[Rev. 9/10/2021 11:35:35 AM]
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 3995κ
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1Senators Hardy; D. Harris, Kieckhefer, Ratti and Spearman
FILE NUMBER 14
sENATE Concurrent RESOLUTION — Urging employers in this State to provide personal protective equipment to employees to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Whereas, The 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature is being held amid the ongoing and widespread public health crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019, commonly known as COVID-19; and
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, COVID-19 spreads very easily from person to person, mainly through close contact between people who are physically near each other; and
Whereas, In an editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the use of personal protective equipment, including face coverings, hand sanitizer and gloves, is a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19; and
Whereas, Because of the extraordinary risk of death or severe health outcomes posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that employers in this State protect employees against exposure to COVID-19; and
Whereas, Providing employees with personal protective equipment will help prevent exposure to COVID-19 at the workplace; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature hereby urges employers in this State to provide personal protective equipment to employees; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Labor Commissioner for provision to employers in this State; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 3996κ
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 7Assemblymen Bilbray-Axelrod, Peters; Anderson, Benitez-Thompson, Brown-May, Carlton, Considine, Duran, Flores, Frierson, Gonzαlez, Gorelow, Kasama, Krasner, Martinez, Marzola, C.H. Miller, Monroe-Moreno, Nguyen, ONeill, Orentlicher, Summers-Armstrong, Thomas, Torres, Watts and Yeager
Joint Sponsors: Senators Brooks, Ohrenschall; Buck, Denis, Donate, D. Harris, Lange, Ratti, Scheible and Seevers Gansert
FILE NUMBER 15
Assembly Joint RESOLUTION — Urging the Congress of the United States to pass the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2020.
Whereas, The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) stated in its 2017 report card that the United States received a grade of D+ regarding the current state of its infrastructure and that additional revenue is needed to restore the nations infrastructure to a state of good repair; and
Whereas, The ASCE gave the infrastructure of the State of Nevada the following grades in 2018:
1. For aviation, a grade of C;
2. For bridges, a grade of B-;
3. For dams, a grade of D+;
4. For drinking water, a grade of C-;
5. For roads, a grade of C;
6. For schools, a grade of C-;
7. For solid waste, a grade of C;
8. For stormwater, a grade of C;
9. For transit, a grade of C; and
10. For wastewater, a grade of B-; and
Whereas, It is estimated that: (1) the rehabilitation and future maintenance of Nevadas most critical dams will cost up to $40,000,000; (2) Nevadas drinking water infrastructure requires a total of $5.316 billion in needed funding over the next 20 years and $3.964 billion of that amount is required for large drinking water systems; and (3) the State faces a $450,000,000 backlog of road and bridge repairs, mostly due to needed repairs in rural areas; and
Whereas, A new National Infrastructure Bank would: (1) help finance much of the infrastructure of Nevada in partnership with the state and local governments; (2) support the hiring of people who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) provide training for new infrastructure-related employment, for example, in the construction of a Las Vegas to Los Angeles high speed rail system which would transform transportation; and (4) create new jobs and generate new business opportunities; and
Whereas, The National Infrastructure Bank is modeled on previous banks which provided support in building much of the countrys infrastructure under Presidents Washington, Madison, Lincoln and Roosevelt, and the last such bank helped to bring the country out of the Great Depression and World War II; and
Whereas, The United States Congress introduced H.R. 6422, 116th Cong. (2020), commonly known as the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2020, to create a bank authorized to invest $4,000,000,000,000 in infrastructure projects and which would require no new federal spending, being capitalized by repurposing existing United States Treasury debt; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 3997 (FILE NUMBER 15, AJR 7)κ
of 2020, to create a bank authorized to invest $4,000,000,000,000 in infrastructure projects and which would require no new federal spending, being capitalized by repurposing existing United States Treasury debt; and
Whereas, The National Infrastructure Bank will create new high-paying jobs, pay Davis-Bacon wages, ensure project labor agreements and include Buy American provisions; and
Whereas, Numerous organizations have expressed support for the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2020, including, the National Congress of Black Women, Inc., the National Association of Counties, the U.S. High Speed Rail Association, the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association, the American Sustainable Business Council, the National Association of Minority Contractors and the National Federation of Federal Employees, and seventeen legislatures have introduced or passed resolutions of support, as have county and city councils; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature respectfully urge the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 6422 to create a National Infrastructure Bank to facilitate efficient, long-term financing of infrastructure projects, business and economic growth and to create new jobs in the United States; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States as presiding officer of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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Senate Joint Resolution No. 12Committee on Growth and Infrastructure
FILE NUMBER 16
SENATE Joint RESOLUTION — Expressing the priority of the timely completion of the Tahoe East Shore Trail extension project and urging Congress to provide federal funding for completion of the project.
Whereas, The Lake Tahoe Basin is an area of unique and irreplaceable beauty that attracts visitors from around the world, supporting a $5 billion tourism and outdoor recreation economy; and
Whereas, The State Route 28 National Scenic Byway connecting Incline Village with Spooner Summit on the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe Basin is one of the most popular summer recreation and beach areas in the entire Lake Tahoe Basin due, in part, to this area having the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline at approximately 11 miles; and
Whereas, The majority of lands adjacent to the State Route 28 National Scenic Byway are managed by the Division of State Parks of the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the United States Forest Service and contain some of the most popular beaches in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including Sand Harbor, Hidden Beach and Chimney Beach; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 3998 (FILE NUMBER 16, SJR 12)κ
Whereas, Increased visitation has created environmental and public safety pressures such as traffic congestion, increased emissions from motor vehicles, erosion and unsafe conditions for visitors as a result of the lack of parking and safe alternative transportation options; and
Whereas, Population growth in urban areas adjacent to Lake Tahoe, such as the Reno/Sparks and Sacramento metropolitan areas, will contribute to increased visitation pressures in the future; and
Whereas, Climate change and warming temperatures could also lead to increased pressures in the Lake Tahoe Basin as visitors seek cooler temperatures at higher elevations during warmer summer months; and
Whereas, Thirteen local, state and federal agencies, including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Transportation District collaborated and completed a State Route 28 National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan in 2013 that is the blueprint for needed transportation infrastructure and transit along the Corridor; and
Whereas, All 13 partners committed to carry out the projects identified in the Corridor Management Plan, including multi-use paths, parking facilities, erosion control and the elimination of parking on the shoulder along the highway; and
Whereas, Elements of the Corridor Management Plan have been implemented including a summer transit service between Incline Village and Sand Harbor, the first 3 miles of the Tahoe East Shore Trail, and trailhead parking for the Trail, which have all significantly reduced parking on the shoulder of the road and improved public safety along this stretch of the highway; and
Whereas, Nevadas State Climate Strategy provides a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions set by the Nevada Legislature in 2019 and has identified transportation improvements as one of the primary means to achieve such targets; and
Whereas, Full and continuous environmental, social and safety benefits cannot be achieved in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the full completion of the State Route 28 National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan, including the next phase of the Tahoe East Shore Trail, most of which will be on federally managed land; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby recognize and express the priority of the timely completion of the Tahoe East Shore Trail extension project, along with all associated safety improvements, parking, transit stops, emergency pullouts, visitor amenities and environmental improvements identified in the State Route 28 National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby urge the United States Congress to provide the federal funding necessary for implementing the remaining elements of the State Route 28 National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the District Manager of the Tahoe Transportation District, the Director of the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the United States Forest Service and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 3999 (FILE NUMBER 16, SJR 12)κ
Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the United States Forest Service and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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Senate Joint Resolution No. 10Senators Ohrenschall, Donate, Lange, Denis; Hansen and Scheible
Joint Sponsors: Assemblywomen Carlton; and Martinez
FILE NUMBER 17
Senate Joint RESOLUTION — Urging Congress to protect the public lands including and adjacent to Sunrise Mountain, Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens.
Whereas, The public lands including and adjacent to Sunrise Mountain, Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens are undeveloped natural treasures located near the Las Vegas Valley; and
Whereas, These public lands contain colorful mountain ranges rising up from the desert lowlands; and
Whereas, Gypsum Cave, which holds some of the earliest evidence of human inhabitance in the western United States and is significant to Indian tribes, is located on these public lands; and
Whereas, These public lands contain evidence of the Great Unconformity, which consists of exposed surface rock that represents more than one quarter of the history (1.2 billion years) of the Earths crust and tectonic plates; and
Whereas, Several plant species that have received special status designation by the Bureau of Land Management are found on these public lands; and
Whereas, Many Nevada residents enjoy the natural desert landscape and the outdoor recreational opportunities of Sunrise Mountain, Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature hereby urge Congress to protect the public lands including and adjacent to Sunrise Mountain, Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens by designating them for federal protection, which may include, without limitation, designating all or portions of the area as a national conservation area, national recreation area or national monument, or applying other federal protections that Congress deems appropriate for these important and scenic lands; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Vice President of the United States as the presiding officer of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4000κ
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 2Committee on Natural Resources
FILE NUMBER 18
ASSEMBLY Joint RESOLUTION — Recognizing that the health of forests, rangelands and soils are inextricably linked to the quantity and quality of water.
Whereas, Healthy forests, rangelands and soils work as filters to keep sediment and other contaminants out of water, leaves, branches and other residual vegetation reduce the erosive power of rainfall, roots secure soil against erosion, and plant debris improves soil structure and helps absorb nutrients and sediment; and
Whereas, Healthy forests, rangelands and soils operate as natural sponges by collecting snow and rainfall, filtering out sediment and other pollutants, and slowly releasing the filtered water into rivers, lakes and streams; and
Whereas, Healthy forests, rangelands and soils help to recharge depleted ground water; and
Whereas, The ability of forests, rangelands and soils to aid in the metered release and filtration of water provides enormous benefits to both public health and the overall health of an ecosystem; and
Whereas, Through this filtration process, forests, rangelands and soils reduce both sediment and turbidity in drinking water sources, which may result in a decrease in water treatment costs; and
Whereas, The loss or degradation of forests, rangelands and soils from catastrophic wildfires in watersheds diminishes water quality, and thereby may increase the cost of water treatment; and
Whereas, Climate change is exacerbating drought and increasing the size and intensity of wildfires in our forests and rangelands, presenting a direct threat to water resources from deforestation, soil erosion and post-fire runoff; and
Whereas, Fire suppression has resulted in the proliferation of closed-canopied forests, which have reduced snow accumulation on the forest floor and accelerated the timing of snowmelt in a manner that is incongruous with the needs of the ecosystem and humans; and
Whereas, Healthy forests, rangelands, soils, water quantity and water quality are important for economic development, the economy and the management of wildlife species; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature recognizes that the health of forests, rangelands and soils are inextricably linked to water quality and quantity; and be it further
Resolved, That the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature expresses its support for the Federal Government, state agencies, conservation districts and local governments to work collaboratively with water purveyors, land managers, private landowners, land users and other stakeholders to identify watersheds that can be improved by better forest,
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4001 (FILE NUMBER 18, AJR 2)κ
watersheds that can be improved by better forest, rangeland and soil health measures and to identify or establish voluntary programs, within the limits of legislative appropriations and other available money, to address the health of forests, rangelands and soils; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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Assembly Joint Resolution No. 4Committee on Natural Resources
FILE NUMBER 19
Assembly Joint RESOLUTION — Urging the Congress of the United States and the President of the United States to protect certain land containing swamp cedars in Spring Valley.
