings pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) to the Director for transmission to the Legislative Commission and to the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education.

3. The Bureau may, pursuant to NRS 218F.620, require a school, a school district, the Nevada System of Higher Education or the Department of Education to submit to the Bureau books, papers, records and other information that the Chief of the Bureau determines are necessary to carry out the duties of the Bureau pursuant to this section. An entity whom the Bureau requests to produce records or other information shall provide the records or other information in any readily available format specified by the Bureau.

4. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and NRS 239.0115, any information obtained by the Bureau pursuant to this section shall be deemed a work product that is confidential pursuant to NRS 218F.150. The Bureau may, at the discretion of the Chief and after submission to the Legislature or Legislative Commission, as appropriate, publish reports of its findings pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection 2.

5. This section does not prohibit the Department of Education or the State Board of Education from conducting analyses, submitting reports or otherwise reviewing educational programs in this State.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 1777; A 2003, 19th Special Session, 83; 2007, 2079; 2011, 2313, 3232; 2013, 1938; 2015, 2976; 2021, 2513)

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

NRS 218E.745 “Committee” defined. As used in NRS 218E.745 to 218E.760, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “Committee” means the Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2412; A 2013, 3751)

NRS 218E.750 Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs: Creation; membership; budget; officers; terms; vacancies.

1. The Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs, consisting of six members, is hereby created. The membership of the Committee consists of:

(a) Three members of the Senate appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate, at least one of whom must be a member of the minority political party; and

(b) Three members of the Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, at least one of whom must be a member of the minority political party.

2. The Legislative Commission shall review and approve the budget and work program for the Committee and any changes to the budget or work program.

3. The Legislative Commission shall select the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee from among the members of the Committee. After the initial selection, each Chair and Vice Chair holds office for a term of 2 years commencing on July 1 of each odd-numbered year. The office of Chair of the Committee must alternate each biennium between the Houses. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Chair or Vice Chair, the vacancy must be filled in the same manner as the original selection for the remainder of the unexpired term.

4. A member of the Committee who is not a candidate for reelection or who is defeated for reelection continues to serve after the general election until the next regular or special session convenes.

5. A vacancy on the Committee must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2412; A 2011, 3235)

NRS 218E.755 Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs: Meetings; quorum; compensation, allowances and expenses of members.

2. The Director or the Director’s designee shall act as the nonvoting recording Secretary of the Committee.

3. Four members of the Committee constitute a quorum, and a quorum may exercise all the power and authority conferred on the Committee.

4. Except during a regular or special session, for each day or portion of a day during which a member of the Committee attends a meeting of the Committee or is otherwise engaged in the business of the Committee, the member is entitled to receive the:

(a) Compensation provided for a majority of the Legislators during the first 60 days of the preceding regular session;

(b) Per diem allowance provided for state officers and employees generally; and

5. All such compensation, per diem allowances and travel expenses must be paid from the Legislative Fund.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2412; A 2011, 3235; 2019, 3126)

NRS 218E.760 Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs: General powers.

1. The Committee may review, study and comment upon issues relating to senior citizens, veterans and adults with special needs, including, without limitation:

(a) Initiatives to ensure the financial and physical wellness of senior citizens, veterans and adults with special needs;

(b) The abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation and abandonment of senior citizens and adults with special needs;

(d) Programs for the provision of services to senior citizens, veterans and adults with special needs in this State and methods to enhance such programs to ensure that services are provided in the most appropriate setting;

(e) Programs that provide services and care in the home which allow senior citizens to remain at home and live independently instead of in institutional care;

(f) The availability of useful information and data as needed for the State of Nevada to effectively make decisions, plan budgets and monitor costs and outcomes of services provided to senior citizens, veterans and adults with special needs;

(g) Laws relating to the appointment of a guardian and the improvement of laws for the protection of senior citizens and adults with special needs who have been appointed a guardian, including, without limitation, the improvement of investigations relating to guardianships and systems for monitoring guardianships; and

(h) The improvement of facilities for long-term care in this State, including, without limitation:

(1) Reducing the number of persons placed in facilities for long-term care located outside this State;

(2) Creating units for acute care and long-term care to treat persons suffering from dementia who exhibit behavioral problems;

(3) Developing alternatives to placement in facilities for long-term care, including, without limitation, units for long-term care located in other types of facilities, and ensuring that such alternatives are available throughout this State for the treatment of persons with psychological needs; and

(4) Creating a program to provide follow-up care and to track the ongoing progress of residents of facilities for long-term care.

