MINUTES OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION Sixty-eighth Session April 20, 1995 The Committee on Transportation was called to order at 1:15 p.m., on Thursday, April 20, 1995, Chairman Chowning presiding in Room 331 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Thomas Batten, Chairman Mrs. Vonne Chowning, Chairman Mr. Dennis L. Allard, Vice Chairman Mr. David Goldwater, Vice Chairman Mr. Bernie Anderson Mr. John C. Carpenter Mrs. Marcia de Braga Mr. Dennis Nolan Ms. Genie Ohrenschall Ms. Patricia A. Tripple GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Assemblyman Jack Close Assemblyman Larry Spitler Assemblyman Maurice Arberry STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul Mouritsen, Research Analyst Jackie Valley, Committee Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: Donna Wadey, Acting Chief of Registration Division Stan Warren, Nevada Car Owner Association John Amundson, Sierra Nevada Classic T-Bird, Dick Mieldazis, Sierra Nevada Classic T-Bird John Holmes, Karson Kruzer, and Classic Chevy of Reno Charlie Douglas, Senior Chief of U.S. Navy Retired, President of West Coast Regional The meeting was called to order by Chairman Vonne Chowning at 1:15 p.m. Ms. Donna Wadey, Acting Chief, Registration Division, presented a video on the license plates factory process. Assemblyman Chowning had a concern with the color of the license plate in relation to the purple heart. Ms. Wadey responded that there is a separate sheeting that the purple hearts are manufactured from. (Exhibit C), & (Exhibit D). ASSEMBLY BILL 289 Authorizes issuance of special license plates and registration certificates for "classic vehicles. Assemblyman Jack Close stated it was his pleasure to be here and the primary sponsor of A.B. 289. A.B. 289 is directed toward creating a new license plate for the state of Nevada which would be titled the classic vehicle license plate. Assemblyman Close requested the committee pay attention to the demands for the license plate. Mr. Close thanked Mr. Art Hood of Las Vegas for his devoted time and hard work on A.B. 289. He commented that Mr. Hood is also responsible for creating the terminology for this bill. Mr. Close explained the difference between a classic license plate and a classic rod. 1. The classic license plate is for a vehicle that is basically stocked with the original equipment as it was produced or of duplicate replacement equipment. 2. The classic rod is a vehicle that has some plastic parts with some enhancements, whether it be carburization, generator or an engine. Mr. Close further stated a classic rod has no license plate to fit the category that currently exists that would define a classic vehicle. Mr. Close remarked there are 58,000 classic vehicles in the state of Nevada. He felt 58,000 classic vehicles is a fairly significant number to justify customer demands. In the fiscal analysis from DMV, they approximated $600 to create a new press. DMV would have to purchase the new press to imprint the terminology classic vehicle. This would be the main expense in producing this plate. He mentioned that if 25 individuals of the 58,000 purchase a license plate it would offset the cost of the new press. Mr. Close stated all funds generated from the license plate will be returned to the general budget. He advised the cost of renewal is covered in the bill, the cost is fair and reasonable. In conclusion of Mr. Close's testimony he stated the renewal process will also generate funds. Assemblyman Chowning inquired what would be the cost of a classic license plate. Mr. Close stated the fee for the special license plate is $25 as shown on Page 1, Paragraph 4, line 21. He further explained on Page 2, Line 6, other expenses are shown. (Exhibit D) & (Exhibit E). Assemblyman Anderson indicated that street rods and classic rods have a $35 initial fee. Mr. Anderson inquired about the $10 difference of the classic vehicle license plate. Mr. Close answered it was a challenge to make this decision but it was decided that it was a fair price. He commented that it was taken into consideration the number of classic vehicles (58,000) and the cost. He stated there would be more income at $25 than $35. Assemblyman Tripple commented since there are numerous bills on license plates, she suggested having one bill to discuss special license plates, having the wordage and the costs the same for all. She explained if there were any additional costs for a special purpose it could be added on. She questioned if Mr. Close would consider being part of a group rather than being distinguished individually. Mr. Close responded that this is a request from the users. Mr. Close further stated politically, if there was a guarantee that the bill would pass through both houses, he would be more than happy to initiate a group. However, Mr. Close commented there would be those who would support one bill and not the other. He further commented that each bill has its own merits and should be dealt with individually. Mrs. Chowning commented that she was informed DMV needed to cover the initial cost of $35 and the renewal cost of $10. Ms. Donna Wadey, Acting Chief of Registration Division, stated the $35 cost was during the last session when we dealt with veterans' license plates and the collision license plate. The plates would be used to generate funds for other programs besides highway funds. It was decided that if the same amount was collected for personal license plates, the highway funds would not be losing any revenue. Mrs. Chowning inquired whether this type of plate is possible to produce for $25 and $10 for renewal. Ms. Wadey answered yes. Mr. Stan Warren, representing Nevada Car Owner Association, stated there is a southern and northern division of the Association. He stated he is in support of A.B. 289, out of his love for old cars. He added the distinguished recognition license plate started with the horseless carriage plate which was introduced into law by the late Mr. Bill Harrah. After the horseless carriage plate came, then the old timers' plate for vehicles over 40 years of age came. He advised there is a significant number of these vehicles known as classic vehicles, not yet old enough to be old timers. He felt they certainly needed some type of recognition for their vintage because these are cars 25 years old or older. The 1950's vehicles are coming of age, but the late 50's and 60's vehicles are not old enough for recognition. (Exhibit C) Mr. Warren stated he is working with DMV on new legislation. There are 1.2 million registered vehicles in the state of Nevada and 58,000 of these vehicles are over 25 years old. He stated many of these vehicles are eligible candidates for recognition with the passage of A.B. 289. Mr. Warren remarked the state of Nevada is famous for its car shows. Assemblyman Carpenter asked if Mr. Warren had an old timer plate on his vehicle. Mr. Warren answered he did, his old timer plate number is 0848. Mrs. Chowning inquired if it would be possible to retain the vintage plate number in addition to the imprint of a classic vehicle. Mr. Warren stated it would be the case of disbanding his old timer plate (0848). Mr. John Amundson, a member of Sierra Nevada Classic T-Bird Club, stated he is in support of this bill. He stated several years ago he registered a `55 T-Bird and a `67 Mustang and the only plates available were the old timers. Most cars that are 25 years or older, especially after World War II, are called classic cars. He stated this bill is appropriate for people with vintage plates. Mr. Dick Mieldazis, member of Sierra Nevada Classic T-Bird Club and a member of the Mustang Club in Reno, strongly supported the passage of A.B. 289. He stated he is the owner of a World War II jeep with old timer plates, and the owner of three additional vehicles for which he would be inclined to purchase the classic license plates. Mrs. Chowning asked how many plates Mr. Mieldazis would be purchasing. Mr. Mieldazis answered three. John Holmes, member of Carson Kruzers, member of Classic Chevy Club of Reno, and working member of Hot August Nights, and the owner of a `56 Belaire Chevy, stated he supports the passage of A.B. 289. He stated he follows car auctions and a national car publication called "Hemming" that lists vehicles for sale and their present value. He felt there would be no problem in marketing this as a money profit rather than it costing the state money. Ernie Heying, member of the Antique Automobile Club Association, stated he supports this bill. ASSEMBLY BILL 153 Requires department of motor vehicles and public safety to issue license plates which express support for program for drug abuse resistance education. Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, representing District 31, city of Sparks, Nevada, stated he felt this is a strong piece of legislation and is much needed. Mr. Anderson addressed a question previously asked by Ms. Tripple in reference to all license plate bills being handled as a group. He stated this same question was brought up two sessions ago. Mr. Anderson commented the funds from this license plate bill would support worthy programs in other areas besides DMV. He stated in order to perform this task, a piece of legislation would be drafted which would hold the same standard of payment as regular fee plates. The renewal fee for vanity plates is $35. These are plates for people who want to be recognized for a particular group they belong to. Mr. Anderson stated this bill would combine with specialized additional dollars ($20-$25) that will generate funds to support programs such as DARE. The total cost for the DARE Program would be $60. He stated $35 would be awarded to the state and $25 to the DARE Program. Mr. Carpenter asked if the $25 initial fee, and the additional $20 renewal fee are consistent with other license plate costs. Mr. Anderson answered that it is consistent with veteran license plates which require a special fee of $60 and a renewal fee of $30. The breakdown of fees is similar to the one in A.B. 253. Mr. Carpenter asked why was the renewal fee reduced. Mr. Anderson responded this would be an opportunity to make money in the renewal process. The goal of this program is to keep people in the renewal