Whereas, Spring Valley, located in White Pine County, Nevada, has been a central part of the traditional homelands of certain indigenous Newe peoples, including the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, the Ely Shoshone, the Duckwater Shoshone and certain Paiute peoples, since time immemorial and remains a place of current cultural uses for these peoples; and
Whereas, The indigenous Newe peoples continue to use an area in Spring Valley known as Bahsahwahbee, locally known as Swamp Cedars but traditionally known as the Sacred Water Valley, to hold religious and ceremonial gatherings, pass down traditional knowledge, honor their ancestors and mourn for their relatives; and
Whereas, A massacre of indigenous people occurred at Bahsahwahbee in the Spring Valley Massacre of 1859 and was committed during a religious and ceremonial gathering; and
Whereas, Two subsequent massacres occurred at Bahsahwahbee at times of religious and ceremonial gatherings, the Swamp Cedars Massacre of 1863 and the Swamp Cedars Massacre of 1897; and
Whereas, The Rocky Mountain juniper trees, locally known as swamp cedars, that grow on the valley floor in Spring Valley are believed by the Newe peoples to embody the spirits of the indigenous Newe who were killed during those massacres; and
Whereas, The Swamp Cedars is a globally and nationally unique grove of Rocky Mountain juniper trees that exists at the valley bottom, unlike Rocky Mountain juniper trees elsewhere in the western United States, which largely grow in the mountains; and
Whereas, A large portion of Bahsahwahbee is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property and a much smaller portion lies within the boundaries of an Area of Critical Environmental Concern administered by the Bureau of Land Management; and
Whereas, Bahsahwahbee, and the swamp cedar trees therein, faces threats from climate change and development; and
Whereas, Neither being listed on the National Register of Historic Places nor being designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern provides legal protections to ensure the survival of Bahsahwahbee and the indigenous Newe peoples continued religious and ceremonial use of the site; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4002 (FILE NUMBER 19, AJR 4)κ
Whereas, The Federal Government has a fiduciary relationship with all federally recognized Indian tribes, including tribes of the indigenous Newe peoples; and
Whereas, Federal protection of Bahsahwahbee would be strengthened by collaborative management with the sovereign tribal nations that share ancestral and ongoing ties to the site; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature hereby urge the Congress of the United States and the President of the United States to take action to further protect Bahsahwahbee, including, without limitation, designating Bahsahwahbee as a National Monument or expanding Great Basin National Park to include Bahsahwahbee; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States as the presiding officer of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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Senate Resolution No. 4Senators Cannizzaro and Settelmeyer
FILE NUMBER 20
Senate RESOLUTION — Providing for the compensation of the clergy and the coordinator of the clergy for services rendered to the Senate during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, The members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature sincerely appreciate the daily religious services that have been rendered by members of the clergy representing various denominations; and
Whereas, The invocations offered by the clergy provide inspiration and guidance for the members of the Senate as they face the challenges and demands of a legislative session; and
Whereas, The assistance provided by the coordinator of the clergy has facilitated the daily services; and
Whereas, A reasonable compensation should be provided for the clergy who perform such services and for the coordinator of the clergy; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That the State Controller is authorized and directed to pay the sum of $40 per service out of the Legislative Fund to the members of the clergy who performed religious services for the Senate during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That the State Controller is authorized and directed to pay the sum of $1,500 to the coordinator of the clergy who facilitated the services for the Senate during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4003κ
Assembly Resolution No. 6Assemblymen Frierson, Benitez-Thompson and Titus
FILE NUMBER 21
Assembly RESOLUTION — Adding former Nevada Assembly Sergeant at Arms Robin Bates to the Assembly Wall of Distinction.
Whereas, The Assembly of the Legislature of the State of Nevada has established an Assembly Wall of Distinction for those past members and staff selected by leadership who have served with great distinction and who have made exemplary contributions to the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, Robin Bates served as the Assembly Sergeant at Arms from 2011 to 2021 and was well-loved for his humor and impressive leadership that inspired staff to perform their best; and
Whereas, During his tenure as the law enforcement officer for the Assembly, Robin was known for enforcing order and decorum in the Chamber with honor, distinction and integrity and insisting that his office reflect the seriousness of the states legislative institution; and
Whereas, Prior to his service with the Assembly, Robin had long demonstrated his commitment to protecting the community and promoting the public good, beginning a career with the Department of Prisons in 1974; and
Whereas, Robin made significant improvements to the states correctional system, overseeing the implementation and eventual computerization of an inmate classification system that substantially benefitted the safety of both staff and inmates; and
Whereas, Robin co-founded the wild horse adoption program through the Department of Corrections, which continues to benefit wild horses gathered from public lands across the West and the inmates responsible for gentling and caring for them; and
Whereas, After nearly three decades of service, Robin retired in 2002 as warden of the Warm Springs Correctional Center and went on to invest more than 13 years with the State Board of Parole Commissioners as a hearing officer; and
Whereas, Robin continued to serve the community through charitable work, co-founding the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society, a nonprofit committed to preserving and maintaining the historic Nevada State Prison for future generations; and
Whereas, Every Nevadan can be proud of Robins positive influence and honorable service to his community and this State; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That, for his dedicated service to the State of Nevada and for the joy that he brought to those around him, former Assembly Sergeant at Arms Robin Bates is hereby added to the Assembly Wall of Distinction; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of former Sergeant at Arms Robin Bates; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4004κ
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 5Senator Spearman
FILE NUMBER 22
Senate Concurrent RESOLUTION — Urging certain actions to address the public health crisis caused by systemic racism and greatly magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada.
Whereas, As stated by Maya Angelou: Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible; and
Whereas, Systemic racism and structures of racial discrimination create generational poverty and perpetuate debilitating economic, educational and health hardships and disproportionally affect people of color, causing the single most profound economic and social challenge facing Nevada; and
Whereas, This economic and social challenge has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas, Nearly 49 percent of Nevadas population is represented by persons of color, including persons who are Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander and persons of more than one racial or ethnic background; and
Whereas, Nevada is a growing and diverse state with continually shifting demographics; and
Whereas, Racism has deep, harmful impacts and unfairly disadvantages Black, Indigenous and other persons of color (BIPOC) and has impeded solutions necessary to achieve racial parity; and
Whereas, Providers of health care have long noted the existence of racial and ethnic disparities in our health care system, and these inequalities have led to a disproportionate negative impact on BIPOC communities during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas, The disproportionate, detrimental health impacts of COVID-19 on BIPOC communities are indicated by the overrepresentation of BIPOC communities in hospitalization rates and death rates; and
Whereas, For example, in Clark County as of March 4, 2021, according to the Southern Nevada Health District, Black persons constitute 12.5 percent of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and 11.6 percent of deaths due to COVID-19, Hispanic persons constitute 31.7 percent of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and 27.9 percent of deaths due to COVID-19 and Asian or Pacific Islander persons constitute 11.1 percent of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and 13.6 percent of deaths due to COVID-19; and
Whereas, The chronic stress of racism affects the mental and physical health of the members of BIPOC communities and, in particular, affects the mental and physical health of Black Americans on a daily basis to a greater degree than other groups; and
Whereas, The members of the 32nd Special Session of the Nevada Legislature adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, which declared that systemic racism and structures of racial discrimination constitute a public health crisis which is magnified by the disproportionately high impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and which affects the entire State of Nevada; now, therefore, be it
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4005 (FILE NUMBER 22, SCR 5)κ
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That all Nevada residents shall have equal consideration and opportunity under the laws, policies and practices of this State; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the Nevada Legislature declare that systemic racism and structures of racial discrimination constitute a public health crisis which is magnified by the disproportionately high impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and which affects the entire State of Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That Nevada supports local, state, regional and federal initiatives to understand, address and dismantle systemic racism and its impact on the delivery of human and social services, economic development and public safety; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the Nevada Legislature request that federal funding be distributed equitably based upon the percentages of members of the BIPOC communities to address issues that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous and other persons of color in direct proportion to their disadvantages by individual racial category; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature affirm the commitment to incorporate into the regular business of the Nevada Legislature the subjects of systemic racism and structures of racial discrimination which constitute a public health crisis and which is magnified by the disproportionately high impact of COVID-19 on communities of color; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8Committee on Growth and Infrastructure
FILE NUMBER 23
SENATE Concurrent RESOLUTION — Expressing support for the identification of key transportation priorities for the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Whereas, Lake Tahoe, an area of unique and irreplaceable beauty, is a world-renowned visitor destination located near several urban areas experiencing continuous population growth; and
Whereas, COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in the number of individuals and families visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin as well as relocating to the Lake Tahoe Basin to telework; and
Whereas, Visitor demand, population growth in the surrounding urban areas and relocations to the Lake Tahoe Basin for telework are expected to increase into the future, placing even greater strain on the Basins already stressed transportation infrastructure and transit systems; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4006 (FILE NUMBER 23, SCR 8)κ
Whereas, The increasing pressure on the transportation system is accelerating environmental and public safety impacts in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including traffic congestion, increased pollution from vehicles, erosion and storm water runoff, and unsafe conditions for visitors as a result of the lack of parking and safe alternative transportation options such as walking and biking paths, micro-transit services and other multi-modal transportation services; and
Whereas, The Regional Transportation Plan of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency recognizes that creating or expanding existing road systems is not possible and therefore focuses on a strategy of improving transit services, using technology and building more trails and other community enhancements to provide travel options besides the use of automobiles for residents, commuters and visitors; and
Whereas, Nevadas State Climate Strategy provides a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions set by the Nevada Legislature in 2019 and has identified transportation improvements as one of the primary means to achieve such targets; and
Whereas, Different revenue studies for transportation have been completed over the years, including the revenue generation study entitled One Tahoe recently completed by the Tahoe Transportation District, to identify potential revenue mechanisms to help fund the Districts operations and the broader Lake Tahoe transportation system; and
Whereas, Protecting the environmental and economic health of the Lake Tahoe Basin is of such utmost importance to both the States of Nevada and California that the Director of the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency have been convening a Bi-State Working Group on Transportation consisting of persons representing state, local, regional and federal governmental agencies, business groups, the environmental community and the resort and tourism industries to help identify appropriate solutions to meet the Lake Tahoe Basins unique and complex transportation challenges; and
Whereas, Any further delays in implementing a comprehensive and fully integrated transportation system that substantially decreases the dependence on the use of the automobile will result in increased negative impacts to the environmental and economic health of the Lake Tahoe Basin; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby recognize and express support for the continued efforts of the Bi-State Working Group on Transportation; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby request that the Bi-State Working Group on Transportation collaborate and agree upon a list of transportation priorities and projects for the Lake Tahoe Basin over the next 5 years, and any other timeframe the Working Group believes necessary to facilitate implementation of the agreed upon priorities and projects, to be presented at the first meeting of the Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System in the 2021-2022 legislative interim; and be it further
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4007 (FILE NUMBER 23, SCR 8)κ
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby request that any list of agreed upon transportation priorities and projects:
1. Include, without limitation, an assessment of the costs of each project and the benefits of each project in protecting and enhancing the ecosystem of the Lake Tahoe Basin;
2. Coincide with both Nevada and Californias goals, benchmarks and targets for addressing climate change; and
3. Identify any potential recommendations for funding, any equity issues associated with the funding recommendations, and any other barriers, both monetary and non-monetary, to implementing an effective transportation system for the Lake Tahoe Basin; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the District Manager of the Tahoe Transportation District, the Director of the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, the Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Director of the California Department of Transportation, the Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the United States Forest Service and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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Assembly Joint Resolution No. 10Assemblymen Watts, C.H. Miller, Frierson, Brittney Miller, Monroe-Moreno; Summers-Armstrong and Thomas
Joint Sponsors: Senators D. Harris, Neal and Spearman
FILE NUMBER 24
Assembly Joint RESOLUTION — Proposing to amend the Ordinance of the Nevada Constitution and the Nevada Constitution to remove language authorizing the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment.
Legislative Counsels Digest:
Under the Ordinance of the Nevada Constitution and the Nevada Constitution, slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited except as punishment for a crime. (Ordinance of the Nevada Constitution; Nev. Const. Art. 1, § 17) This resolution proposes to amend the Ordinance of the Nevada Constitution and the Nevada Constitution to remove language authorizing the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment. If this resolution is passed by the 2021 Legislature, it must also be passed by the next Legislature and then approved and ratified by voters in an election before the proposed amendments become effective.
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4008 (FILE NUMBER 24, AJR 10)κ
EXPLANATION Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between
brackets [omitted material] is material to be
omitted.
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the Ordinance of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows:
In obedience to the requirements of an act of the Congress of the United States, approved March twenty-first, A.D. eighteen hundred and sixty-four, to enable the people of Nevada to form a constitution and state government, this convention, elected and convened in obedience to said enabling act, do ordain as follows, and this ordinance shall be irrevocable, without the consent of the United States and the people of the State of Nevada:
First. That there shall be in this state neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . [, otherwise than in the punishment for crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.]
Second. That perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured, and no inhabitant of said state shall ever be molested, in person or property, on account of his or her mode of religious worship.
Third. That the people inhabiting said territory do agree and declare, that they forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying within said territory, and that the same shall be and remain at the sole and entire disposition of the United States; and that lands belonging to citizens of the United States, residing without the said state, shall never be taxed higher than the land belonging to the residents thereof; and that no taxes shall be imposed by said state on lands or property therein belonging to, or which may hereafter be purchased by, the United States, unless otherwise provided by the congress of the United States.
And be it further
Resolved, That Section 17 of Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 17. Neither Slavery nor involuntary servitude [unless for the punishment of crimes] shall ever be tolerated in this State.
