MINUTES OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Sixty-eighth Session May 24, 1995 The Senate Committee on Finance was called to order by Chairman William J. Raggio, at 4:30 p.m., on Wednesday, May 24, 1995, in Room 223 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Vice Chairman Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen Senator Bob Coffin Senator William R. O'Donnell Senator Dean A. Rhoads Senator Bernice Mathews STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Miles, Fiscal Analyst Bob Guernsey, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst Larry L. Peri, Program Analyst Debbra J. King, Program Analyst Pamela Jochim, Committee Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: John P. Comeaux, Director, Department of Administration Jan Lewellyn-Davidson, Court Administrator, North Las Vegas Municipal Court Donald J. Mello, Court Administrator and Director of Administrative Office of the Courts, Office of Court Administrator, Supreme Court Senator Raggio opened the hearing and asked the committee to turn to budget page 501. State Printing Office - Page 501 Larry L. Peri, Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau, distributed a Budget Closing Action Packet (Exhibit C) and indicated when the budget was originally discussed in January, 1995, the committee expressed concern about the need to augment revenue authority to reflect increases in printing rates implemented by the state printer at the beginning of the current fiscal year. He related the closing actions reflected in Exhibit C represent increases in printing sales which total $277,000 in the Base and Maintenance portion of the budget in Fiscal Year (FY) 1996 and $316,000 in FY 1997. The state printer is required by statute to formulate printing rates which will cover the cost of printing and labor. Mr. Peri said the recommendations listed on pages 1-10 of the closing packet (Exhibit C) were developed and agreed upon by the Joint Subcommittee on General Government. Mr. Peri explained a $63,586 increase in each year of the biennium has been made to the Statewide Cost Allocation budget category due to revisions provided by the Budget Division. Adjustments have also been made to Attorney General Cost Allocation amounts and to the Reserve category for anticipated cost of living increases of 4 percent in FY 1996 and 3 percent in FY 1997. Mr. Peri noted the most significant adjustment is an increase of $154,638 in each year of the biennium for an anticipated 20 percent increase in the price of raw materials. Mr. Peri stated the committee should be aware the proposed printing rate increase for printing costs may affect the budgets of other state agencies which utilize the State Printing Office. He noted pages 8-10 of Exhibit C is a listing provided by the Budget Division indicating the state agencies affected by the increase. Senator Raggio pointed out the budget will need to be closed with the understanding the staff has the authority to make the necessary adjustments to the affected state agencies. Mr. Peri agreed with the senator and explained the joint subcommittee closed the budget with the same recommendation. Senator Coffin voiced his concern the projected 20 percent increase in raw materials was too low. Mr. Peri explained the state printer projected a 40 percent increase, but the Budget Division adjusted the amount to a 20 percent increase. Senator Coffin asked whether the budget can be augmented during the next biennium if costs are dramatically increased. Mr. Peri responded the budget can be augmented now or the agency can approach the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) for additional funding. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS LISTED ON PAGES 1-10 OF EXHIBIT C AND WITH THE AUTHORITY FOR STAFF TO MAKE APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS TO ALL RELATED BUDGETS. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator Raggio stated the committee will hear limited testimony on an amendment to Senate Bill (S.B.) 495. SENATE BILL 495: Makes various changes to provisions governing collection of fines and assessments. Jan Lewellyn-Davidson, Court Administrator, North Las Vegas Municipal Court, came forward and stated an amendment is being proposed to section 4 of S.B. 495. She explained the amendment will delete the sliding fee scale on the administrative assessment fees and establish a flat fee of $25. The flat fee will increase the amount of funds paid to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and to the state from the municipal courts. She related funding from a traffic ticket to AOC will increase from $3.06 to $9 and the state's portion will increase from $2.70 to $8. The court of jurisdiction will keep $6 of the flat fee and the county juvenile court will receive $2. Senator Raggio indicated S.B. 495 has not been formally heard and stated the committee will need to approve the proposed amendment. In addition, the chairman said a fiscal note must be added to the bill before it is heard in order for the committee to determine the monetary impact of the assessments. Senator Raggio indicated a hearing on the bill is scheduled for May 29, 1995 and asked that a fiscal note be added to the bill before the scheduled hearing date. Senator Coffin stated he supports the implementation of a flat assessment fee. Senator Raggio related a number of budgets have been closed based upon the anticipated assessments and the committee is concerned about the overall impact the proposed change will have on the Executive Budget. Senator Raggio asked the fiscal staff to have a fiscal note added to S.B. 495 before the hearing date. The senator requested Donald J. Mello, Court Administrator and Director of Administrative Office of the Courts, Office of Court Administrator, Supreme Court, to work with the fiscal staff in compiling the information for the fiscal note. Mr. Mello replied the information will be available for the hearing on May 29, 1995. Printing Office Equipment Purchase - Page 507 Mr. Peri stated the Joint Subcommittee on General Government recommended the budget be closed as recommended by the Governor. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Administrative Mail Room - Page 513 Mr. Peri indicated the Joint Subcommittee on General Government agreed with the Executive Budget to consolidate mail services, however, after receiving additional information, the subcommittee proposed a number of changes to the Governor's proposal. Mr. Peri continued his testimony by highlighting the budget closing actions recommended by the joint subcommittee on pages 12 and 13 of Exhibit C. He noted a significant adjustment has been made to the budget because anticipated postage costs for the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV&PS) were not included. The DMV&PS postage costs represent $500,362 in FY 1996 and $571,717 in FY 1997. He indicated the joint subcommittee also recommended a new Mail Clerk position to help with the operation of the new mail inserter machine for the Nevada Operations Multi Automated Data Systems (NOMADS) project. Senator Raggio asked why a new position is being requested in this budget to help with the Welfare Division's NOMADS project. Mr. Peri explained the NOMADS project had not been contemplated in this budget account when the Executive Budget was formulated. Senator Raggio questioned if the NOMADS project will produce additional mailings. Mr. Peri responded, yes, and indicated budget category M201 also includes the purchase of a $140,000 inserter machine and an upgrade to an existing machine costing $45,700. He indicated the joint subcommittee recommended delaying the transfer of two positions from the Employment Security Department and one from the State Industrial Insurance System until FY 1997 in order to phase-in the consolidation proposal. He noted a memo from the Department of Administration regarding the transfer of these employees is provided on page 14 of Exhibit C. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND STAFF ADJUSTMENTS AS LISTED ON PAGES 12-14 OF EXHIBIT C. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Motor Pool - Page 519 Mr. Peri referred the committee to pages 15-17 of Exhibit C and noted several small budget adjustments have been recommended by the Joint Subcommittee on General Government. He related the most significant budget recommendation involves the appropriation of $160,000 for the next biennium to purchase computer software for the establishment of an automated "paperless" reservation system. The joint subcommittee found the Department of Information Services had not located appropriate software applications which would meet the needs of the proposed reservation system. He stated the joint subcommittee recommended the funding for the reservation system be placed in a reserve account and directed the agency to approach the IFC when more detailed information on price and availability of applicable hardware and software has been obtained. Mr. Peri pointed out the committee should be aware an adjustment may need to be made to the budget when final action is taken on Assembly Bill (A.B.) 246, a one-shot General Fund appropriation for additional motor vehicles for various state agencies. ASSEMBLY BILL 246: Makes appropriation to motor pool division of department of administration for purchases of additional vehicles. Senator Raggio asked, "What is holding up that bill?" Mr. Peri replied the bill is contingent upon the budget closings of the various state agencies which have requested additional vehicles. He noted the budget will have to be reopened unless the committee gives the Fiscal Analysis Division the authority to augment the account once the vehicle costs are known. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGES 15-17 ON EXHIBIT C. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Motor Vehicle Purchase - Page 525 Mr. Peri remarked the Joint Subcommittee on General Government recommended the budget be closed in accordance with the Governor's recommendations. Senator O'Donnell commented the joint subcommittee received testimony the automobiles utilized by the Division of Parole and Probation are unsafe for parole and probation officers to transport prisoners due to the small size of the vehicles. He asked the committee to consider augmenting A.B. 246 in order to purchase a few larger vehicles which will be assigned only to the Division of Parole and Probation. Senator Raggio commented Senator O'Donnell's suggestion is worthwhile and inquired if the Budget Division has looked into the matter. John P. Comeaux, Director, Department of Administration, replied, "I believe we have, Mr. Chairman." Senator Raggio requested the Budget Division report back to the committee regarding the vehicles requested in A.B. 246. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * State Purchasing Budget - Page 527 SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Commodity Food Program - Page 533 SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Purchasing Equipment - Page 539 SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Surplus Property Program - Page 542 SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.) * * * * * Buildings and Grounds - Page 558 Mr. Peri highlighted the technical adjustments to the budget and the recommendations made by the Joint Subcommittee on General Government listed on pages 23-24 of Exhibit C. He noted it has been recommended that the Capitol Police be transferred from the Buildings and Grounds Division to the Nevada Highway Patrol Division. Senator Raggio stressed the joint subcommittee was assured by the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV&PS) the Capitol Police force will retain its identity and no substantive changes will occur. Mr. Peri pointed out the Capitol Police account includes a recommendation for a Letter of Intent to mandate that the Capitol Police remain a separate and distinct law enforcement unit. SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGES 23-24 OF EXHIBIT C. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Clear Creek Youth Center - Page 565 Mr. Peri explained a few technical adjustments have been recommended in this budget account. He related all costs associated with the maintenance of buildings and grounds will be placed in a separate category and a small increase for utility costs has been added. SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AS LISTED ON PAGE 25 OF EXHIBIT C. SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Marlette Lake - Page 569 Mr. Peri remarked the adjustments were made to Raw Water Sales revenue at the request of the agency to more closely reflect the amounts in FY 1994 of $124,651 and $123,722 in FY 1995. He commented the increased amount in Raw Water Sales will be placed in the Reserve category and the agency must approach the IFC for additional expenditure authority. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 26 OF EXHIBIT C. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Carson Water Treatment Plant - Page 573 SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Administrative Services Division - Page 577 Mr. Peri pointed out budget reductions are recommended in state-owned rent and contract services. He asked permission for the Fiscal Analysis Division to adjust the Administrative Charge in all the affected accounts within the Department of Administration. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AS LISTED ON PAGE 28 OF EXHIBIT C AND TO INCLUDE THE AUTHORITY FOR THE FISCAL ANALYSIS DIVISION TO MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN AFFECTED BUDGETS. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Budget and Planning - Page 462 Debbra J. King, Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau, distributed a Budget Closing Action Packet (Exhibit D) to the committee and reviewed the recommendations of the Joint Subcommittee on General Government. Ms. King noted the joint subcommittee recommended hiring a Grants Project Analyst with the position sunsetting on June 30, 1997. Senator Raggio asked why the joint subcommittee felt the grants position is necessary. Senator O'Donnell explained the joint subcommittee discussed this position at great length and he remarked the Assembly members of the joint subcommittee viewed the position favorably, but the Senate members were reluctant to fund the position. A compromise was agreed to by both sides which requires the Director of the Department of Administration to report quarterly to the IFC to determine if the position is locating and procuring enough grants, remarked Senator O'Donnell. Senator Raggio questioned whether consideration was given to using a private contractor. Senator O'Donnell replied the use of a private contractor was never discussed by the joint subcommittee. Ms. King pointed out the joint subcommittee did not recommend M128 which proposes the formation of a lead unit of two Data Processing Planning Analysts to become an in-house Business Processing Reengineering (BPR) team. In addition, the joint subcommittee did not recommend E425, the Commission on Sentencing Felons, due to pending legislative action on Assembly Bill (A.B.) 317 and Senate Bill (S.B.) 416. ASSEMBLY BILL 317: Makes various changes related to juvenile courts, senten cing, crimes and punish ments . SENATE BILL 416: Makes various changes regarding sentencing of persons convicted of felonies. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGES 1-2 OF EXHIBIT D AND TO ALLOW THE FISCAL STAFF TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENT ACCORDING TO THE OUTCOME OF A.B. 317 AND S.B. 416. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Merit Award Board - Page 479 Senator Coffin asked if the budget included funding for printing a "gift brochure." Ms. King remarked the Executive Budget includes $300 for printing costs. Senator Jacobsen indicated he has attended most of the merit award programs at the Governor's Mansion and voiced his support of the program. SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR RAWSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * State Employees Workers' Compensation - Page 488 Ms. King stated the primary adjustments to the account relate to the changes required because of revisions to the Executive Budget in April of 1995. She pointed out there is a significant decrease in the state's central payroll workers' compensation rate from $4.65 per hundred to $1.69 per hundred. The account also budgets a $3 million reimbursement from the State Industrial Insurance System in FY 1996 and a $1.4 million reimbursement in FY 1997 as result of a policy change. Ms. King said the remaining adjustments are in response to requests and actions taken by the Committee on Benefits. She mentioned staff expenses are being moved from the Benefits Services Fund budget into this account. In addition, Ms. King indicated the joint subcommittee recommended a Letter of Intent be issued to require the agency to develop a report on the impact of state agencies paying Workmen's Compensation premiums based upon safety records. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGES 4-5 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Supplemental Fund - Indigents - Page 491 Ms. King noted property tax receipts have been adjusted to match the revised assessed valuation released by the Department of Taxation on April 1, 1995. SENATOR MATHEWS MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 6 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Indigent Accident Account - Page 493 Ms. King indicated this account has also been adjusted to align the property tax receipts with the revised assessed valuation released by the Department of Taxation on April 1, 1995. Senator Raggio noted reserve amounts have been eliminated. Ms. King explained the elimination of the reserve will make all revenues available for payment of claims. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 7 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Insurance and Loss Prevention - Page 495 Ms. King reviewed the adjustments to expenditures listed on page 8 of Exhibit D and the joint subcommittee recommendations. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 8 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Hearings and Appeals - Page 581 Ms. King reported the funding for training costs have been reduced from $1,000 per employee to $100 per employee which is consistent with other agency training funds. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 9 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Workers' Compensation Hearings Reserve - Page 587 SENATOR MATHEWS MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR. SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Victims of Crime - Page 589 Ms. King related the primary substantive change in the budget relates to the allocation of revenues. The Budget Division allocated revenues based upon a percentage of revenues received in previous years. This allocation method was corrected and revenues are now based on demographics. Due to the change in allocation methods, the account has amassed a significant amount in reserves and the joint subcommittee recommended reducing the level of court assessments in order to lower the reserve amount. Ms. King stated this action will allow $.5 million to remain in reserves and indicated, to date, all claims presented in the last year have been paid. In addition, she said the subcommittee recommended that a letter be sent to the program manager commending him for the cost-cutting measures he has implemented. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 11 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Deferred Compensation - Page 665 Ms. King said the joint subcommittee recommended elimination of the half-time position proposed in the Executive Budget and instead will provide funding for a contract secretary. She noted this action will save the program approximately $11,000 per year. Senator Raggio asked if the proposed change was acceptable to the Department of Administration and to the Risk Management Division. Mr. Comeaux replied, "Yes." SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS LISTED ON PAGE 12 OF EXHIBIT D. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator Raggio noted Senator Rawson has requested committee introduction of three bill draft requests. Senator Rawson explained Bill Draft Request (BDR) R-1254 is requested by the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. He elaborated that 20 percent of the state's Medicaid expenses are directed towards individuals with substance abuse problems. BILL DRAFT REQUEST R-1254: Directs Legislative Commission to conduct interim study of cost and effectiveness of programs for treatment of abuse of alcohol and controlled substances. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED FOR COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION OF BDR R-1254. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Continuing, Senator Rawson indicated Bill Draft Request (BDR) 34-1550 was proposed partly to help injured law enforcement officers. BILL DRAFT REQUEST 34-1550: Requires board of regents of University of Nevada to create program to encourage and assist state and local law enforcement officers in earning college degrees. SENATOR MATHEWS MOVED FOR COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION OF BDR 34-1550. SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator Rawson stated the third bill draft request authorizes a county to exclude an indigent person, who is deemed to be employable and has no dependent children, from cash grants for necessary maintenance. He indicated the bill draft request will not fiscally impact the state. BILL DRAFT REQUEST 38-818: Revises provisions governing provision of assistance to indigent persons by counties. SENATOR COFFIN MOVED TO INTRODUCE BDR 38-818. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Highway Patrol - Page 1755 Ms. King distributed a Budget Closing Action Packet (Exhibit E) and remarked there were a large number of technical adjustments (Exhibit E, pages 1-3) made to the budget. She indicated the Joint Subcommittee on Public Safety/Natural Resources/Transportation recommended replacing the General Fund support for the Highway Patrol Switcher with court assessments which became available due to the decrease in court assessments assigned to the Victims of Crime budget. In addition, the Senate side of the joint subcommittee recommended not to merge the Highway Patrol Special account into this budget. Ms. King continued reviewing the joint subcommittee recommendations listed on page 3 of Exhibit E. Senator Rawson asked whether the Highway Patrol will be gaining or losing officers. Ms. King replied the Highway Patrol will be adding 27 new positions with five of the new positions being placed in the Dignitary Protection Program. SENATOR MATHEWS MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY/NATURAL RESOURCES/ TRANSPORTATION AS LISTED ON PAGES 1-3 OF EXHIBIT E. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Highway Patrol Special - Page 1763 Ms. King referred the committee's attention to pages 4-6 of Exhibit E and noted the Senate side of the joint subcommittee recommended the account be funded in the same manner as it has historically been funded which includes continued funding of $6 from all registration fees as opposed to a Highway Fund appropriation which was recommended in the Executive Budget. Senator Raggio questioned if the fiscal staff had calculated the budgetary impact this revision will have on the Highway Fund or the General Fund. Ms. King responded she will provide the committee with the requested information. SENATOR O'DONNELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY/NATURAL RESOURCES/ TRANSPORTATION AS LISTED ON PAGES 4-6 OF EXHIBIT E. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Capitol Police - Page 1769 Ms. King asked the committee to turn its attention to page 7 of Exhibit E and explained the joint subcommittee's recommendations for the budget. She indicated the joint subcommittee recommended moving the Capitol Police from the Buildings and Grounds Division to the Nevada Highway Patrol Division. In addition, it is recommended a Letter of Intent be issued to the DMV&PS to ensure the Capitol Police force remain a separate and distinct law enforcement entity. SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY/NATURAL RESOURCES/ TRANSPORTATION AS LISTED ON PAGE 7 OF EXHIBIT E. SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION. Senator Rawson inquired if all the officers involved in the transfer are supportive of the transfer. Senator O'Donnell responded there initially was some concern about the move, but overall it was felt the Capitol Police will be "more comfortable under the auspices of the Highway Patrol." Senator Jacobsen interjected the joint subcommittee determined it was more efficient to coordinate all the law enforcement entities and indicated this action allows all the entities involved to be trained in a like manner. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Transportation Administration - Page 2021 Ms. King reviewed the budget adjustments and the joint subcommittee recommendations listed on pages 8-10 of Exhibit E. She noted the majority of adjustments were made to adjust projected revenues and balance-forwards to the amounts calculated by the agency. In addition, she pointed out all undocumented expenditures in the Maintenance modules were eliminated. The joint subcommittee recommended approval of 63 of 68 requested positions with a hiring date of October 1, 1995. The agency indicated the new positions will reduce overtime and consulting costs which will result in a savings of $2.7 million. The funds from this action will be utilized for road maintenance projects. Ms. King related the joint subcommittee recommended the issuance of a Letter of Intent directing the agency to investigate the feasibility of preparing two budgets - one for construction and maintenance and one for administration. If the preparation of two budgets is acceptable, then the agency will prepare two budgets for the next biennium. Senator O'Donnell remarked the Pedestrian Safety Revenue issue has not been solved in this budget. He said the joint subcommittee is considering moving some of these funds to the Bicycle Safety account. If the budget is closed, he indicated he would like to give the fiscal staff the authority to make the necessary adjustments. Senator Jacobsen stated he supports the concept of having a budget for construction and maintenance and one for adminstration. He believes this action will be beneficial in more accurately tracking expenditures. SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY/NATURAL RESOURCES/ TRANSPORTATION AS LISTED ON PAGES 8-10 OF EXHIBIT E. SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * There being no further business before the committee, Senator Raggio adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Pamela Jochim, Committee Secretary APPROVED BY: Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman DATE: Senate Committee on Finance May 24, 1995 Page