portion of the program; if the cost was too expensive it would discourage people from using the plate. Ms. Tripple asked how many plates would be sold the first year. Mr. Anderson responded if you look at the number of bumper stickers that support this program this will give you a good estimation. Mr. Anderson stated this is a good program and with our concern with growing problems with drugs it would be the only one he would support. Ms. Tripple asked if the term "DARE" is well known and if the program would be a success. Mr. Len Nevin, former Nevada State Senator, responded to Ms. Tripple's question and stated the "DARE" name is very well recognized because of the national media coverage it receives throughout the United States. He stated one unique thing is the money remains within the county agencies. He also stated there are police officers and sheriff's departments that work closely with the schools in educating children on drugs. Mr. Eric Cooper, representing the Nevada Sheriffs & Chiefs Association, stated not only does it involve school teachers, children, and police officers, but parents are very much involved. Mr. Cooper suggested to authorize exempt plates to be issued with the "DARE" logo on it for use by police officers and sheriff's departments to display on marked vehicles. Mrs. Chowning inquired if there would be an administrative cost of the design for the plates. Mr. Nevin answered no, under the Nevada law they are limited on the color and the design. Donna Wadey, Chief of Registration Division, stated she had spoken with the local law enforcement and they do want to use the "DARE" logo. She further added there is concern with the copyright of the "DARE" logo. There is a percentage charged of the revenue in order to use the logo. Stephanie Tyler, former Nevada State Senator, representing the city of Sparks, stated the city of Sparks has been a major supporter of the Dare Program. The city of Sparks has done a number of projects with the Dare Program. ASSEMBLY BILL 258 Requires department of motor vehicles and public safety to issue special license plates to retired military persons for support of veterans' cemeteries in Nevada. Assemblyman Morse Arberry, representing District 7, stated A.B. 258 requires DMV and the Department of Public Safety to design and issue a special license plate to retired military members of the Armed Forces. This plate will bear the inscription "Armed Forces Retired" and the seal of the branch of the Armed Forces requested by the applicant (Exhibit F). Mr. Anderson asked what the difference is between this veterans' plate and existing veterans' plates? Mr. Arberry answered basically, the plates would look the same but the plate would say "Armed Forces Retired". Donna Wadey, Chief of Registration, DMV/PS, stated in order to manufacture the Armed Forces Retired plates there will be a cost for separate sheeting. She stated according to our fiscal note, DMV would have to have $29,800 to differentiate between the veteran and Armed Forces Retired plates. She stated a minimum of six rolls per design of sheeting must be purchased. Each design will cost approximately $5,940. Mrs. Chowning asked how many plates would have to be initially ordered to secure the cost. Ms. Wadey stated there would have to be 851 sets purchased to have a break even point. Mr. Charlie Douglas, Senior Chief, U.S. Navy Retired, and President of West Coast Regional, stated they are very proud people because they are retired military. He felt there are temporary residents in Nevada who will be here long enough to receive the plates and return to California. He advised that California does not have this type of program. Mr. Carpenter inquired if the initial fees are different due to the manufacturing cost. Mr. Anderson responded that because the potential market is so much greater, the cost may stay at $10. Ms. Wadey stated the fees collected on A.B. 289 will go to the Highway Fund. The fees collected in the other bills will have a portion of the funds going to various organizations. Mr. Anderson inquired about the fee of the personal license plate. Mr. Anderson deferred to Ms. Wadey. Ms. Wadey responded the fee is $35. Mr. Carpenter asked if the initial fees go to highway funds. Ms. Wadey answered yes. Mr. Carpenter asked if it will cost less to make the classic plates than the veteran plates. Ms. Wadey responded that the classic license plate will cost less to produce but, the veteran license plate has a special sheeting, therefore it will cost more. ASSEMBLY BILL 118 Requires department of motor vehicles and public safety to issue license plates for support of missing or exploited children. Assemblyman Larry Spitler, District 41, stated A.B. 118 will be a less controversial bill. Nancy Saitta, Senior Deputy Attorney General, who is responsible for this bill stated A.B. 118 is a bill that would issue a license plate in support of missing or exploited children. She stated that in A.B. 118 a person may request personalized prestige license plates in addition to license plates for the support of missing or exploited children. The license plates must be