And be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4009κ
Senate Joint Resolution No. 6Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
FILE NUMBER 25
Senate Joint RESOLUTION — Urging the Federal Government to address the issue of spouses of members of the military losing retirement benefits due to frequent relocations by creating a retirement plan that is funded by the Department of Defense Appropriations Act.
Whereas, Historically, the State of Nevada has honored the sacrifices that members of the military and their families have made to protect our freedoms by providing veterans and members of the military certain benefits and rehabilitative services; and
Whereas, Nevada state law currently requires the Director of the Department of Veterans Services to assist veterans and those persons presently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who are residents of the State of Nevada and their spouses, domestic partners, widows, widowers, children, dependents, administrators, executors and personal representatives; and
Whereas, According to the RAND National Defense Research Institute, research has found that spouses of members of the military have lower earnings and employment than comparable persons who are married to civilians and that relocating because of military service is associated with lower spousal earnings; and
Whereas, Permanently relocating because of a change of duty station has been shown by the RAND National Defense Research Institute to reduce earnings of spouses of members of the military and may threaten the ability of such persons to support themselves financially in retirement; and
Whereas, A study by the RAND National Defense Research Institute suggests that programs designed to mitigate the adverse impacts on careers of spouses of members of the military associated with permanent relocation because of a change of duty station may have meaningful impacts on the financial well-being of families of members of the military by improving current earnings and the ability of members of the military and their spouses to support themselves financially in retirement; and
Whereas, The United States Department of Defense, through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, administers the military retirement system, which is a government-funded benefit system that includes monthly compensation for qualified retirees from the active duty and reserve forces of the military, disability benefits for those deemed medically unfit to serve and a survivor annuity program for the eligible survivors of deceased retirees; and
Whereas, The United States Department of Defense currently offers several programs to assist military spouses advance their careers and educational goals, such as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership and My Career Advancement Accounts, mainly through the Office of Military Community and Family Policy of the Department; and
Whereas, The Department of Defense Appropriations Act appropriates funding to the United States Department of Defense for military activities; and
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Whereas, The United States Department of Defense does not currently have a plan or program that provides retirement benefits to spouses of members of the military; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature express support for the creation of a retirement plan to resolve the issue of the loss of retirement benefits for spouses of members of the military due to frequent relocations; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature urge the Federal Government to create and implement a retirement plan that addresses the loss of retirement benefits for spouses of members of the military due to frequent relocations that is funded by the Department of Defense Appropriations Act; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States as presiding officer of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation, the United States Secretary of the Department of Defense and the Governor of the State of Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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Senate Joint Resolution No. 7Senator Dondero Loop
Joint Sponsor: Assemblyman Roberts
FILE NUMBER 26
Senate Joint RESOLUTION — Proposing to amend the Nevada Constitution to remove the constitutional provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents of the State University and to authorize the Legislature to provide by statute for the governance of the State University and for the auditing of public institutions of higher education in this State.
Legislative Counsels Digest:
Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution, commonly known as the Education Article, requires the Nevada Legislature to provide for the establishment of a State University that is controlled by a Board of Regents whose duties are prescribed by law. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 4) The Education Article also: (1) requires the Legislature to provide for the election of the members of the Board of Regents of the State University and to define their duties by law; and (2) authorizes the Board of Regents to control and manage the affairs of the State University and its funds under such regulations as may be provided by law. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, §§ 7, 8)
As required by the Education Article, the Legislature has provided by law for: (1) the establishment of the State University, which is known as the University of Nevada; and (2) the election of the members of the Board of Regents. (NRS 396.020, 396.040) Additionally, the Legislature has: (1) provided by law for the establishment of the Nevada System of Higher Education,
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of the Nevada System of Higher Education, which consists of the State University and other educational institutions, programs and operations; and (2) authorized the Board of Regents to administer the System and to prescribe rules for its governance and management. (NRS 396.020, 396.110, 396.230, 396.280, 396.300, 396.420, 396.440, 396.550)
This resolution proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to remove the constitutional provisions governing the Board of Regents and to authorize the Legislature to provide by statute for the governance of the State University and for the auditing of public institutions of higher education in this State. However, although this resolution removes the status of the Board of Regents as a constitutional body under the Nevada Constitution, this resolution does not change the status of the Board of Regents as a statutory body under existing statutory provisions, which authorize the Board of Regents to administer the Nevada System of Higher Education and prescribe rules for its governance and management. In addition, this resolution does not repeal, either expressly or by implication, any of those existing statutory provisions relating to the Board of Regents, including the existing statutory provisions that provide for the election of the members of the Board of Regents.
Under the federal Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862, each state was provided with certain federal land grants to be sold to support and maintain at least one college in the state that teaches both agriculture and mechanic arts, including military tactics, so long as the state agrees to certain terms and conditions regarding the preservation and use of the proceeds derived from the sale of the federal land grants. (Act of July 2, 1862, ch. 130, §§ 1-8, 12 Stat. 503-05, as amended and codified at 7 U.S.C. §§ 301 et seq.) To secure the benefits offered by the federal law, the Framers of the Nevada Constitution approved Section 8 of the Education Article to provide for the preservation and use of the proceeds derived from the sale of the federal land grants. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 8; Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Convention of 1864, at 586 and 589-91 (Andrew J. Marsh off. rep. 1866)) This resolution proposes to amend Section 8 of the Education Article to: (1) remove references to the Board of Regents; (2) delete obsolete provisions; (3) clarify citations to the pertinent federal law, including all amendments thereto; and (4) specify that the proceeds derived under the federal law must be invested by the State of Nevada in the manner required by law.
If this resolution is passed by the 2021 Legislature, it must also be passed by the next Legislature and then approved and ratified by the voters in an election before the proposed amendments to the Nevada Constitution become effective.
EXPLANATION Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between
brackets [omitted material] is material to be
omitted.
Whereas, Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution, commonly known as the Education Article, requires the Legislature to provide for the establishment of a State University that is controlled by a Board of Regents whose duties are prescribed by law (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 4); and
Whereas, The Education Article also requires the Legislature to provide for the election of the members of the Board of Regents and to define their duties by law (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 7); and
Whereas, The Education Article authorizes the Board of Regents to control and manage the affairs of the State University and its funds under such regulations as may be provided by law (Nev. Const. Art. 11, §§ 7, 8); and
Whereas, When drafting the Education Article, the Framers of the Nevada Constitution purposefully added constitutional language to ensure that the powers and duties of the Board of Regents and its members shall be prescribed by the Legislature, in order to not leave it to be inferred, perhaps, that they have absolute control over the State University (Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Convention of 1864, at 586 (Andrew J.
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perhaps, that they have absolute control over the State University (Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Convention of 1864, at 586 (Andrew J. Marsh off. rep. 1866) (statement of Delegate George A. Nourse)); and
Whereas, The Framers believed that the Board of Regents control and management of the affairs of the State University should be governed by laws enacted by the Legislature (Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Convention of 1864, at 585-87 (Andrew J. Marsh off. rep. 1866)); and
Whereas, The Framers did not create the Board of Regents as a constitutional body in the Education Article to give the Board of Regents unchecked autonomy from legislative oversight (Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Convention of 1864, at 585-91 (Andrew J. Marsh off. rep. 1866)); and
Whereas, As required by the Education Article, the Legislature has provided by law for the establishment of the State University, known as the University of Nevada, and has provided by law for the election of the members of the Board of Regents (NRS 396.020, 396.040); and
Whereas, The Legislature has provided by law for the establishment of the Nevada System of Higher Education, which consists of the State University and other educational institutions, programs and operations, and for the Board of Regents to administer the System and to prescribe rules for its governance and management (NRS 396.020, 396.110, 396.230, 396.280, 396.300, 396.420, 396.440, 396.550); and
Whereas, In cases before the Nevada Supreme Court, the Board of Regents has asserted that its unique constitutional status gives it virtual autonomy and thus immunity from particular laws and policies enacted by the Legislature (Board of Regents v. Oakley, 97 Nev. 605, 607 (1981)); and
Whereas, Although the Nevada Supreme Court has rejected the Board of Regents broad assertion of autonomy and immunity from laws and policies enacted by the Legislature, the Nevada Supreme Court has recognized that the Board of Regents constitutional status prevents the Legislature from enacting certain legislation that directly interferes with the Boards essential management and control of the University (Board of Regents v. Oakley, 97 Nev. 605, 608 (1981); King v. Board of Regents, 65 Nev. 533, 564-69 (1948)); and
Whereas, Under our Nations fundamental, well-established and long-standing principles of representative government, the traditional role of the peoples elected representatives in the Legislature is to serve as the peoples legislative check of accountability to ensure that public bodies, agencies and officers in the other branches of government are carrying out their governmental functions for the benefit of the people and in a manner consistent with the laws and policies enacted by the Legislature; and
Whereas, The Board of Regents has, at various times, relied on its constitutional status and its authority to control and manage the affairs of the State University as a defensive shield and cloak against the peoples legislative check of accountability, and the Board of Regents has, at various times, taken actions that have hindered, thwarted or undermined the Legislatures investigation, review and scrutiny of the institutions, programs and operations of the Nevada System of Higher Education; and
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Whereas, Like other public bodies, agencies and officers of the State Government, the Board of Regents should be subject to the peoples legislative check of accountability through legislative oversight, and the Board of Regents control and management of the affairs of the State University should be governed by all laws enacted by the Legislature; and
Whereas, To secure accountability to the peoples elected representatives in the Legislature, the Nevada Constitution should be amended to remove the Board of Regents constitutional status so that the Board of Regents operates only as a statutory public body to ensure that it is subject to the peoples legislative check of accountability through legislative oversight and to ensure that the Board of Regents control and management of the affairs of the State University are governed by all laws enacted by the Legislature; and
Whereas, Amending the Nevada Constitution to remove the Board of Regents constitutional status will allow the Legislature to exercise the full extent of its legislative power to review, reform and improve the programs and operations of the State University and, in doing so, the Legislature will also have more options and greater flexibility to review, reform and improve all other institutions, programs and operations of the Nevada System of Higher Education; and
Whereas, Amending the Nevada Constitution to remove the Board of Regents constitutional status will not repeal, either expressly or by implication, the existing statutory provisions which apply to the Board of Regents, the State University and all other institutions, programs and operations of the Nevada System of Higher Education, including, without limitation, the existing statutory provisions that provide for the voters to elect the members of the Board of Regents; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That this resolution may be cited as the Nevada Higher Education Reform, Accountability and Oversight Amendment; and be it further
Resolved, That Section 4 of Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows:
[Sec:] Sec. 4. 1. The Legislature shall provide by law for the establishment and governance of a State University which shall embrace departments for Agriculture, Mechanic Arts, and Mining [to be controlled by a Board of Regents whose duties shall be prescribed by Law.] and other departments deemed appropriate for the State University.
2. The Legislature shall provide by law for biennial auditing of the State University and any other public institutions of higher education established by the Legislature in this State.
And be it further,
Resolved, That Section 8 of Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows:
[Sec:] Sec. 8. The [Board of Regents shall, from the interest accruing from the first funds which come under their control, immediately organize and maintain the said Mining department in such manner as to make it most effective and useful, Provided, that all the] proceeds of the public lands donated by Act of Congress approved July [second AD. Eighteen hundred and sixty Two,] 2, 1862, ch. 130, 12 Stat. 503, and thereafter amended by Act of Congress, for a college for the benefit of Agriculture [, the Mechanics] and Mechanic Arts, [and] including Military tactics , shall be invested by the [said Board of Regents] State of Nevada in the manner required by law in a separate fund to be appropriated exclusively for the benefit of the first named departments to the State University as set forth in Section [Four above;] 4 of this Article.
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Mechanics] and Mechanic Arts, [and] including Military tactics , shall be invested by the [said Board of Regents] State of Nevada in the manner required by law in a separate fund to be appropriated exclusively for the benefit of the first named departments to the State University as set forth in Section [Four above;] 4 of this Article. And the Legislature shall provide that if through neglect or any other contingency, any portion of the fund so set apart [, shall be] is lost or misappropriated, the State of Nevada shall replace said amount so lost or misappropriated in said fund so that the principal of said fund shall remain forever undiminished.
And be it further,
Resolved, That Section 7 of Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution be repealed.
