MINUTES OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Sixty-eighth Session June 20, 1995 The Senate Committee on Finance was called to order by Chairman William J. Raggio, at 8:20 a.m., on Tuesday, June 20, 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 GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, Assembly District No. 35 Assemblywoman Jan Evans, Assembly District No. 30 Assemblyman Peter (Pete) G. Ernaut, Assembly District No. 37 STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Miles, Fiscal Analyst Bob Guernsey, Deputy Fiscal Analyst Marion Entrekin, Committee Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: Paula Quagliana, Chairman, Nevada Commission for Women Janine Hansen, Lobbyist, Nevada Eagle Forum Sherri Lynn Lakin, Lobbyist, Taxpayer's Education Alliance Frances Doherty, Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General Elizabeth Livingston, Lobbyist, Nevada Women's Lobby Yvonne Sylva, M.P.A., Administrator, Health Division, Department of Human Resources Ronald Lange, M.B.A., Deputy Administrator, Health Division, Department of Human Resources Thomas K. Anderes, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor, University and Community College System of Nevada Anthony Calabro, Ph.D., President, Western Nevada Community College Mary L. Peterson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Department of Education Don Hataway, Chief Assistant Budget Administrator, Budget Division, Department of Administration Raymond L. Sparks, Acting Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety John A. Bawden, Captain, Nevada Highway Patrol Division, Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety Carlos Concha, Acting Deputy Chief, Division of Parole and Probation, Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety Myla C. Florence, Administrator, Welfare Division, Department of Human Resources Keith Rheault, Deputy Superintendent, State Department of Education Eric Cooper, Lobbyist, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Ray E. Bacon, Lobbyist, Nevada Manufacturers Association Sheila Ward, Lobbyist, Carson/Douglas Christian Coalition Barbara T. Clark, Lobbyist, Nevada Parent Teacher Association Senator Raggio opened the hearing for discussion of Assembly Bill (A.B.) 116. ASSEMBLY BILL 116: Repeals prospective expiration of statute creating Nevada commission for women. Senator Raggio indicated the joint subcommittees have closed the budgets on the Nevada Commission for Women, and have agreed to the appropriation requested by the passage of A.B. 116. Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, Assembly District No. 35, testified in support of the passage of A.B. 116 and pointed out the appropriation requested in the Governor's Executive Budget has been reduced to $10,000 from the state's General Fund. She reported that if approved, A.B. 116 will repeal the sunset date of July 1, 1995, set in statute regarding the Nevada Commission for Women. Senator Raggio remarked the main reason the bill is before the committee is for the removal of the sunset provision because the committee is not opening up discussion regarding how funding will be utilized by the commission. Paula Quagliana, Chairman, Nevada Commission for Women, provided information regarding the potential expenses of the Nevada Commission on Women to attend six meetings in the course of a year. She stated the total costs for reservations, food, dues, travel, postage and supplies to attend six meetings will amount to approximately $9,000. If A.B. 116 is approved, $5,000 of the $10,000 appropriation will be used to offset this expense. She stated the commission will continue with fund raising projects to finance the additional costs needed to operate the commission. Senator Rhoads asked if the commission has ever considered charging dues in order to raise additional funds. Ms. Quagliana responded she spoke to the attorney general and the accountant for the commission regarding the possibility of charging dues, and is in the process of filing the necessary paperwork required by the United States (U. S.) Department of Internal Revenue. She commented, "I wanted to make sure there was a commission still in existence for us to continue to do that." Senator Raggio suggested Ms. Quagliana look into the legal ramifications involved regarding the amount of lobbying activity that will be permitted. Janine Hansen, Lobbyist, Nevada Eagle Forum, distributed Exhibit C, a draft copy of minutes of a meeting of the Nevada Commission for Women held on October 29, 1995. She stated the Nevada Eagle Forum opposes not only the funding that will be provided by the passage of A.B. 116, but also the removal of the sunset provision. Ms. Hansen questioned why the State of Nevada is using tax dollars to fund a special interest lobby. She opined the Nevada Commission for Women is a special interest lobby and should be required to fund their activities without assistance from the state. She remarked, "It is an affront to the taxpayers of the State of Nevada to ask them to support a group like the Nevada Commission for Women that is a front for one particular point of view." Ms. Hansen continued her testimony by reading from portions of Exhibit C. Sherri Lynn Lakin, Lobbyist, Taxpayer's Education Alliance, opposes the passage of A.B. 116 since she believes taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the Nevada Commission for Women. Senator Raggio noted when the budget