inscribed with a heart, child's hand, star or the mathematical symbol. The fee for license plates for the support of missing or exploited children is $35. in addition to all other applicable registration and license fees. The license plates can be renewed for a fee of $10. Mr. Spitler mentioned that an account for license plates to support missing or exploited children is created in the state general fund. The director shall oversee the account. He further commented that the money will not revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The money will only be used to carry out the provisions from NRS 432.150 to 432.220 inclusive. Mr. Spitler further stated that this is the clearinghouse concept where they attempt to unite missing children with their parents. The funds will be awarded to the clearinghouse. Mr. Spitler requested that the committee look at this bill favorably. (Exhibit H) Mrs. Chowning asked what the initial cost of the design is and how many initial plates would be ordered to cover the cost. Ms. Wadey responded to the question and stated it will cost approximately $2100. and 60 sets of license plates are needed to pay for the dye. Mr. Carpenter asked when special material is ordered, how is the cost recovered? Ms. Wadey replied that in the past, the funds were requested, the fiscal note provided, and then the order was placed. Mr. Carpenter inquired why some of the other bills call for a higher initial fee? Mr. Carpenter asked Mr. Spitler why the initial cost and renewal fee was lower than the other bills? Mr. Spitler stated he had discussed with the group not to raise the initial cost. He felt the initial cost should be consistent and this should apply to all license plate bills. Ms. Tripple inquired about the complexity of the design and asked if only one design could be used. Mr. Spitler replied yes. The cost would be in the dye and the dye would be used for all designs. ASSEMBLY BILL 452 Requires department of motor vehicles and public safety to issue license plates for support of education of children in arts. Mrs. Vonne Chowning, proudly representing District 28, stated her license plate bill is different because while attending a NCSL Conference, as a member of Arts and Tourism Committee, a presentation was made from a California representative, stating California was the first state in the United States to produce an arts license plate. Mrs. Chowning further stated her love for children prompted her to initiate a license plate bill to support arts education for children in the state of Nevada. She stated the design will be created by a child and the design will be permanently placed on the license plate. The funds derived from the license plate would be used strictly for the education of art for children. Mrs. Chowning commented art education gives hope to all children. Mrs. Chowning explained that the Nevada Arts Council would be in charge of the competitions, therefore, there will be a fiscal note. Mrs. Ohrenschall asked if Mrs. Chowning sees art education as a focus primarily on disadvantaged children. Mrs. Chowning answered yes. Mrs. Ohrenschall further asked if she foresees this as a possibility for a ticket out of the ghetto for a talented, disadvantaged child. Mrs. Chowning responded absolutely and further explained the program is not only for at risk children but all children. Ms. Toni Tennelle, representing Nevada Ambassador for the Arts, presented a letter to the committee in full support of A.B. 452.(Exhibit I) Mrs. Chowning stated it is very important to her it be stipulated in the bill that the account would be designated for the State Council on the Arts for education programs. The State Council on the Arts would select the design in conjunction with the Department of Motor Vehicles. She stated the fiscal note would be approximately $1200 plus $500 for completions and an order of two hundred plates would be needed to initiate the art program. Assemblyman Goldwater asked if it would be a budgetary consideration if funds were raised for the art program. Mrs. Chowning replied that on Page 2, Section 3, of the bill it says a special account will be created and the funds will be earmarked for the art program. The account for license plates to support the education of children in the arts is created in the state general funds. Mrs. Chowning explained her wish is to ensure the funds remain in the art education program. (Exhibit J) Bob Parker, Art and Education Program Coordinator for the Nevada State Council on Art, stated he supports A.B. 452. Mr. Parker read a statement from Susan Boskoff, Executive Director of Nevada State Council on the Arts. "Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee on behalf of A.B. 452. As you know the Nevada State Council on the Arts provides a combination of programs, professional development services, and grant opportunity to communities, schools, public institutions, art organizations, individual artists and citizens throughout the state." He advised you can see examples of their programs in the legislative building. On the first floor there is a display of visual art exposition and