And be it further,
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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Senate Joint Resolution No. 11Senator Spearman
FILE NUMBER 27
Senate Joint RESOLUTION — Urging Congress to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Whereas, The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, an international human rights treaty promoting gender equity, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 and formally instituted in 1981; and
Whereas, The Convention requires eliminating discrimination against women in all its forms, including in the areas of economic development, health, safety and education; and
Whereas, The United States Census Bureau indicates a persistent wage gap of 18 to 20 percent between men and women and a perpetual difference between the wages that women of color are paid compared with those of their white counterparts; and
Whereas, The national median annual pay for a woman who holds a full-time, year-round job is $47,299, while the median annual pay for a man who holds a full-time, year-round job is $57,456, which means that women in the United States are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to an annual gender wage gap of $10,157; and
Whereas, The wage gap is widest for many women of color as among women who hold full-time, year-round jobs in the United States, African-American women are typically paid 63 cents, Native American women are paid 60 cents and Hispanic or Latina women are paid just 55 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men; and
Whereas, White, non-Hispanic women are paid 79 cents and Asian-American women 87 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, and Asian-American and Pacific Islander women of some ethnic and national backgrounds fare much worse; and
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Whereas, The median annual gender wage gap in Nevada is $6,522, while the gender wage gap is $27,747 for Hispanic or Latina women, $22,164 for African-American women, $12,119 for white, non-Hispanic women and $19,297 for Asian-American women; and
Whereas, The gender wage gap demonstrates how far the nation and the State must go to ensure that women can participate fully and equally in the economy; and
Whereas, These facts and figures represent the consequences of sexism and white supremacy in the United States and how the country systematically devalues women, particularly women of color, and their labor; and
Whereas, This persistent, pervasive wage gap is driven in part by gender and racial discrimination, workplace harassment, job segregation and a lack of workplace policies that support family caregiving, which is still most often performed by women; and
Whereas, On average, women employed full time in the United States lose a combined total of more than $956 billion every year due to the gender wage gap, which means that women and their families have less money to support themselves, save and invest for the future and spend on goods and services, leaving families, businesses and the economy all to suffer as a result; and
Whereas, In the United States, mothers are the breadwinners in nearly half of families with children under 18, and 34 million households in the United States are headed by women, more than 6 million of whom support children under 18; and
Whereas, 8.2 million United States households, including more than 2 million with children under 18, have incomes that fall below the poverty level; and
Whereas, The gender wage gap persists regardless of industry, occupation and education level, and there are numerous causes that contribute to the wage gap, including discrimination and bias; and
Whereas, Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men, preventing the full advancement of women; and
Whereas, Some groups of women, such as women belonging to minority groups, indigenous women, refugee women, migrant women, women living in rural or remote communities, destitute women, women in institutions or in detention, female children, women with disabilities, elderly women and women in situations of armed conflict, are especially vulnerable to violence; and
Whereas, Violence against women in the family and in society is pervasive and cuts across lines of income, class and culture and must be matched by urgent and effective steps to eliminate its occurrence; and
Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on and exacerbated the many inequities that exist within the United States, and it has been women, gender minorities, people of color and other marginalized groups who have borne the brunt of the pandemics worst impacts; and
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Whereas, The education, health care and service workforces are composed predominantly of women, and the gendered impacts of the pandemic will require a thorough examination and mitigation considering the already existing inequities; and
Whereas, Since the start of the pandemic women have lost more jobs than men, which is eliminating the gains made by women in the workplace; and
Whereas, There is a real need and demand to address structural and systemic gender inequality in order to recover sustainably, challenge the status quo and make institutional changes that work for those who have been left behind; and
Whereas, An analysis by the National Womens History Museum on the standard K-12 curriculum in social studies for all states and territories estimates that only 178 women are mentioned in todays schoolbooks, compared to more than 550 men, with more than 60 percent of the women named being white or non-Hispanic, and 25 percent African-American, with even less representation for Hispanic or Latina, Native American, and Asian-American or Pacific Islander women; and
Whereas, Studies show that in standard K-12 curricula, women were mentioned in domestic roles 53 percent of the time, while womens rights and suffrage activists were mentioned less than 27 percent of the time; and
Whereas, Although women and girls have made gains toward equality in many fields in the State and in the United States, more needs to be accomplished to end sex-based discrimination fully and achieve full equality; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature hereby urge Congress to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Vice President of the United States as the presiding officer of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4017κ
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12Senators Denis, Hammond; Brooks, Buck, Cannizzaro, Donate, Dondero Loop, Goicoechea, Hansen, Hardy, D. Harris, Kieckhefer, Lange, Neal, Ohrenschall, Pickard, Ratti, Scheible, Seevers Gansert, Settelmeyer and Spearman
Joint Sponsors: Assemblymen Yeager; Anderson, Benitez-Thompson, Bilbray-Axelrod, Black, Brown-May, Carlton, Cohen, Considine, Dickman, Duran, Ellison, Flores, Frierson, Gonzαlez, Gorelow, Hafen, Hansen, Hardy, Jauregui, Kasama, Krasner, Leavitt, Martinez, Marzola, Matthews, McArthur, Brittney Miller, C.H. Miller, Monroe-Moreno, Nguyen, ONeill, Orentlicher, Peters, Roberts, Summers-Armstrong, Thomas, Titus, Tolles, Torres, Watts and Wheeler
FILE NUMBER 28
Senate Concurrent RESOLUTION — Celebrating the sister-state relationship between the State of Nevada and Taiwan, which continues to enhance trade, educational and cultural relations.
Whereas, The State of Nevada is proud of the sister-state relationship it has enjoyed with Taiwan since 1985, which has been greatly strengthened through the efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco; and
Whereas, This important relationship shared by the United States and Taiwan is underlain by common values, including freedom, democracy, rule of law and a free market economy; and
Whereas, Over 30,000 Taiwanese citizens currently reside in Nevada and have enriched our communities while sharing their great culture and enhancing ours; and
Whereas, The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market in the world for American exports and many Nevada exports, and Taiwan is one of the largest trading partners in the world, with Nevada exporting more than $128 million in goods and services to Taiwan and importing over $836 million in goods and services from Taiwan in 2020; and
Whereas, The United States ranks as Taiwans second largest trading partner and Taiwan ranks as the 10th largest trading partner of the United States, with approximately $103.9 billion in goods and services traded in 2020; and
Whereas, The United States and Taiwan have steadily strengthened their economic, security, educational and cultural ties through the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act and the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act; and
Whereas, On May 12, 2020, Nevada First Lady Kathy Sisolak presented a certificate of recognition for the donation of 30,000 medical masks for Nevadas healthcare providers from the citizens of Taiwan; and
Whereas, Taiwan has some of the worlds leading experts in combating worldwide diseases and has undertaken a policy of steadfast diplomacy in its international relations and is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the world to deal with the challenges of worldwide humanitarian aid and disease control; now, therefore, be it
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Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the Nevada Legislature, on behalf of the people of Nevada, reaffirm the sister-state relationship of the State of Nevada and Taiwan as a source of great pride for the State of Nevada which continues to enhance trade, educational and cultural relations; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, the members of the Nevada Congressional delegation, Governor Steve Sisolak and Director-General Ming-Chi Scott Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 6Assemblymen ONeill; Anderson, Benitez-Thompson, Bilbray-Axelrod, Black, Brown-May, Carlton, Cohen, Considine, Dickman, Duran, Ellison, Flores, Frierson, Gonzαlez, Gorelow, Hafen, Hansen, Hardy, Jauregui, Kasama, Krasner, Leavitt, Martinez, Marzola, Matthews, McArthur, Brittney Miller, C.H. Miller, Monroe-Moreno, Nguyen, Orentlicher, Peters, Roberts, Summers-Armstrong, Thomas, Titus, Tolles, Torres, Watts, Wheeler and Yeager
Joint Sponsors: Senators Kieckhefer; Brooks, Buck, Cannizzaro, Denis, Donate, Dondero Loop, Goicoechea, Hammond, Hansen, Hardy, D. Harris, Lange, Neal, Ohrenschall, Pickard, Ratti, Scheible, Seevers Gansert, Settelmeyer and Spearman
FILE NUMBER 29
Assembly Concurrent RESOLUTION — Memorializing former Assemblyman and Senator Alan H. Glover.
Whereas, Alan Harney Glover was born in 1949 in Carson City, Nevada, to parents Nelson and Peggy Glover, who were both state officials in Nevadas Executive Branch of State Government; and
Whereas, After receiving his bachelor of science degree in public administration, with minors in history and literature, from the University of Nevada, Reno, Alan returned to Carson City where he was a private insurance agent early in his career; and
Whereas, At 23 years of age, Alan Glover was elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1972 where he represented Carson City and served with distinction for the next 10 years until his election to the Nevada Senate in November 1982; and
Whereas, In the midst of his legislative service, Alan married his wife of 38 years, Harle, eventually raising their three children, Kim, Jamie and Amanda in Carson City; and
Whereas, Assemblyman Glover served in the Assembly during an important period in history, marked by Americas Bicentennial in 1976, the end to the war in Vietnam, greatly improved relations between the United States and China and Nevadas emergence as the fastest growing state in the nation; and
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end to the war in Vietnam, greatly improved relations between the United States and China and Nevadas emergence as the fastest growing state in the nation; and
Whereas, As a member of the Assembly, Alan Glovers service included chairmanship of three standing committees: the Assembly Committee on Transportation in 1973 and 1975, the Assembly Committee on Legislative Functions in 1977 and the Assembly Committee on Elections in 1981, and service on interim study committees that were indicative of his knowledge and expertise in many diverse topics; and
Whereas, Following his service in the Assembly, Alan served 3 years in the Senate until his appointment as Carson City Recorder in 1985, which later became the elected office of Carson City Clerk-Recorder, where he would continue to serve until his retirement in December 2014, becoming the longest-serving Clerk in the citys history, and providing the people of Nevada and his community a total of 42 years of quality elective service; and
Whereas, Alan Glover was devoted to the Carson City community, becoming an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary Club and serving as Rotary President in 1997 and 1998; and
Whereas, Alan Glover was honored in November 2011 when the First Judicial District Court appointed him to serve as one of three Special Masters who prepared a nonpartisan plan of redistricting for the State, which he considered one of the accomplishments he was most proud of, a plan that remains in effect today; and
Whereas, In 2015, Alan Glover was added to the Assembly Wall of Distinction for his dedicated service to the Assembly and as a highly respected, elected public officer of this State; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature hereby extend their deepest condolences to Alans beloved wife Harle, his daughters, Kim, Jamie and Amanda, and the many members of his extended family; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Harle Glover, loving wife of Alan Glover; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4020κ
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 3Assemblymen Gonzαlez, Watts, Yeager, Cohen; Anderson, Brown-May, Flores, Brittney Miller, Nguyen and Torres
Joint Sponsor: Senator Donate
FILE NUMBER 30
Assembly Joint RESOLUTION — Urging various actions relating to the protection and conservation of land and water.