2. The Committee may:

(a) Review, study and comment upon matters relating to senior citizens, veterans and adults with special needs;

(b) Conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its duties pursuant to this section and exercise any of the investigative powers set forth in NRS 218E.105 to 218E.140, inclusive;

(c) Request that the Legislative Counsel Bureau assist in the research, investigations, hearings and studies of the Committee; and

(d) Make recommendations to the Legislature concerning senior citizens, veterans and adults with special needs.

3. The Committee shall, on or before January 15 of each odd-numbered year, submit to the Director for transmittal to the next regular session a report concerning the study conducted pursuant to subsection 1.

4. As used in this section, “facility for long-term care” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 427A.028.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2412; A 2011, 3236; 2013, 3751; 2015, 827)

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF ENERGY

NRS 218E.815 General powers of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure.

1. The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure may:

(a) Evaluate, review and comment upon matters related to energy policy within this State, including, without limitation:

(1) Policies, plans or programs relating to the production, consumption or use of energy in this State;

(2) Legislative measures regarding energy policy;

(3) The progress made by this State in satisfying the goals and objectives of Senate Bill No. 123 of the 77th Session of the Nevada Legislature;

(4) The effect of any policy, plan, program or legislation on rates or rate payers;

(5) The effect of any policy, plan, program or legislation on economic development in this State;

(6) The effect of any policy, plan, program or legislation on the environment;

(7) Any contracts or requests for proposals relating to the purchase of capacity;

(8) The effect of any policy, plan, program or legislation which provides for the construction or acquisition of facilities for the generation of electricity;

(9) The effect of any policy, plan, program or legislation on the development of a market in this State for electricity generated from renewable energy;

(10) The infrastructure and transmission requirements of any policy, plan, program or legislation; and

(11) Any other matters or topics that, in the determination of the Committee, affect energy policy in this State.

(b) Conduct investigations and hold hearings in connection with its duties pursuant to this section.

(c) Request that the Legislative Counsel Bureau assist in the research, investigations, hearings and reviews of the Committee.

(d) Make recommendations to the Legislature concerning the manner in which energy policy may be implemented or improved.

2. As used in this section, “renewable energy” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 701.070.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 3344; A 2013, 3346; 2021, 2514)

APPENDIX

INTERIM STUDIES 2023-2025

Study Concerning Various Matters Relating to Education

SB 72, Chapter 448, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Section 1. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education; report.

Study Concerning Certain Subjects Relating to Hydrogen

SB 451, Chapter 439, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Preamble.

Sec. 2. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure; authority of Committee to enter into contract with University for certain data and analysis; report.

Study Concerning Cost-Effectiveness of Biomarker Testing

AB 155, Chapter 388, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Sec. 29.5. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Health and Human Services; report; definitions.

Study Concerning Upgrading of Forensic Laboratories

SB 35, Chapter 468, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Sec. 14. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Judiciary; report.

Study Concerning Issues Limiting Persons With Disabilities Access to Certain Museums and Historical Societies

AB 252, Chapter 515, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Sec. 5. Duties of Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs; report

Study Concerning Various Matters Relating to Education

SB 72, Chapter 448, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Section 1. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education; report.

1. The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education shall, during the 2023-2024 interim:

(a) Conduct a study concerning the mental health and wellness of pupils in this State and programs to improve the mental health and wellness of such pupils, including, without limitation, evidence-based mental health therapies and practices.

(b) Conduct a study concerning the workload of teachers in this State, including, without limitation, provisions of law and regulations that affect the workload of teachers in this State, to better understand and evaluate the workload of teachers in this State.

(c) Conduct a study concerning requirements governing the licensing and authorization to work of teachers and administrators in this State, including, without limitation, requirements for the authorization of a holder of a J-1 visa issued pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(J) to work as a teacher or administrator, in order to:

(1) Identify whether such requirements are barriers to increasing the diversity of teachers or administrators, as applicable, in this State and increasing the number of pupils in the public schools in this State and students at institutions of higher education in this State who eventually become teachers and administrators in this State; and

(2) Ensure that requirements concerning the competency of applicants for a license as a teacher or administrator, as applicable, are reasonable indicators of the future effectiveness of such an applicant as a teacher or administrator.