in the lobby there is folk art apprenticeship. One of the important elements of the State Council on the Arts are art and education programs, which is a federal, state and local partnership that places professional working artists in resident situations in schools and communities. It also encourages creation of innovative art education projects for students and adults alike. Art and education services are designed for both urban and rural constituents and to the under served, and at best, population for children with disabilities, patients in mental health systems and senior citizens. With Nevada's exploding population the request for art and education program funds are rapidly exceeding our ability to provide both funds and services. Mr. Parker remarked that if this bill is enacted the arts council will work with very special artists in Nevada to sponsor a statewide children's competition for the design of the license plate. With the guidance of DMV a broad base committee will select the winning entries. The funds that are accrued, after DMV's cost is deducted, will be a supplementary revenue source for the Arts Council to support new art education programs. The inherent success with such a program is the marketing effort. Mr. Parker stated they will work with Toni Tennelle, Nevada Arts Ambassador and corporate sponsors to create a plan to maintain the visibility of the license plate and the art education programs it supports. The Nevada art license plate will promote the creativity of our children in a very ingenious and invisible way and will communicate to everyone driving down the highway or walking down the street that the state of Nevada is committed to its most valuable resource--its youth. Mr. Anderson raised concern with members being on the Board of Directors of the Alliance of the Arts. Mrs. Chowning explained that we are on the Board of Directors for the Alliance of the Arts, not on the State of Nevada Council on the Arts. Mr. Parker gave a brief overview of art and education programs. The artist and resident programs are programs which place working artists in public schools, or other public or community organizations for residency periods of five to eighty days. These artists are drawn from the artist and resident roster. The artist joins the roster by applying and are screened by an independent panel of working artists. The roster includes artists in five art disciplines: visual arts, dance, theater, music, and creative writing. During their residency the artist spends 8 hours a day at the residency site, four hours teaching students and teachers and four hours spending time with their own art. The artist pays a set stipend for each day at the residency with 50 percent of the funds supplied by the State Art Council on the Arts and 50 percent by the host organization. Organizations must apply for the program. The purpose is to supplement and enrich the art experience of Nevadans, especially children and youth but not exclusively. All artist and resident programs involve federal, state and local partnerships. This program is an ongoing program in all fifty states. To date, we have been able to fund every residency application. Mr. Parker stated they anticipate a great number of new residency applications for the fiscal year 1996 (Exhibit K). Mr. Parker remarked that two at risk schools in Washoe County will be submitting applications. Agnes Risley Elementary School is requesting 4 artists, 40 working days per artist and would spend the entire school year. Glen Duncan Elementary School is requesting 3 or 4 artists, 20 working days per artist and would spend the entire school year. We are anticipating requests for residency funds far beyond our current budget allotment. He stated they are anticipating a situation in which they would have to turn away residency requests and special project grant requests for a new site as well as alternative sites such as prisons and youth correction centers, unless we receive supplemental funding. The passage of this bill will provide direct supplemental funding toward art and education programs and will enable us to respond to requests received from sites around the state. Mary Ellen Horan, Executive Director, Very Special Arts Nevada, stated they would be the organization who does the call for art. We have programs in all 17 counties and a good relationship with local site coordinators. She stated they have programs presently for 15,000 people throughout the state, mostly for special population. The special population would include special education students, Reno Housing Authority, both economically and disadvantaged, and other special populations. Ms. Horan stated they will be working with Nevada State Council on the Arts to perform the copyright. She further added they feel they can get two to three hundred pieces of artwork throughout the state and work closely with the DMV on the specifics of how the license plate should be done. There being no further testimony the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Jackie Valley, Committee Secretary Assembly Committee on Transportation April 20, 1995 Page