Whereas, The scientific community recommends protecting 50 percent of the worlds lands, oceans and waters by 2050 to prevent ecosystem collapse and keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius and protecting 30 percent of the lands and waters in this State by 2030 as a necessary intermittent step to protect natural systems and mitigate climate impacts; and
Whereas, Recent polls found that 73 percent of voters in the western United States support a national goal of protecting 30 percent of the nations lands and waters by 2030; and
Whereas, The States abundance of public lands provides an opportunity to follow the scientific communitys recommendation to protect 30 percent of the lands and waters in the State by 2030; and
Whereas, Land conservation and restoration increases natural carbon sequestration and is one of the most cost-effective solutions to combatting climate change; and
Whereas, The States economic livelihood and communities are threatened by the loss of natural lands due to industrial development, wildfires and invasive species; and
Whereas, The State has lost more than 9 million acres of wildlife habitat in the last 2 decades to wildfires and only a small percentage of lands in the State are currently protected; and
Whereas, The 80th Session of the Nevada Legislature enacted Senate Bill No. 254 to require the identification of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, relative to 2005 levels, by at least 28 percent by 2025, by at least 45 percent by 2030 and to zero or near-zero emissions by 2050; and
Whereas, The conservation of land and water in the State may be accomplished through a combination of federal and state action including, without limitation, designating or establishing wilderness areas, national parks, state parks and wildlife management areas; and
Whereas, Avi Kwa Ame, also known as Spirit Mountain, located in southern Nevada is sacred to ten Yuman-speaking tribes and contains some of the most visually stunning, biologically diverse and culturally significant lands in the Mojave Desert; and
Whereas, Establishing Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument is a crucial step in the preservation of Native American ancestral lands which will help reach the recommendation to protect 30 percent of the lands and waters in the State by 2030; and
Whereas, The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states and contains world-class biological, cultural and recreational resources; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4021 (FILE NUMBER 30, AJR 3)κ
Whereas, Permanent protection for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge from the threat of military expansion will provide sanctuary for 320 bird species, 53 mammal species, 39 reptile and amphibian species and more than 500 plant species; and
Whereas, Protected public and private lands are the drivers of the States outdoor recreation industry, which generates $12.6 billion in annual consumer spending, supporting 87,000 jobs and providing more than $1 billion in tax revenue; and
Whereas, The State has shown a commitment to outdoor recreation, conservation and protection of land through the recent creation of the Division of Outdoor Recreation of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the establishment of state parks and recreation areas such as Walker River State Recreation Area and Ice Age Fossils State Park; and
Whereas, During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have greatly benefitted from the physical, mental and emotional health benefits provided by various recreational activities on public lands; and
Whereas, The State has approximately 70.2 million acres of total land and roughly 80 percent of the State is administered by various federal agencies that have multiple-use mandates, creating unique management opportunities and challenges; and
Whereas, Indigenous methods of protecting and managing the land are an essential and fundamental part of a concerted effort to balance the climate and restore biodiversity; and
Whereas, Impactful solutions to the biodiversity crisis require partnerships and collaboration between federal agencies, the State, local governments, tribal governments, local communities, private landowners, ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, outdoor recreationists, conservationists and other land-use stakeholders; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature express support for the goal of protecting 30 percent of the lands and waters in the State by 2030 and protecting 30 percent of the lands and waters of the United States by 2030; and be it further
Resolved, That President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and the Congress of the United States are urged to support a long-term goal of protecting 50 percent of the planet, inland waters and oceans; and be it further
Resolved, That state and local agencies are urged to work cooperatively with federal agencies in order to protect 30 percent of the lands and waters in the State by 2030; and be it further
Resolved, That state and local agencies engaged in efforts to support and expand the protection of land and waters are urged to honor tribal jurisdictions and the rights of indigenous tribes through informed consultation with tribal governments; and be it further
Resolved, That state and local agencies are urged to provide fair treatment and meaningful involvement to people of all races, cultures, incomes and natural origins by soliciting, accounting for and responding to the voices, needs and priorities of communities of color, indigenous communities and economically disadvantaged communities; and be it further
Resolved, That state and local agencies are urged to encourage private land owners to participate in voluntary programs to protect wildlife habitat and increase carbon sequestration; and be it further
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4022 (FILE NUMBER 30, AJR 3)κ
Resolved, That federal, state and local agencies are urged to work with the Nevada Congressional Delegation to identify opportunities for federal legislation and regulatory action to expand protection and conservation measures on public lands in the State; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States as the presiding officer of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation, Governor Steve Sisolak and the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
________
Senate Resolution No. 5Senators Cannizzaro, Settelmeyer; Brooks, Buck, Denis, Donate, Dondero Loop, Goicoechea, Hammond, Hansen, Hardy, D. Harris, Kieckhefer, Lange, Neal, Ohrenschall, Pickard, Ratti, Scheible, Seevers Gansert and Spearman
FILE NUMBER 31
Senate RESOLUTION — Inducting David R. Parks into the Senate Hall of Fame.
Whereas, The Senate of the Legislature of the State of Nevada has established a Senate Hall of Fame whose members are selected by leadership from those past Senators who have served with distinction and who have made exemplary contributions to the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, David R. Parks was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1943, raised in New Hampshire and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1967; and
Whereas, After graduating from college, David enlisted in the United States Air Force and found himself headed west to Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada where he served until 1971; and
Whereas, David earned an MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and began his 26-year tour of duty in local government, developing expertise in finance and planning and working for the City of Las Vegas, the Clark County Managers Office and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada; and
Whereas, David was elected to the Assembly in 1996 and served continuously until he was elected to the Senate in 2008; and
Whereas, David was appointed as chair of numerous committees and to leadership positions in both houses and served in 16 special sessions and on more than 50 interim legislative committees and studies; and
Whereas, Senator Parks is remembered for his extensive knowledge of government finance and served a combined 18 years on the Interim Finance Committee, the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance; and
Whereas, Senator Parks is also remembered for the breadth of his interests and causes, as well as his persistence, quiet dignity and ability to forge bipartisan consensus; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4023 (FILE NUMBER 31, SR 5)κ
Whereas, As a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ community and other vulnerable populations, Senator Parks successfully enacted measures concerning bullying in schools, HIV and AIDS, the decriminalization of hypodermic needles, discrimination based on sexual orientation and the authorization of domestic partnerships in Nevada; and
Whereas, Senator Parks also worked tirelessly on legislation to allow death with dignity, to help veterans, the homeless, and wildlife and to fund and promote the arts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That David R. Parks, having dedicated over 50 years of his life to serve the people of the State of Nevada in local government, through membership in community organizations and through his service in the Assembly and the Senate, is hereby inducted into the Senate Hall of Fame of the Legislature of the State of Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
Senate Resolution No. 6Senators Cannizzaro, Settelmeyer; Brooks, Buck, Denis, Donate, Dondero Loop, Goicoechea, Hammond, Hansen, Hardy, D. Harris, Kieckhefer, Lange, Neal, Ohrenschall, Pickard, Ratti, Scheible, Seevers Gansert and Spearman
FILE NUMBER 32
Senate RESOLUTION — Inducting Mark Amodei into the Senate Hall of Fame.
Whereas, The Senate of the Legislature of the State of Nevada has established a Senate Hall of Fame whose members are selected by leadership from those past Senators who have served with distinction and who have made exemplary contributions to the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, Mark Eugene Amodei was born in Carson City, where he graduated from Carson High School, received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and his juris doctor from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific; and
Whereas, Mark served as a Captain in the United States Army, Judge Advocate Generals Corps, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal; and
Whereas, In 1996, Mark was elected to the Nevada Assembly and in 1998, he was elected to the Nevada Senate, serving 2 years in the Assembly and 12 years in the Senate; and
Whereas, During his tenure in the Senate, Senator Amodei served in leadership positions as Assistant Majority Whip, as the Senates President Pro Tempore during three regular legislative sessions and six special sessions and as Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary; and
Whereas, During his 14 years as a Legislator, one of Marks primary concerns was stewardship of Nevadas natural resources, especially oversight policies regarding Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin; and
Whereas, In 2007, as President Pro Tempore, he served a 5-hour stint as Acting Governor of Nevada due to the rare circumstance when Nevadas Governor and Lieutenant Governor were both absent from the State; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4024 (FILE NUMBER 32, SR 6)κ
Whereas, Senator Amodei was known for working across the aisle with fellow legislators on a variety of issues; and
Whereas, After completing his legislative service in 2010, Mark was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he continues to serve; and
Whereas, Mark considers the births of his daughters, Ryanne and Erin, to be the most important events of his life; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That, for his many years of devoted service to the people of the State of Nevada as a member of both the Nevada Senate and Assembly and his continuing service as a member of the House of Representatives for Nevadas 2nd Congressional District, Mark Eugene Amodei is hereby inducted into the Senate Hall of Fame of the Legislature of the State of Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
Assembly Resolution No. 7Assemblymen Frierson, Benitez-Thompson and Titus
FILE NUMBER 33
Assembly RESOLUTION — Adding former Deputy Research Director of the Research Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau Marsheilah D. Lyons to the Assembly Wall of Distinction.
Whereas, The Assembly of the Legislature of the State of Nevada has established an Assembly Wall of Distinction for those past members and staff selected by leadership who served with great distinction and who made exemplary contributions to the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, Marsheilah D. Lyons was born in 1971 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to a military family that traveled the world before eventually settling in Algiers, Louisiana; and
Whereas, Marsheilah always possessed a love of learning and excelled academically, graduating at the top of her class from O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans at the age of 16, and subsequently earning a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education and Human Services from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education with an emphasis in Social Work from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and
Whereas, Her family and career paths eventually led Marsheilah to northern Nevada where she pursued her calling to public service, working in various community relations and educational settings before accepting a position as Senior Research Analyst with the Research Division of the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau in August 2000; and
Whereas, While she served as the lead Committee Policy Analyst for many legislative committees, it was Marsheilahs long-standing contributions to health and human services-related committees where she had the most profound impact, specifically the Assembly and Senate Committees on Health and Human Services,
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4025 (FILE NUMBER 33, AR 7)κ
Health and Human Services, and numerous interim committees, including the Legislative Committee on Health Care; the Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs; and the Subcommittee to Conduct a Study of Postacute Care; and
Whereas, She was well-known for her expertise in health care matters, capably advising legislators and colleagues in her thoughtful, impartial, yet convincing way and becoming a prominent state and national expert in the field through her involvement with the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Council of State Governments; and
Whereas, Marsheilah was noted for her outstanding management skills, emotional intelligence, political savvy, quick wit and, perhaps most importantly, her compassion for others, kindness and keen sense of justice, which contributed to her quick ascension through the ranks of the Research Division and her appointment as Deputy Research Director in 2019; and
Whereas, Despite her unmatched professional accomplishments, Marsheilahs most important role was that of wife to William, mother to daughter Marshay and son William III, mother-in-law to Quentin, grandmother to Zara, as a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, and dedicated servant to God and her church, the Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Reno, Nevada; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That for her dedicated service and unparalleled contributions to the Nevada Legislature and the State of Nevada as a whole, for the joy she brought to those around her, and for her endearing friendship to us all, former Deputy Research Director, Marsheilah D. Lyons, is hereby added to the Assembly Wall of Distinction; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of former Deputy Research Director Marsheilah Lyons; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9Committee on Education
FILE NUMBER 34
SENATE Concurrent RESOLUTION — Expressing support for the Nevada System of Higher Education to work collaboratively in its science and research efforts addressing the needs of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Whereas, The Lake Tahoe Basin exhibits unique environmental and ecological conditions that are irreplaceable; and
Whereas, The Nevada Legislature has recognized that Nevada has a compelling interest in preserving, protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin, which is a matter of such significance that it must carried out on a continual basis; and
Whereas, The State of Nevada, in collaboration with the State of California, federal agencies, local governments, the private sector and nonprofit organizations, has provided continuous investment in the preservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of the Lake Tahoe Basin through the implementation of projects identified in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4026 (FILE NUMBER 34, SCR 9)κ
Basin through the implementation of projects identified in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program; and
Whereas, The role of science in guiding decision-making is critical to the successful implementation of policies and environmental restoration in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and
Whereas, The role of science in guiding decision-making has become more imperative due to emerging issues such as climate change and increased visitation, which are placing even greater pressures on the health of the ecosystem in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and
Whereas, The State of Nevada has recently completed a State Climate Strategy, which is an integrated, economy-wide roadmap for the State to accelerate climate action necessary to achieve Nevadas climate goals and which:
1. Provides a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions set by the Nevada Legislature in 2019;
2. Lays the groundwork for the bold actions necessary to improve Nevadas resilience to the current and future impacts of climate change; and
3. Establishes a Nevada-specific structure for continued, ongoing climate action across the state; and
Whereas, The State of Nevada, through the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of California, through the California Natural Resources Agency, to establish the Tahoe Bi-State Executive Committee to coordinate science and research activities and create the non-regulatory Tahoe Science Advisory Council; and
Whereas, Comprised of scientific experts from research institutions and public agencies, including the University of Nevada, Reno and the Desert Research Institute, the focus of the Tahoe Science Advisory Council is to provide objective research and scientific analysis that will help support decision-makers of both Nevada and California to meet their obligation to advance attainment of environmental thresholds in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and
Whereas, The Tahoe Science Advisory Council has developed a Science to Action Plan (Aquatic) to provide decision-relevant science that informs policy and land management decisions and anticipates critical emerging issues that have impacts on the water quality and health of the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Tahoe; and
Whereas, The Tahoe Science Advisory Council has also developed a Science to Action Plan (Upland) that identifies necessary research needs, placing a priority on issues such as forest health and fire dynamics, the linkages between land and water ecosystems and biological integrity, in order to promote environmental resilience, protect resources, adapt to emerging issues and enhance ecological and community sustainability; and
Whereas, Funding to complete the necessary research identified in both action plans has not been identified and collaboration among Nevadas research institutions will be essential to ensure completion of the action plans; now, therefore, be it
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4027 (FILE NUMBER 34, SCR 9)κ
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby encourage and support the Nevada System of Higher Education to work collaboratively among its institutions to coordinate all research, science, and other analysis focused on addressing the specific needs of the Lake Tahoe Basin in alignment with Nevadas State Climate Strategy; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby recognize and express their support for carrying out necessary research to address emerging issues in the Lake Tahoe Basin in order to guide policy and land management decisions in the Basin and for the critical role of science in guiding environmental protection and restoration efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby recommend that the Nevada System of Higher Education enhance coordination and collaborative efforts with the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other state and federal agencies, as appropriate, to strategically align the Nevada System of Higher Educations science and research efforts with policy goals, including Nevadas State Climate Strategy, that are established by relevant agencies, including the Tahoe Science Advisory Council and other stakeholders in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the Program Officer of the Tahoe Science Advisory Council, the Director of the Nevada State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, the President of the University of Nevada, Reno, the President of the Desert Research Institute, the President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the President of the University of California, Davis and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4028κ
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14Senators Denis, Ohrenschall; Brooks, Buck, Cannizzaro, Donate, Dondero Loop, Goicoechea, Hammond, Hansen, Hardy, D. Harris, Kieckhefer, Lange, Neal, Pickard, Ratti, Scheible, Seevers Gansert, Settelmeyer and Spearman
Joint Sponsors: Assemblymen Flores; Anderson, Benitez-Thompson, Bilbray-Axelrod, Black, Brown-May, Carlton, Cohen, Considine, Dickman, Duran, Ellison, Frierson, Gonzαlez, Gorelow, Hafen, Hansen, Hardy, Jauregui, Kasama, Krasner, Leavitt, Martinez, Marzola, Matthews, McArthur, Brittney Miller, C.H. Miller, Monroe-Moreno, Nguyen, ONeill, Orentlicher, Peters, Roberts, Summers-Armstrong, Thomas, Titus, Tolles, Torres, Watts, Wheeler and Yeager
FILE NUMBER 35
Senate Concurrent RESOLUTION — Memorializing former District Court Judge Don P. Chairez.