(d) Conduct a study concerning:

(1) Trends in the graduation rates of, and the types of diplomas awarded to, pupils enrolled in high school in this State, based on the information included in the annual report of accountability pursuant to NRS 385A.260;

(2) Trends in achievement of pupils enrolled in high school in this State, including, without limitation, information relating to such trends that is included in the annual report of accountability pursuant to NRS 385A.200;

(3) A comparison of the trends described in subparagraphs (1) and (2); and

(4) Any factors which may be responsible for the trends described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and any divergence between the trends described in subparagraph (1) and the trends described in subparagraph (2).

(e) Conduct a study concerning:

(1) Groups of pupils who may require additional resources to receive a reasonably equal educational opportunity;

(2) The specific educational needs of such groups of pupils;

(3) Policies and strategies that target such groups of pupils, address specific needs and provide specific interventions, including, without limitation, policies and strategies to increase enrollment in postsecondary education or vocational training; and

(4) Long-term strategies to fund and implement such policies and programs.

(f) Conduct a study concerning waivers of registration fees, laboratory fees and other fees at institutions within the Nevada System of Higher Education, including, without limitation, any such waivers granted by the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada pursuant to NRS 396.544 to 396.54495, inclusive.

2. On or before February 1, 2025, for each study listed in subsection 1, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education shall submit a report of its findings and any recommendations for legislation to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the 83rd Session of the Legislature.

(Ch. 448, Stats. 2023 p. 2745)

Study Concerning Certain Subjects Relating to Hydrogen

SB 451, Chapter 439, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Preamble.

Whereas, Senate Bill No. 254 of the 2019 Session of the Nevada Legislature (Chapter 323, Statutes of Nevada 2019, at page 1970) established a statewide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 28 percent below the 2005 level of such emissions by 2025, to 45 percent below the 2005 level of such emissions by 2030 and to zero or near-zero by 2050; and

Whereas, The State Climate Strategy establishes a plan for achieving the targets established by Senate Bill No. 254 for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and has identified clean hydrogen and clean hydrogen technologies, including, without limitation, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations, as opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this State; and

Whereas, Global economic activity involving the production, processing, delivery, storage and use of clean hydrogen is currently valued at more than $100 billion per year in 2022 and is expected to grow across the world as demand for clean energy increases; and

Whereas, The emergence of end-use applications for energy produced from clean hydrogen, including, without limitation, in transportation, seasonal energy storage and the global energy trade, provide an opportunity for this State to meet its targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time enhancing economic development, job creation and the collection of tax revenue in this State; and

Whereas, Encouraging the expansion of the use of clean hydrogen will decrease the emission of greenhouse gases in this State, which will have the effect of improving the health of Nevadans through the improvement of air quality, especially for economically disadvantaged Nevadans and communities of color;

(Ch. 439, Stats. 2023 p. 2704)

Sec. 2. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure; authority of Committee to enter into contract with University for certain data and analysis; report.

1. During the 2023-2024 interim, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure shall conduct a study concerning the production and storage of hydrogen, the use of stored hydrogen as a potential energy resource in this State and the development of hydrogen technologies.

2. In conducting the study, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure shall consult with and solicit input from:

(a) The Nevada System of Higher Education;

(b) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory;

(d) Developers of clean energy;

(e) Nongovernmental organizations that focus on energy conservation;

(f) Utilities that provide gas and electric services; and

(g) Professionals with expertise regarding the use of hydrogen and stored hydrogen and the development of hydrogen technologies.

