MINUTES OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND MINING Sixty-eighth Session January 25, 1995 The Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining was called to order at 1:15 p.m., on Wednesday, January 25, 1995, Chairman John C. Carpenter presiding in Room 321 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. John C. Carpenter, Chairman Mrs. Marcia de Braga, Chairman Mr. Max Bennett, Vice Chairman Mrs. Genie Ohrenschall, Vice Chairman Mr. Douglas A. Bache Mr. Thomas A. Fettic Mr. David E. Humke Mr. P.M. Roy Neighbors Mr. Brian Sandoval Mrs. Gene Wines Segerblom COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: None GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT: None STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: David S. Ziegler, Senior Research Analyst OTHERS PRESENT: Doug Busselman, Nevada Farm Bureau Federation; Steve Mahoney, Nevada Division of Agriculture; Joe Guild, Nevada Cattlemen's Association; Stephanie D. Licht, Nevada Wool Growers Association. Chairman John C. Carpenter called the meeting to order at 1:l5 p.m. and roll call was taken. The committee was asked to consider an amendment under item number three of the Standing Rules (Exhibit C). ASSEMBLYMAN BACHE MOVED FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE STANDING RULES. ASSEMBLYMAN BENNETT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE PRESENT. Mr. Carpenter noted the committee minutes would be available from the secretary if anyone wished to see them. ASSEMBLY BILL 68 - Increases maximum reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of person engaged in stealing livestock. Mr. Carpenter informed the committee the funds offered as a reward would not come from the general fund. The handout to each member of the committee showed the organizations and the percent of reward given by each entity (Exhibit D). He noted there had been an increased incident of rustling activity in Elko and outlying counties. Mr. Steve Mahoney, Chief, Department of Business and Industry, Division of Agriculture and Livestock Identification Bureau reiterated the increase in theft activity. He said there had been interest by the Brand and Theft Committee to increase the reward. The reward would be given to anyone who gives information, even anonymously, which would lead to the felony conviction of livestock theft. The bill was designed to increase the contribution made by the Division of Agriculture. Currently the Division of Agriculture contributes 24.75 percent of the total $1500 reward. This would allow the division to contribute up to $1500. The amounts increased by the participants listed on Exhibit D could increase the total reward up to a maximum of $5000. Chairman Carpenter asked for any questions directed to Mr. Mahoney. Mr. Neighbors inquired why a state law was needed to increase the reward when money was not allocated from the State of Nevada. Mr. Mahoney stated 100 percent of the monies his department deals with come from cattlemen through fees and livestock head tax, etc. However, they have been required to present the same budget as if they were a total general fund supported agency. Mr. Neighbors felt the increase should be an administrative issue department heads could execute. Mr. Mahoney agreed with Mr. Neighbors, but said when fees were in the statute they had to readdress the statutes. Mrs. Segerblom wanted to know who made up the Central Committee. Mr. Mahoney referred the question to the Cattlemen's Association representative. Mr. Joe Guild who represents the Nevada Cattlemen's Association said the Central Committee was made up of Grazing Districts which cut across county lines. In each district there would be grazing fee payers. Every grazing district in Nevada has a grazing board elected from the membership of the people who have grazing permits from the Public Lands. The Central Committee would be composed of representatives of Boards of Directors of each of the grazing districts. The committee has a full time secretary and individual grazing district boards fund the Central Committee. The Central Committee administers statewide funds from the grazing fees and the money would be used to enhance and improve the range for other uses which could be beneficial to livestock grazing in the State of Nevada. A portion of the money would be returned to the states through the County Clerk's Offices. Mr. Guild stated there were seven grazing districts in the state. He said one of the districts in Northwestern Nevada also includes part of Northeastern California. Mr. Carpenter related for clarification there were six districts consisting of Elko, Ely, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Carson City and Las Vegas. Mrs. de Braga asked if there was any on going training for law enforcement officials to recognize what they are looking at when they stop someone transporting livestock. Mr. Mahoney said they were offered the opportunity to teach a class in livestock law. The recruits are trained in documents required when transporting livestock, what they look like, proper licenses, etc. They also try and teach the difference between a cow and a horse. Law enforcement has been very cooperative in assisting, but in order of priority agriculture takes a back seat. The Department of Agriculture does work on check sites when they are opened randomly throughout the state. Mrs. de Braga noted an incident in Churchill County where law enforcement did not know what they were looking for. She felt there was a need to encourage more training. Mr. Bache asked if this was the first time an increase in the fee had been proposed since the formula had been enacted in 1974. Mr. Mahoney said to his knowledge this was the first time. Mrs. Ohrenschall questioned whether the 24.75 percent from the Department of Agriculture was from state funds. Mr. Mahoney replied the money was from the Livestock Identification Bureau budget which charges a fee per head when cattle are inspected, brands recorded, etc., and not from state funds. Mr. Doug Busselman, Executive Vice President, Nevada Farm Bureau Federation, supported A.B. 68 from written testimony (Exhibit E). Mr.Joe Guild, Nevada Cattlemen's Association and Stephanie D. Licht, Nevada Wool Growers Association both supported the testimony of Mr. Busselman and endorse A.B. 68. The hearing was closed on A.B. 68 by the Chairman. ASSEMBLYMAN NEIGHBORS MOVED TO DO PASS A.B. 68. ASSEMBLYMAN BACHE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY ALL THOSE PRESENT. Mr. Carpenter thanked the committee for their attention and questions. He stated by asking questions of those testifying was a way to increase knowledge of the issues. There being no further business to come before committee, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Pat Menath, Committee Secretary APPROVED BY: ____________________________ Chairman John C. Carpenter ____________________________ Chairman Marcia de Braga Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining January 25, 1995 Page