Whereas, The members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature note with profound sorrow the passing of Don P. Chairez from complications related to COVID-19; and
Whereas, Don was born on September 29, 1955, in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to Pedro and Clotilde Chairez, the family moving to the Sacramento area in 1965 after the retirement of his father, an Army Master Sergeant; and
Whereas, After graduating summa cum laude from high school and magna cum laude from Loma Linda University, Don graduated from the University of Southern California School of Law in 1980 and began his career in private practice focusing on immigration law; and
Whereas, In 1990, Don began working as a deputy district attorney for Clark County, and within 4 years was appointed to the Eighth Judicial District Court by Governor Bob Miller and was subsequently elected to that position; and
Whereas, Mr. Chairez co-authored the Peoples Initiative to Stop the Taking of Our Land (PISTOL) which became Section 22 of Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution, adding eminent domain rules that protect landowners; and
Whereas, In 1996, Judge Chairez was honored by the Nevada Conference of Police and Sheriffs as Judge of the Year for his willingness to make himself available to law enforcement 24 hours a day, whenever a search warrant was requested; and
Whereas, Over his 40-year legal career, Judge Chairez presided over 25 murder trials and served as counsel in approximately 90 jury trials; and
Whereas, Judge Chairez was known for his compassion in the courtroom, and would often say, The law is not just about a bunch of words on a piece of paper, but about peoples lives; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature memorialize Don P. Chairez and extend their deepest condolences to Dons beloved wife, Maria, and their two daughters, Monica and Marina, as well as the members of his extended family; and be it further
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4029 (FILE NUMBER 35, SCR 14)κ
Resolved, That the legacy of Don P. Chairezs legal career and service to this State will long be remembered, setting a precedent for compassion and defending the underdog; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Maria Chairez; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 1Assemblymen Titus, Benitez-Thompson, Krasner; Gorelow, Hafen, Hansen, Hardy, Matthews, Nguyen, Orentlicher, Peters, Summers-Armstrong and Thomas
Joint Sponsors: Senators Hardy, D. Harris, Seevers Gansert; Kieckhefer and Ratti
FILE NUMBER 36
Assembly Joint RESOLUTION — Proposing to amend the Nevada Constitution to add and revise terms relating to persons with certain conditions for whose benefit certain public entities are supported by the State.
Legislative Counsels Digest:
Section 1 of Article 13 of the Nevada Constitution requires that institutions for the benefit of the insane, blind and deaf and dumb be fostered and supported by the State. This joint resolution proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to replace the term institutions with entities and to revise the description of the persons who benefit from these entities from: (1) insane to persons with significant mental illness; (2) blind to persons who are blind or visually impaired; and (3) deaf and dumb to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. This joint resolution also proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to add entities for the benefit of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities to the types of entities that shall be fostered and supported by the State.
EXPLANATION Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between
brackets [omitted material] is material to be
omitted.
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That Section 1 of Article 13 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows:
Section [.] 1. [Institutions] Entities for the benefit of [the Insane, Blind and Deaf and Dumb,] persons with significant mental illness, persons who are blind or visually impaired, persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and persons with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities, and such other benevolent [institutions] entities as the public good may require, shall be fostered and supported by the State, subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law.
And be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.
________
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4030κ
Senate Resolution No. 7Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
FILE NUMBER 37
Senate RESOLUTION — Designating certain members of the Senate as regular and alternate members of the Legislative Commission for the 2021-2023 biennium.
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That, pursuant to the provisions of NRS 218E.150 and the Joint Standing Rules of the Legislature, Senators Nicole Cannizzaro, Moises Denis, Dallas Harris, James Settelmeyer, Joe Hardy and Scott Hammond are designated as the regular Senate members of the Legislative Commission; and be it further
Resolved, That Senators Marilyn Dondero Loop and Fabian Donate are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Senator Nicole Cannizzaro; Senators Roberta Lange and James Ohrenschall are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Senator Moises Denis; Senators Pat Spearman and Melanie Scheible are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Senator Dallas Harris; Senators Ira Hansen and Ben Kieckhefer are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Senator James Settelmeyer; Senators Keith Pickard and Pete Goicoechea are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Senator Joe Hardy; and Senators Carrie Ann Buck and Heidi Seevers Gansert are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Senator Scott Hammond; and be it further
Resolved, That the procedure for requesting an alternate member to replace a regular member during his or her absence at a meeting must be as follows:
1. The Secretary of the Legislative Commission shall establish a record of service of alternate members at meetings of the Legislative Commission and shall maintain a list of the alternate members for each individual Senator or group of Senators. Each list must contain a numerical designation in ascending order for each alternate member on the list. The initial sequence in which the alternate members must be listed must correspond to their designation as alternates in this resolution.
2. If a regular member of the Legislative Commission is unable to attend a scheduled meeting of the Legislative Commission and notifies the Secretary of the Legislative Commission, the Secretary shall request the alternate member with the lowest numerical designation on the appropriate list to replace the regular member at the meeting. If the alternate member does not agree to serve, the Secretary shall make the same request of the alternate member with the next higher numerical designation on the list, and so on through the list until an alternate member agrees to replace the regular member.
3. An alternate member who agrees to replace a regular member at a meeting of the Legislative Commission loses the numerical designation he or she had on the appropriate list at the time he or she was requested to serve. The Secretary of the Legislative Commission shall, when the alternate member agrees to replace the regular member, assign to that alternate member the highest numerical designation on the appropriate list. At the same time, the Secretary shall also reduce by one the numerical designation on the appropriate list to those alternate members who have higher numerical designations on the appropriate list than the alternate member who has agreed to serve.
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4031 (FILE NUMBER 37, SR 7)κ
on the appropriate list to those alternate members who have higher numerical designations on the appropriate list than the alternate member who has agreed to serve.
4. An alternate member who is requested to replace a regular member at a meeting of the Legislative Commission, but who does not agree to replace the regular member, does not lose the numerical designation he or she had on the appropriate list at the time of the request.
And be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
Assembly Resolution No. 8Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
FILE NUMBER 38
Assembly RESOLUTION — Designating certain members of the Assembly as regular and alternate members of the Legislative Commission for the 2021-2023 biennium.
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That, pursuant to the provisions of NRS 218E.150 and the Joint Standing Rules of the Legislature, the following members of the Assembly are designated regular and alternate members of the Legislative Commission to serve until their successors are designated: Mr. Jason Frierson, Ms. Sandra Jauregui, Mr. Steve Yeager, Mr. Tom Roberts, Ms. Lisa Krasner and Ms. Jill Dickman are designated as the regular Assembly members; Ms. Daniele Monroe-Moreno and Ms. Rochelle Nguyen are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Mr. Jason Frierson; Ms. Selena Torres and Ms. Sarah Peters are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Ms. Sandra Jauregui; Mr. Howard Watts and Ms. Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Mr. Steve Yeager; Mr. Greg Hafen and Ms. Heidi Kasama are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Mr. Tom Roberts; Ms. Alexis Hansen and Ms. Melissa Hardy are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Ms. Lisa Krasner; and Mr. Glen Leavitt and Ms. Jill Tolles are designated as the first and second alternate members, respectively, for Ms. Jill Dickman; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4032κ
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
FILE NUMBER 39
Senate Concurrent RESOLUTION — Creating a joint special committee to conduct a study concerning innovation zones.
Whereas, It is critical that the Nevada Legislature consider whether innovation zones, which are a unique form of local government on private land, would accelerate this States economic diversification by attracting advanced technology industries to invest in this State; and
Whereas, The 81st Session of the Legislature has been unable to consider all of the critical issues surrounding innovation zones, as the Legislature continues to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the pandemic on the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this State as well as on the economy of this State; and
Whereas, The appointment of a joint special committee to study innovation zones will enable a thorough vetting of the critical issues and facilitate discussion among all of the interested stakeholders, including, without limitation, local governments, tribal governments, environmental groups, labor organizations, economic development authorities, water authorities, advanced technology industries and global interests; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That there is hereby created a joint special committee to conduct a study of innovation zones, which must be composed of at least three members of the Assembly, two of whom must be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and one of whom must be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Assembly, and at least three members of the Senate, two of whom must be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate and one of whom must be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and be it further
Resolved, That the joint special committee shall elect a chair and vice chair and may meet during the 81st Session of the Legislature for the purpose of electing a chair and vice chair; and be it further
Resolved, That the joint special committee shall, to the extent practicable, meet at least once a month to study, without limitation, the potential community and economic benefits of innovation zones and the impact of innovation zones on:
1. Economic development and job creation;
2. Workforce development;
3. Affordable housing;
4. Empowerment centers;
5. Regional water supplies;
6. Natural resources and the environment;
7. Counties and other forms of local government; and
8. State and local revenues and the distribution of taxes; and be it further
Resolved, That the joint special committee shall solicit the input of interested stakeholders, including, without limitation, local governments, tribal governments, environmental groups, labor organizations, economic development authorities, water authorities, advanced technology industries and global interests; and be it further
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4033 (FILE NUMBER 39, SCR 11)κ
tribal governments, environmental groups, labor organizations, economic development authorities, water authorities, advanced technology industries and global interests; and be it further
Resolved, That any recommendation proposed by the joint special committee must be approved by a majority of the members of the Assembly and a majority of the members of the Senate appointed to the joint special committee; and be it further
Resolved, That the joint special committee shall, to the extent practicable, submit a report of the results of the study and any recommendations to the Governor on or before December 31, 2021, including, without limitation, whether:
1. No further action should be taken on innovation zones; or
2. Legislation on innovation zones should be proposed during a regular or special session of the Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That the joint special committee may request the drafting of one legislative measure related to innovation zones at the 82nd Session of the Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That if the joint special committee requests the drafting of a legislative measure related to innovation zones, the legislative measure must be prefiled on or before the first day of the 82nd Session of the Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That the joint special committee shall submit a report of its findings to the 82nd Session of the Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
EMERGENCY REQUEST of Senate Majority Leader
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13Senator Cannizzaro
Joint Sponsor: Assemblyman Frierson
FILE NUMBER 40
Senate Concurrent RESOLUTION — Creating an interim committee to conduct an investigation into matters relating to reapportionment and redistricting in the State of Nevada.
