THE FIFTH DAY

Carson City (Saturday), June 7, 2003

Senate called to order at 7:22 p.m.

President Hunt presiding.

Roll called.

All present.

Prayer by Senator Rawson.

Our Father in heaven, as we begin this session, we approach Thee humbly. We are thankful for our blessings. We ask that Thy influence be with us and help us to conclude our business. We ask Thee to be with us that we may recognize the diversity and to exalt in the diversity here and that we may be patient with our colleagues’ opinions. Help us to be able to communicate and bring this business to a close. We ask you to be with us as each of us travels that we may be safeguarded and that all who have given their service here will be watched over. We pray these things in the Name of Thy Son.

Amen.

Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.

Senator Raggio moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with, and the President and Secretary be authorized to make the necessary corrections and additions.

Motion carried.

INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE

By the Committee of the Whole:

Senate Bill No. 4—AN ACT relating to state financial administration; providing for the imposition and administration of state taxes on business entities for the privilege of doing business in this state; replacing the casino entertainment tax with a tax on all live entertainment; revising the taxes on liquor and cigarettes; imposing a state tax on the transfer of real property and revising the provisions governing the existing tax; revising the fees charged for certain gaming licenses; establishing the Legislative Committee on Taxation, Public Revenue and Tax Policy; making various other changes relating to state financial administration; making an appropriation; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Senator Raggio moved that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Motion carried.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Madam President:

Your Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 4, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.

William J. Raggio, Chairman

GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING

Senate Bill No. 4.

Bill read third time.

Remarks by Senators Raggio, Neal, Carlton and McGinness.

Senator Raggio requested that his remarks be entered in the Journal.

If we send this bill to the other House, I am aware of and do acknowledge, there will be amendments in the other House. If the bill comes back from that House and we are in a position where we do not concur, this bill will go to a conference committee. We will have the opportunity, you have my assurance as Majority Leader, that that conference report, whatever it is, will be back in this House for consideration. It will require a two-thirds vote, and it will be a roll call vote. That will be understood.

Senator Carlton requested that her remarks be entered in the Journal.

Thank you, Madam President. Unfortunately, I rise in opposition to this bill. I voted no last night, and I feel I need to state that I believe this State is in dire need of revenue, but I do not believe that this package gets us where we need to be. I do not think this Legislature wants to be in the same position, I have heard many of my esteemed colleagues refer to in the past, regarding the use of different band-aids.

I came here on the first day of regular session, raised my right hand to the heavens and swore an oath to do the right thing. I made a commitment to a broad-based business tax. I do not believe this bill is broad based enough. I do not want anyone who succeeds me in later years to have to go through what we went through this session. I will be opposing this measure.

Roll call on Senate Bill No. 4:

Yeas—13.

Nays—Amodei, Carlton, Cegavske, Hardy, McGinness, O'Connell, Tiffany, Washington—8.

Senate Bill No. 4 having failed to receive a two-thirds majority, Madam President declared it lost.

Senator Raggio moved that the Senate recess until 9 p.m.

Motion carried.

Senate in recess at 7:35 p.m.

SENATE IN SESSION

At 9:42 p.m.

President Hunt presiding.

Quorum present.

Senator Raggio moved that the Senate adjourn until Tuesday, June 10, 2003, at 12 m.

Motion carried.

Senate adjourned at 9:43 p.m.

Approved: Lorraine T. Hunt

President of the Senate

Attest: Claire J. Clift

Secretary of the Senate