MINUTES OF THE 
	SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND LABOR

	Sixty-eighth Session
	July 1, 1995


The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor was called to order by 
Chairman Randolph J. Townsend, at 1:43 p.m., on Sunday, July 1, 
1995, on the Senate floor of the Legislative Building, Carson City, 
Nevada.  There was no Agenda.  There was no Attendance Roster.


COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Chairman
Senator Ann O'Connell, Vice Chairman
Senator Sue Lowden
Senator Kathy M. Augustine
Senator Raymond C. Shaffer
Senator John B. (Jack) Regan
Senator Joseph M. Neal, Jr.

OTHERS PRESENT:

Lt. Governor Lonnie Hammargren
Alice Molasky, Commissioner of Insurance
 
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Scott Young, Senior Research Analyst 
Joan Thran, Committee Secretary

Senator Townsend started discussion on Amendment No. 1392 to Senate 
Bill (S.B.)  491.  

SENATE BILL 491:	Provides for binding arbitration of disputes 
arising under certain contracts of insurance.


Senator Townsend stated if a dispute required to be submitted to 
binding arbitration, requires an immediate resolution to protect 
the physical health of a member or a dependent of a member, any 
party to the dispute may waive arbitration and seek declaratory 
relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Lieutenant (Lt.) Governor Lonnie Hammargren requested the committee 
allow doctors be included in S.B. 491.  Senator Townsend felt at 
this late date this was not the bill to address  the Lt. Governor's 
concerns.

Senator Townsend asked Alice Molasky, Commissioner of Insurance, to 
address medical malpractice insurance and she remarked to the 
committee ,her concerns were with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, 
who had found rate rollback was unconstitutional.

SENATOR SHAFFER MOVED TO CONCUR WITH AMENDMENT NO. 1392 TO 
S.B. 491.

SENATOR LOWDEN SECONDED THE MOTION.

THE MOTION CARRIED.  (SENATOR McGINNESS VOTED NO.)

	****

Senator Townsend adjourned the meeting at 1:55 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:


                              
                        							Joan Thran, 
Committee Secretary


APPROVED:


                                                                
Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Chairman


DATE:                                                       
Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor
July 1, 1995
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