Whereas, The Nevada Legislature is required to reapportion and redistrict the election districts for the members of the Legislature, the members of the United States House of Representatives from the State of Nevada and the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada; and
Whereas, The Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce will deliver redistricting data from the decennial census in 2020 to the states during the second half of 2021; and
Whereas, The amount of data from the decennial census in 2020 and the necessity to accomplish reapportionment and redistricting in an expeditious manner after the receipt of the data will require additional computer software and extensive preparation and testing to allow for the generation and analysis of proposals concerning reapportionment and redistricting; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4034 (FILE NUMBER 40, SCR 13)κ
Whereas, The reapportionment and redistricting must comply with current case law and constitutional and statutory legal requirements; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That there is hereby created an interim committee to conduct an investigation into matters relating to reapportionment and redistricting in this State in conjunction with the data from the decennial census of 2020, which must be composed of at least three members of the Assembly who are appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, not more than two of whom may be members of the same political party, and at least three members of the Senate who are appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate, not more than two of whom may be members of the same political party; and be it further
Resolved, That the interim committee shall elect a chair and vice chair and may meet during the 81st Session of the Legislature for the purpose of electing a chair and vice chair; and be it further
Resolved, That the investigation conducted by the interim committee must include:
1. A continuing examination and monitoring of any redistricting systems established or recommended for use by the Nevada Legislature, including the requirements for computer equipment, computer software and the training of personnel;
2. A review of the case law concerning planning for reapportionment and redistricting in other states;
3. A review of the programs of other states relating to planning for reapportionment and redistricting;
4. An examination of the data from the decennial census of 2020 and a consideration of potential issues involving such data that may arise during the process of reapportionment and redistricting;
5. A consideration of possible procedures recommended for use by the Nevada Legislature in the process of reapportionment and redistricting to ensure that members of the public are involved in the process to the greatest possible extent; and
6. An examination into any other matter relating to reapportionment and redistricting in the State of Nevada that the interim committee determines may yield information that would be beneficial to the Nevada Legislature in the process of reapportionment and redistricting; and be it further
Resolved, That the interim committee report to the appropriate regular or special session of the Nevada Legislature the results of its deliberations and any actions taken in preparation for and any recommendations concerning reapportionment and redistricting; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4035κ
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 10 of the 80th SessionCommittee on Commerce and Labor
FILE NUMBER 41
Assembly Joint RESOLUTION — Proposing to amend the Nevada Constitution to prospectively increase the required minimum wage paid to employees.
Legislative Counsels Digest:
Section 16 of Article 15 of the Nevada Constitution requires private employers to pay a minimum wage of $5.15 per hour if the employer provides certain health benefits to employees or $6.15 per hour if the employer does not provide such health benefits to employees. The Constitution also requires the minimum wage to be adjusted each year by the amount of any increase in the federal minimum wage over $5.15 per hour or, if greater, by the cumulative increase in the cost of living measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), except that the CPI adjustment for any 1-year period cannot exceed 3 percent. (Nev. Const. Art. 15, §16) This joint resolution proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to instead set the minimum wage at $12 per hour worked beginning July 1, 2024, regardless of whether the employer provides health benefits to employees. In addition, this joint resolution removes the annual adjustment to the minimum wage and instead provides that if at any time the federal minimum wage is greater than $12 per hour worked, the minimum wage is increased to the amount established for the federal minimum wage. In addition, this joint resolution allows the Legislature to establish a minimum wage that is greater than the hourly rate set forth in the Constitution.
EXPLANATION Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between
brackets [omitted material] is material to be
omitted.
Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, Jointly, That Section 16 of Article 15 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 16. Payment of minimum compensation to employees.
[A. Each]
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, beginning July 1, 2024, each employer shall pay a wage to each employee of not less than [the hourly rates set forth in this section. The rate shall be five dollars and fifteen cents ($5.15)] twelve dollars ($12) per hour worked . [, if the employer provides health benefits as described herein, or six dollars and fifteen cents ($6.15) per hour if the employer does not provide such benefits. Offering health benefits within the meaning of this section shall consist of making health insurance available to the employee for the employee and the employees dependents at a total cost to the employee for premiums of not more than 10 percent of the employees gross taxable income from the employer. These rates of wages shall be adjusted by the amount of increases in]
2. If, at any time, the amount of the federal minimum wage [over $5.15 per hour, or, if greater, by the cumulative increase in the cost of living. The cost of living increase shall be measured by the percentage increase as of December 31 in any year over the level as of December 31, 2004 of the Consumer Price Index (All Urban Consumers, U.S. City Average) as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor or the successor index or federal agency.
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4036 (FILE NUMBER 41, AJR 10 of the 80th Session)κ
agency. No CPI adjustment for any one-year period may be greater than 3%. The Governor or the State agency designated by the Governor shall publish a bulletin by April 1 of each year announcing the adjusted rates, which shall take effect the following July 1. Such bulletin will be made available to all employers and to any other person who has filed with the Governor or the designated agency a request to receive such notice but lack of notice shall not excuse noncompliance with this section. An employer shall provide written notification of the rate adjustments to each of its employees and make the necessary payroll adjustments by July 1 following the publication of the bulletin.] is greater than twelve dollars ($12) per hour worked, each employer must pay a wage to each employee of not less than the hourly rate established for the federal minimum wage.
3. The Legislature may establish by law a minimum wage that an employer must pay to each employee that is greater than the hourly rate required by this section.
4. Tips or gratuities received by employees shall not be credited as being any part of or offset against the wage rates required by this section.
[B. The]
5. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of this section may not be waived by agreement between an [individual] employee and [an] his or her employer. All of the provisions of this section, or any part hereof, may be waived in a bona fide collective bargaining agreement, but only if the waiver is explicitly set forth in such agreement in clear and unambiguous terms. Unilateral implementation of terms and conditions of employment by either party to a collective bargaining relationship shall not constitute, or be permitted, as a waiver of all or any part of the provisions of this section.
6. An employer shall not , in any manner, discharge, reduce the compensation of or otherwise discriminate against any employee for using any civil remedies to enforce this section or otherwise asserting his or her rights under this section.
7. An employee claiming violation of this section [may] is entitled to bring an action against his or her employer in the courts of this State to enforce the provisions of this section and shall be entitled to all remedies available under the law or in equity appropriate to remedy any violation of this section, including but not limited to back pay, damages, reinstatement or injunctive relief. An employee who prevails in any action to enforce this section shall be awarded his or her reasonable attorneys fees and costs.
[C.] 8. As used in this section [, employee] :
(a) Employee means any person who is employed by an employer as defined herein but does not include an employee who is under eighteen (18) years of age, employed by a nonprofit organization for after school or summer employment or as a trainee for a period not longer than ninety (90) days.
(b) Employer means any individual, proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, trust, association, or other entity that may employ individuals or enter into contracts of employment.
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4037 (FILE NUMBER 41, AJR 10 of the 80th Session)κ
[D.] 9. If any provision of this section is declared illegal, invalid or inoperative, in whole or in part, by the final decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions and all portions not declared illegal, invalid or inoperative shall remain in full force or effect, and no such determination shall invalidate the remaining sections or portions of the sections of this section.
And be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective on July 1, 2024.
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Assembly Resolution No. 9Assemblyman Yeager
FILE NUMBER 42
Assembly RESOLUTION — Accepting and adopting the report and recommendation of the Assembly Committee on Election Contests regarding the contest of the 2020 General Election for Assembly District 21; declaring that the contestant shall be deemed to have abandoned or withdrawn the contest; declaring that the Assembly shall not take further action on the contest and that the Assembly dismisses the contest with prejudice.
Whereas, Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution states that [e]ach House shall judge of the qualifications, elections and returns of its own members; and
Whereas, Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution expressly reserves to the Senate and Assembly the rights to extend, withhold and withdraw membership status (Heller v. Legislature, 120 Nev. 456, 466 (2004); Laxalt v. Cannon, 80 Nev. 588, 590-91 (1964)); and
Whereas, Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution ensures that [e]ach house of a state legislature is the sole judge of the elections of its members (Masons Manual of Legislative Procedure § 560(5) (2020)); and
Whereas, Under Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution, the Assembly adopted Rule No. 46 of the Standing Rules of the Assembly to govern the review of any contest of the 2020 General Election for any seat in the Assembly; and
Whereas, Under Rule No. 46, the Committee on Election Contests was appointed to review the contest of the 2020 General Election for Assembly District 21 delivered to the Assembly pursuant to NRS 293.427; and
Whereas, Under Rule No. 46, at its meeting on May 20, 2021, the Committee on Election Contests voted to approve its report and recommendation regarding the contest of the 2020 General Election for Assembly District 21; and
Whereas, Under Rule No. 46, it is the report and recommendation of the Committee on Election Contests that the contestant shall be deemed to have abandoned or withdrawn the contest and that the Assembly shall not take further action on the contest and that the Assembly shall dismiss the contest with prejudice; now, therefore, be it
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4038 (FILE NUMBER 42, AR 9)κ
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That the Assembly accepts and adopts the report and recommendation of the Committee on Election Contests; and be it further
Resolved, That the Assembly declares that the contestant shall be deemed to have abandoned or withdrawn the contest; and be it further
Resolved, That the Assembly declares that the Assembly shall not take further action on the contest and that the Assembly dismisses the contest with prejudice; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution and the report and recommendation of the Committee on Election Contests to the Governor, the Secretary of State and the Board of County Commissioners of Clark County; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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Assembly Resolution No. 10Assemblyman Frierson
FILE NUMBER 43
Assembly RESOLUTION — Expressing appreciation to certain persons and organizations who provided assistance to the Nevada Legislature with its response to the global COVID-19 pandemic during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, The 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature commenced during unprecedented times in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic; and
Whereas, Richard Whitley, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, encouraged his staff to work cooperatively with and provide assistance to the Nevada Legislature to ensure the safety of the Legislators, staff members and others meeting in the Legislative Building during the legislative session; and
Whereas, The assistance and guidance of the expert staff of the Department were invaluable throughout the legislative session in determining the safest way to bring Legislators, staff members and others together in the Legislative Building; and
Whereas, Julia Peek, Deputy Administrator of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, was instrumental in coordinating the provision of COVID-19 testing onsite at the Legislative Building throughout the legislative session so that everyone in the building could be tested quickly and easily throughout the session; and
Whereas, Julia Peek further assisted in coordinating vaccination events to be held at the Legislative Building so that Legislators, staff members and others could be vaccinated against COVID-19 onsite as early as possible, making it safer to work in the Legislative Building together; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4039 (FILE NUMBER 43, AR 10)κ
Whereas, Melissa Peek-Bullock, the State Epidemiologist, was available throughout the legislative session to provide expertise regarding best practices, answer questions and assist with determining the appropriate response when positive cases were found within the Legislative Building; and
Whereas, Victoria Sepcic, Health Facilities Inspector for the Division, provided prompt and thorough contact tracing of positive cases so that the Legislature could quickly identify any potential exposures and take appropriate action; and
Whereas, The State Public Health Laboratory of the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine provided prompt and accurate test results when additional testing was necessary to confirm positive cases; and
Whereas, When it became possible to safely open the Legislative Building to members of the public, David Crowell, Interface Manager of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, assisted by Emma Fawcett, Administrative Assistant, and other staff of the Division further stepped up by quickly verifying the vaccination status of visitors to the Legislative Building, even spending hours onsite to check the vaccination status of visitors who did not send the information in advance; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature wish to specifically thank Richard Whitley, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services; Julia Peek, Deputy Administrator of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health; David Crowell, Interface Manager of the Division, Emma Fawcett, Administrative Assistant of the Division, and the other employees of the Division who assisted with verifying the vaccination status of visitors to the Legislature; Melissa Peek-Bullock, State Epidemiologist; Victoria Sepcic, Health Facilities Inspector; the entire team at the Department of Health and Human Services, who went above and beyond, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support the public health response at the Nevada Legislature, and who continue to address the public health response for the State; and Dr. Mark Pandori and his team at the State Public Health Laboratory of the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, who assisted with the needs of the Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Richard Whitley, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Mark Pandori, State Public Health Laboratory; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4040κ
Assembly Resolution No. 11Assemblyman Frierson
FILE NUMBER 44
ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION — Expressing appreciation to the staff of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for their service during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, The Legislative Counsel Bureau was established in 1945 to provide the Nevada Legislature with independent, unbiased information and assistance to address the increasingly complex policy and fiscal issues that arise each legislative session; and
Whereas, The Legislative Counsel Bureau strives to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing nonpartisan, centralized services to members of both Houses of the Legislature and their constituents in the most efficient, professional manner possible; and
Whereas, Through the years, the Legislative Counsel Bureau has evolved into an organization of public servants who provide a full range of services for the peoples branch of government; and