3. The study must include, without limitation:

(a) A review of the opportunities for students enrolled in an institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education to study subjects concerning hydrogen, including, without limitation:

(1) The process for the production and storage of hydrogen and any methods and technology used in such a process; and

(2) Hydrogen technologies; and

(b) An assessment of the feasibility of using hydrogen as an energy resource in this State, including, without limitation, consideration of:

(1) The potential for hydrogen and stored hydrogen to enable the operation of zero-emission light- and medium-duty vehicles, trucks, buses, locomotives, off-road equipment, aircraft, industrial equipment and watercraft;

(2) The potential for using wastewater and wastewater treatment facilities for the production of hydrogen;

(3) Methods for incentivizing the use of hydrogen and stored hydrogen as energy resources in this State;

(4) Economic and regulatory barriers to the implementation of hydrogen and stored hydrogen as energy resources, including, without limitation, whether policies incentivizing the production and storage of hydrogen as energy resources and hydrogen technologies are comparable to policies incentivizing the production of other energy resources and applicable technologies in this State;

(5) Opportunities for federal and nongovernmental grants that may be available for the purposes of producing and storing hydrogen in this State;

(6) The potential for using hydrogen microgrids, stored hydrogen microgrids and hydrogen coupled with distributed energy resources to strengthen the resilience of the electric power grid;

(7) The impact of hydrogen production on water resources in this State;

(8) The impact of limited water resources on the production of hydrogen in this State and its potential as an energy resource; and

(9) The long-term impact of various methods of hydrogen production on the air, water and other natural resources of this State and the potential for hydrogen to assist with efforts to decarbonize this State.

4. To complete the study, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure may enter into a contract or other agreement with the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, or the Desert Research Institute to:

(a) Gather data concerning the feasibility of hydrogen and stored hydrogen as energy resources; and

(b) Produce a cost-benefit analysis of hydrogen as an energy resource.

5. On or before January 1, 2025, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Growth and Infrastructure shall submit a report of the results of the study, including, without limitation, any recommendations for legislation, to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature.

6. For the purposes of this section, “hydrogen technologies” means technology used in the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen and stored hydrogen.

(Ch. 439, Stats. 2023 p. 2705)

Study Concerning Cost-Effectiveness of Biomarker Testing

AB 155, Chapter 388, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Sec. 29.5. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on Health and Human Services; report; definitions.

1. During the 2023-2024 interim, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, shall study the cost-effectiveness of biomarker testing, including, without limitation, the cost-effectiveness of biomarker testing:

(a) For the diagnosis, treatment, management or ongoing monitoring of specific diseases or conditions; and

(b) To screen for specific diseases or conditions or traits associated with specific diseases or conditions.

2. The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Health and Human Services shall submit a report of the results of the study, including any recommendations for legislation to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmission to the 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature.

3. As used in this section:

(a) “Biomarker” means a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of a normal biological process, a pathogenic process or a pharmacological response to a specific therapeutic intervention and includes, without limitation:

(1) An interaction between a gene and a drug that is being used by or considered for use by the patient;

(2) A mutation or characteristic of a gene; and

(3) The expression of a protein.

(b) “Biomarker testing” means the analysis of the tissue, blood or other biospecimen of a patient for the presentation of a biomarker and includes, without limitation, single-analyte tests, multiplex panel tests and whole genome, whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing.

(Ch. 388, Stats. 2023 p. 2228)

Study Concerning Upgrading of Forensic Laboratories

SB 35, Chapter 468, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Sec. 14. Duties of Joint Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary; report.

1. The Joint Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary shall conduct a study during the 2023-2024 interim concerning the possible upgrading of forensic laboratories in this State to enable such laboratories to perform quantitative testing involving controlled substances. The study must include, without limitation, an analysis of:

(a) The costs and benefits of performing such upgrades; and

(b) The impact of such upgrades on this State.

2. The Committee shall include its finding and recommendations for legislation relating to the study in the report required by subsection 4 of NRS 218E.330 to be prepared and submitted to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the 83rd Session of the Legislature.

(Ch. 468, Stats. 2023 p. 2903)

Study Concerning Issues Limiting Persons With Disabilities Access to Certain Museums and Historical Societies

AB 252, Chapter 515, Statutes of Nevada 2023

Sec. 5. Duties of Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs; report.

1. The Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs created by NRS 218E.750 shall study during the 2023-2024 interim any issues that exist which limit the ability of persons with disabilities, including, without limitation, persons who are blind or visually impaired, to access the museums and historical societies established as institutions of the Division of Museums and History of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs pursuant to NRS 381.004.

2. In the report required pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 218E.760, the Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs shall set forth any recommended legislation for improving the accessibility of the museums and historical societies established as institutions of the Division of Museums and History of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs pursuant to NRS 381.004 to persons with disabilities, including, without limitation, persons who are blind or visually impaired.

(Ch. 515, Stats. 2023 p. 3352)