Whereas, In the Administrative Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, the staff of Information Technology Services and Broadcast and Production Services innovated to adapt the legislative process to new virtual technologies, the staff of the Buildings Unit, the Grounds Unit and the Janitorial Unit have meticulously maintained the beauty, safety and cleanliness of the legislative buildings and grounds, and the staff of the Accounting Unit, the General Services Unit and the Las Vegas Office have performed their roles expertly to ensure that members had access to support services and to keep the Legislature functioning smoothly; and
Whereas, In the Directors Office, the Human Resources Counsel worked to keep everyone in the building safe, coordinating COVID-19 testing on-site and vaccination events for Legislators, staff and members of the press, the Legislative Police ensured the safety of the building through the implementation of a new screening process for visitors, the State Printing Office carried out the enormous task of printing bills, resolutions and other session documents and the Gift Shop stocked pandemic-related merchandise such as face masks and kept the store open through online sales despite the closure of the Legislative Building; and
Whereas, The Legislative Auditor and the staff of the Audit Division continued to provide the Legislature with independent and reliable information about the operations of state agencies, programs, activities and functions by conducting high-quality performance audits to promote accountability in State Government and by overseeing the annual single audit of State Government to ensure continued funding of federal programs; and
Whereas, The Senate and Assembly Fiscal Analysts and the staff of the Fiscal Analysis Division reviewed the Governors Executive Budget and related bills and amendments while maintaining their usual accuracy and efficiency, provided expenditure and revenue analyses, provided staff support for the Senate Committees on Finance and Revenue and Economic Development and the Assembly Committees on Revenue and Ways and Means and responded to the Legislators requests for information concerning budgets and taxation; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4041 (FILE NUMBER 44, AR 11)κ
support for the Senate Committees on Finance and Revenue and Economic Development and the Assembly Committees on Revenue and Ways and Means and responded to the Legislators requests for information concerning budgets and taxation; and
Whereas, The Legislative Counsel and the staff of the Legal Division drafted and processed legislation and amendments to legislation with meticulous attention to detail, while also providing legal counsel to standing committees, meeting remotely and in-person, and providing legal opinions to Legislators and staff on a wide range of issues, completing a daunting quantity of work under the rigorous scheduling demands of the legislative session; and
Whereas, The Research Director and the staff of the Research Division, including the Research Library and Constituent Services Unit, provided research and analysis of current and proposed public programs and policies, drafted volumes of floor statements and responded promptly and thoroughly to Legislator and constituent requests for information, all while deftly navigating the logistical challenges of new remote technologies; and
Whereas, During the legislative session, the staff of the Legislative Counsel Bureau provided services eagerly and professionally, regardless of the time of day or number of hours required, and willingly sacrificed time with family and loved ones to ensure that legislative business could be completed in a timely and efficient manner; now, therefore be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That the members of the Assembly do hereby express their sincere appreciation to the outstanding employees of the Legislative Counsel Bureau and commend their dedication, cooperation, excellent work and willingness to serve the State; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Brenda J. Erdoes, Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4042κ
Assembly Resolution No. 12Assemblyman Frierson
FILE NUMBER 45
Assembly RESOLUTION — Expressing appreciation to the staff of the Assembly for their service during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, Each legislative session the Assembly elects an officer to serve as the Parliamentarian and Chief Administrative Officer of the Assembly; and
Whereas, The Assembly of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature elected Susan Furlong to serve as Chief Clerk for the eighth time; and
Whereas, The Chief Clerk has attended each daily session of the Assembly and has read each bill and resolution to the body; and
Whereas, The Chief Clerk is responsible for employing all of the staff of the Assembly, including the Sergeants at Arms, Front Desk Staff, Personal Attaches, Committee Services Staff, Administrative Services Staff and other attaches; and
Whereas, Many of the dedicated members of the staff of the Assembly return to work each legislative session, some of whom have retired from other governmental service, bringing a vast amount of knowledge and experience, while others bring talent and expertise from a myriad of diverse backgrounds; and
Whereas, Completing the work of the Legislature within the constitutionally mandated 120-day limit is always a daunting task, and has been especially challenging in the midst of a global pandemic; and
Whereas, Despite unprecedented challenges, the Chief Clerk, with her able and dedicated staff, meticulously maintained a thorough and accurate record of all of the proceedings of the Assembly and its Committees and diligently ensured that all of the needs of the members of the Assembly were met; and
Whereas, The extraordinary staff who served the Assembly during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature carried out their responsibilities with enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and perseverance, adapting to new policies and technologies necessitated by the pandemic; and
Whereas, Throughout the legislative session, the staff of the Assembly maintained their exemplary standards of professionalism and expertise in performing the many functions that enable the Assembly to complete its work; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, That the members of the Assembly do hereby express their sincere appreciation to the Chief Clerk and all of the outstanding members of the staff of the Assembly and commend their dedication, cooperation, excellent work and willingness to serve the State; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to each member of the staff of the Assembly; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
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κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4043κ
Senate Resolution No. 8Senators Cannizzaro, Ratti, Settelmeyer and Hardy
FILE NUMBER 46
SENATE RESOLUTION — Expressing appreciation to the staff of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for their service during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, The Legislative Counsel Bureau was established in 1945 to provide the Nevada Legislature with independent, unbiased information and assistance to address the increasingly complex policy and fiscal issues that arise each legislative session; and
Whereas, The Legislative Counsel Bureau strives to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing nonpartisan, centralized services to members of both Houses of the Legislature and their constituents in the most efficient, professional manner possible; and
Whereas, Through the years, the Legislative Counsel Bureau has evolved into an organization of public servants who provide a full range of services for the peoples branch of government; and
Whereas, In the Administrative Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, the staff of Information Technology Services and Broadcast and Production Services innovated to adapt the legislative process to new virtual technologies, the staff of the Buildings Unit, the Grounds Unit and the Janitorial Unit have meticulously maintained the beauty, safety and cleanliness of the legislative buildings and grounds, and the staff of the Accounting Unit, the General Services Unit and the Las Vegas Office have performed their roles expertly to ensure that members had access to support services and to keep the Legislature functioning smoothly; and
Whereas, In the Directors Office, the Human Resources Counsel worked to keep everyone in the building safe, coordinating COVID-19 testing on-site and vaccination events for Legislators, staff and members of the press, the Legislative Police ensured the safety of the building through the implementation of a new screening process for visitors, the State Printing Office carried out the enormous task of printing bills, resolutions and other session documents and the Gift Shop stocked pandemic-related merchandise such as face masks and kept the store open through online sales despite the closure of the Legislative Building; and
Whereas, The Legislative Auditor and the staff of the Audit Division continued to provide the Legislature with independent and reliable information about the operations of state agencies, programs, activities and functions by conducting high-quality performance audits to promote accountability in State Government and by overseeing the annual single audit of State Government to ensure continued funding of federal programs; and
Whereas, The Senate and Assembly Fiscal Analysts and the staff of the Fiscal Analysis Division reviewed the Governors Executive Budget and related bills and amendments while maintaining their usual accuracy and efficiency, provided expenditure and revenue analyses, provided staff support for the Senate Committees on Finance and Revenue and Economic Development and the Assembly Committees on Revenue and Ways and Means and responded to the Legislators requests for information concerning budgets and taxation; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4044 (FILE NUMBER 46, SR 8)κ
Whereas, The Legislative Counsel and the staff of the Legal Division drafted and processed legislation and amendments to legislation with meticulous attention to detail, while also providing legal counsel to standing committees, meeting remotely and in-person, and providing legal opinions to Legislators and staff on a wide range of issues, completing a daunting quantity of work under the rigorous scheduling demands of the legislative session; and
Whereas, The Research Director and the staff of the Research Division, including the Research Library and Constituent Services Unit, provided research and analysis of current and proposed public programs and policies, drafted volumes of floor statements and responded promptly and thoroughly to Legislator and constituent requests for information, all while deftly navigating the logistical challenges of new remote technologies; and
Whereas, During the legislative session, the staff of the Legislative Counsel Bureau provided services eagerly and professionally, regardless of the time of day or number of hours required, and willingly sacrificed time with family and loved ones to ensure that legislative business could be completed in a timely and efficient manner; now, therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That the members of the Senate do hereby express their sincere appreciation to the outstanding employees of the Legislative Counsel Bureau and commend their dedication, cooperation, excellent work and willingness to serve the State; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Brenda J. Erdoes, Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
Senate Resolution No. 9Senators Cannizzaro, Settelmeyer, Ratti and Hardy
FILE NUMBER 47
Senate RESOLUTION — Expressing appreciation to certain persons and organizations who provided assistance to the Nevada Legislature with its response to the global COVID-19 pandemic during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, The 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature commenced during unprecedented times in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic; and
Whereas, Richard Whitley, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, encouraged his staff to work cooperatively with and provide assistance to the Nevada Legislature to ensure the safety of the Legislators, staff members and others meeting in the Legislative Building during the legislative session; and
Whereas, The assistance and guidance of the expert staff of the Department were invaluable throughout the legislative session in determining the safest way to bring Legislators, staff members and others together in the Legislative Building; and
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4045 (FILE NUMBER 47, SR 9)κ
Whereas, Julia Peek, Deputy Administrator of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, was instrumental in coordinating the provision of COVID-19 testing onsite at the Legislative Building throughout the legislative session so that everyone in the building could be tested quickly and easily throughout the session; and
Whereas, Julia Peek further assisted in coordinating vaccination events to be held at the Legislative Building so that Legislators, staff members and others could be vaccinated against COVID-19 onsite as early as possible, making it safer to work in the Legislative Building together; and
Whereas, Melissa Peek-Bullock, the State Epidemiologist, was available throughout the legislative session to provide expertise regarding best practices, answer questions and assist with determining the appropriate response when positive cases were found within the Legislative Building; and
Whereas, Victoria Sepcic, Health Facilities Inspector for the Division, provided prompt and thorough contact tracing of positive cases so that the Legislature could quickly identify any potential exposures and take appropriate action; and
Whereas, The State Public Health Laboratory of the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine provided prompt and accurate test results when additional testing was necessary to confirm positive cases; and
Whereas, When it became possible to safely open the Legislative Building to members of the public, David Crowell, Interface Manager of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, assisted by Emma Fawcett, Administrative Assistant, and other staff of the Division further stepped up by quickly verifying the vaccination status of visitors to the Legislative Building, even spending hours onsite to check the vaccination status of visitors who did not send the information in advance; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That the members of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature wish to specifically thank Richard Whitley, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services; Julia Peek, Deputy Administrator of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health; David Crowell, Interface Manager of the Division; Emma Fawcett, Administrative Assistant of the Division, and the other employees of the Division who assisted with verifying the vaccination status of visitors to the Legislature; Melissa Peek-Bullock, State Epidemiologist; Victoria Sepcic, Health Facilities Inspector; the entire team at the Department of Health and Human Services, who went above and beyond, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support the public health response at the Nevada Legislature, and who continue to address the public health response for the State; and Dr. Mark Pandori and his team at the State Public Health Laboratory of the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, who assisted with the needs of the Legislature; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Richard Whitley, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Mark Pandori, State Public Health Laboratory; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________
κ2021 Statutes of Nevada, Page 4046κ
Senate Resolution No. 10Senators Cannizzaro, Settelmeyer, Ratti and Hardy
FILE NUMBER 48
Senate RESOLUTION — Expressing appreciation to the staff of the Senate for their service during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, Each legislative session the Senate elects an officer to serve as the Parliamentarian and Chief Administrative Officer of the Senate; and
Whereas, The Senate of the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature elected Claire Clift to serve as Secretary of the Senate for the ninth time; and
Whereas, The Secretary of the Senate is responsible for employing all of the staff of the Senate, including the Sergeants at Arms, Front Desk Clerks, Administrative Services Staff, Leadership Officers, Legislative Assistants, Committee Managers, Committee Secretaries and Proofreaders; and
Whereas, Many of the dedicated members of the staff of the Senate return to work each legislative session, some of whom have retired from other governmental service, bringing a vast amount of knowledge and experience, while others bring talent and expertise from a myriad of diverse backgrounds; and
Whereas, Despite unprecedented challenges arising out of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Secretary of the Senate and her able and dedicated staff worked tirelessly to ensure that the Senate was able to carry out its constitutional responsibilities under the challenging circumstances; and
Whereas, Throughout the legislative session, the Secretary and staff of the Senate meticulously maintained a thorough and accurate record of all of the proceedings of the Senate and its Committees and diligently ensured that all of the needs of the members of the Senate were met; and
Whereas, The talented staff who worked for the Senate during the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature carried out their responsibilities with ingenuity, enthusiasm and resourcefulness, adapting to new policies and technologies necessitated by the pandemic; and
Whereas, The exemplary service of the staff of the Senate, their professional attitudes, selfless commitment to excellence and admirable efficiency enabled the Senate to complete a daunting quantity of work within the rigorous scheduling deadlines of the 120-day legislative session; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, That the members of the Senate do hereby express their sincere appreciation to the Secretary of the Senate and all of the outstanding members of the staff of the Senate and commend their dedication, cooperation, excellent work and willingness to serve the State; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to each member of the staff of the Senate; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon adoption.
________