for the commission was considered, it was never presented before the Senate Committee on Finance that the commission would be organized for the purpose of lobbying the Legislature. He stated if that should ever occur, funding would be stripped from the budget. He reported that lobbying the Legislature is not the function of the commission, and the funding provided by the passage of A.B. 116 is not for that purpose. He expressed, "You are right. We cannot use taxpayer dollars to fund any organization that is for lobbying, either pro or con, on issues." He articulated the purpose of the Nevada Commission for Women is to allow all points of view to come together, and as a commission discuss the status of women, programs, and essential services that are available to women in Nevada. Frances Doherty, Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General, testified the Office of the Attorney General is in support of lifting the sunset provision of the Nevada Commission for Women. She explained the statutory provisions require that the commission be a bipartisan group to study the status of women in Nevada, including their socioeconomic status, for the purpose of making recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor regarding that information in order to provide resources for women on those issues. Senator Raggio interjected it is the understanding of the committee the Nevada Commission for Women can make recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor, but not be a lobby group. Ms. Doherty remarked the status of women is an issue that continues to be primary in the focus of many individuals in the State of Nevada. Elizabeth Livingston, Lobbyist, Nevada Women's Lobby, testified in favor of the passage of A.B. 116, and indicated the Nevada Women's Lobby is in no way affiliated with the Nevada Commission for Women. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 116 to hear testimony concerning Senate Bill (S.B.) 430. SENATE BILL 430: Revises provisions governing regulation of emergency medical services in certain counties. Yvonne Sylva, M.P.A., Administrator, Health Division, Department of Human Resources, stated the purpose of S.B. 430 is to transfer certain activities relating to emergency medical services back to the Health Division from Washoe County by removing the regulatory oversight responsibility for emergency medical services in that county from the district health department to the state's Health Division. This includes licensing of ambulance attendants, inspection of and the operational monitoring of emergency vehicles and equipment, certifying emergency medical technicians, permitting ambulance services, implementing standards for emergency medical service tranining, reviewing and approving training programs, and investigating emergency medical service complaints. She noted in 1989 these services were transferred from the state's Health Division to the local health districts for population areas of 100,000 or more, and the passage of S.B. 430 will transfer this authority back to the state for population areas of 400,000 or more. Ms. Sylva reported that the Health Division currently provides regulatory oversignt for emergency medical services in Nevada's rural counties only. The passage of S.B. 430 will provide a state General Fund appropriation in the amount of $197,421 for Fiscal Year 1996, and $160,000 for Fiscal Year 1997 for two new professional positions and one clerical position, and their operational support costs to administer the program in Washoe County. S.B. 430 also provides for medical consulting services due to the volume and nature of pre-hospital emergency medical care provided in Washoe County, and for coordinating services between the county and surrounding rural areas. Senator Mathews stated the population is greater than 400,000 in only Clark and Washoe Counties, and although Clark County has not requested to transfer regulatory oversight responsibility for emergency medical services back to the state, Washoe County has done so due to problems encountered in providing services to its rural areas. Senator Raggio asked if Washoe County officials concur with the transfer, and Senator Mathews replied in the affirmative. Senator Rawson opined the transfer of regulatory oversight responsibility was made due to the population of Clark County, and Washoe County was impacted by this decision. Ronald Lange, M.B.A., Deputy Administrator, Health Division, Department of Human Resources, said Washoe County spends approximately $178,700 annually to administer this program with a staff of three individuals. He stressed additional staff will be needed in order for the state to provide the required services within Washoe County. Mr. Lange estimates the cost to the state will be $200,421 for Fiscal Year 1996, and $163,060 for Fiscal Year 1997. For the record, Mr. Lange submitted Exhibit D, information concerning the fiscal impact to the state by the passage of S.B. 430. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on S.B. 430 and opened the hearing for discussion of Senate Bill (S.B.) 548. SENATE BILL 548: Makes appropriation to Douglas County for repairs or replacement of well and appurtenant equipment at China Spring Youth Camp. Senator Jacobsen testified the passage of S.B. 548 will provide an appropriation of $150,000 from the state's General Fund for repairs or replacement of the well and related equipment at the China Spring Youth Camp needed due to earthquake damage experienced in that area. He said damage to the well has diminished their water supply. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on S.B. 548 to receive comments concerning Assembly Bill (A.B.) 223. ASSEMBLY BILL 223: Makers certain appropriations to University and Community College System of Nevada. Thomas K. Anderes, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor, University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN), distributed Exhibit E, Higher Education Equipment Request, which he reviewed with the committee. Dr. Anderes said A.B. 223 will appropriate $20 million to the UCCSN to provide for the acquisition of administrative and academic equipment to be distributed to all system budget units based on an allocation plan reflected on page 5 of Exhibit E that was approved by the Board of Regents. He pointed out the UCCSN's assessment of equipment needs submitted to the Governor was for $40 million, and the resulting $20 million appropriation was a reduction recommendation from the Governor, and is contained in the Executive Budget. Senator Raggio reminded the committee the first reprint of A.B. 223 has included an appropriation of $200,000 to be allocated to the Desert Research Institute (DRI) for expenses related to the operation and maintenance of the facilities of DRI. The operation and maintenance does not include equipment for DRI, and is for support of the new facility only. Senator Jacobsen asked Dr. Anderes if the UCCSN maintains an inventory of surplus equipment. He explained the Western Nevada Community College (WNCC) has stored surplus equipment in a facility located at Stewart he would like to see removed. Anthony Calabro, Ph.D., President, Western Nevada Community College, responded the WNCC is aware of the storage of surplus equipment at Stewart, and are in the process of assessing the usefulness of a portion of it for future use for facilities that are coming on-line. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 223 and opened the hearing for discussion of Assembly Bill (A.B.) 303 out of order to accommodate the schedule of Assemblywoman Jan Evans. ASSEMBLY BILL 303: Requires state board of education to adopt program to provide pupils with skills to make transition from school to work. Assemblywoman Jan Evans, Assembly District No. 30, testified A.B. 303 will provide a onetime $4 million appropriation from the state General Fund to enhance occupational education programs during the 1995 - 1997 biennium. Senator Raggio noted the $4 million onetime appropriation will provide $25,000 annually to each school district and community college whose application to participate in the program is approved by the State Board of Education. Mrs. Evans said the remaining funds will be allocated on the basis of enrollment, and any unspent portion of the appropriation reverts to the state's General Fund on June 30, 1997. Mrs. Evans provided the committee with Exhibit F, a list of projected funds available for school-to-work activities, by agency, for Fiscal Year 1996. Senator Raggio asked what changes were made from the original bill included in the Governor's Executive Budget to the second reprint. Ms. Evans responded the significant change corrects a statement the appropriation pertained to high schools only. She said the funding, if approved, will be used for grades 7 through 12. Senator Raggio indicated further testimony regarding A.B. 303 will be heard in agenda order. He opened the hearing for discussion of Assembly Bill (A.B.) 194 previously held to await the arrival of Assemblyman Peter (Pete) G. Ernaut, Assembly District No. 37. ASSEMBLY BILL 194: Requires periodic fundamental review of each state agency to determine whether there is justification for its existence, costs and programs. Assemblyman Peter (Pete) G. Ernaut testified he supports the passage of A.B. 194 which will establish a procedure for the Legislature to review the base budgets of state agencies. A number of budgetary changes have been made in recent years which are designed to reduce the time required for the review of agency base budgets during the Legislative session to allow the Senate Committee on Finance and the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means to allocate additional time to the maintenance (current services) and enhancement components of each agency's budget. Mr. Ernaut said A.B. 194 will result in much less time to be devoted to reviewing expenditures contained in each agency's base budget, and will align spending and budgets to appropriate time frames. Mrs. Evans stated she is also in support of the passage of A.B. 194 that will provide for a fundamental review of the base budgets. She opined the "money" committees are spending less time reviewing base budgets and more time focusing on the maintenance and enhancement portion of agency budgets, which can cause problems if the base budgets are ignored. A.B. 194 will establish a committee to conduct a fundamental review of the base budget for a selected number of agencies during the interim period, Mrs. Evans said. She pointed out more than one committee could be appointed by the Legislative Commission, depending on the number of base budgets to be reviewed. Mr. Ernaut stipulated that at least a majority of the committee members must be members of the Interim Finance Committee (IFC). Senator Raggio indicated many sessions ago he introduced a bill designed to instill a program of zero-based budgeting at the state level whereby an agency would have to justify its existence or sunset. He asked if the intent of A.B. 194 is along these lines. Mr. Ernaut responded the premise of a measure he introduced that has been incorporated into A.B. 194 provides for zero-based budgeting and a sunset auditing clause. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 194 to hear testimony regarding Assembly Bill (A.B.) 225. ASSEMBLY BILL 225: Makes appropriation to department of education for development and implementation of computer system for licensing of teachers and other educational personnel. Mary L. Peterson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Department of Education, testified the passage of A.B. 225 will appropriate $242,000 to the State Department of Education to develop and fully implement a new computerized system for licensing teachers and other educational personnel. She pointed out the Office of Teacher Licensure is an area within the State Department of Education that is most directly impacted by Nevada's population growth. To keep up with the enrollment growth that has averaged between 5 percent and 6 percent annually has required school districts to hire a commensurate number of new teachers, and the State Department of Education has the responsibility for licensing them, she said. Ms. Peterson explained the existing licensing system, which is located on the state's mainframe, is outdated and provides only limited information "on screen" requiring analysts to retrieve information from each licensee's hard-copy file. This process, Ms. Peterson reported, has caused a backlog in its licensing operations, which intensifies at the start of each school year. Senator Raggio noted the original bill contained in the Governor's Executive Budget would have appropriated $150,000. He asked what has caused the second reprint of A.B. 225 to escalate to $242,000. Ms. Peterson responded the $150,000 would only have provided for hardware costs and a work-flow study. After working with the Department of Information Services (DIS) it was determined costs had to be included for software and software development, and for the information and training of staff. She stated it was the opinion of the DIS that these issues were not adequately addressed in the first version of the bill, resulting in the second reprint. Don Hataway, Chief Assistant Budget Administrator, Budget Division, Department of Administration, stated the increased amount of $242,000 has been approved by the Department of Administration. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 225 and opened the hearing for discussion of Assembly Bill (A.B.) 228. ASSEMBLY BILL 228: Makes appropriation to office of the governor for enhanced security system for governor's mansion. Raymond L. Sparks, Acting Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV&PS), testified the passage of A.B. 228 will provide a onetime appropriation of $163,975 from the state's General Fund to install an enhanced security system at the Governor's mansion, and to provide vehicles and equipment for the Dignitary Protection Unit. The additional staffing of five troopers for enhanced dignitary protection is included as a unit within the Nevada Highway Patrol budget, and comprises a majority of the funds within the appropriation, Mr. Sparks said. Senator Raggio noted the original bill would have appropriated $258,000, but the amount has been decreased to $163,975. He asked how this will alter the security plans at the mansion. Mr. Sparks replied the reduction is primarily related to the reduction in vehicles that had earlier been requested for the program from five to two vehicles. Senator Raggio asked how many patrolmen will be used for the project. Mr. Sparks answered five additional troopers will be needed in addition to one officer who is currently assigned to the Governor's security detail. Senator Raggio inquired if changes in rank of the troopers assigned to the mansion will be necessary. John A. Bawden, Captain, Nevada Highway Patrol Division (NHP), Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety, responded the current sergeant will be upgraded to a lieutenant to whom the five new troopers will be assigned. In addition, the lieutenant will continue the activity of coordinating the security needs of the Governor and his family in Carson City and as necessary throughout the state. Senator Raggio asked if the assignment of troopers will affect the ability of the NHP to perform other duties. Captain Bawden replied, "No, sir." Senator Jacobsen inquired regarding the type of perimeter security system that will be installed at the Governor's mansion. He specifically wondered if the system will be piped into the NHP. Captain Bawden was unable to provide the details of how the system will operate. He assumed it will be installed as a closed-circuit system for the mansion site itself to enable the personnel assigned there to monitor the perimeter areas. Senator Jacobsen asked how many personnel will be located on site for a 24-hour period. Captain Bawden said with the addition of five troopers, it will be possible to maintain 24 hour (per day) coverage with at least one officer. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 228 and opened the hearing for discussion of Assembly Bill (A.B.) 236. ASSEMBLY BILL 236: Makes appropriation to division of parole and probation of department of motor vehicles and public safety for replacement and purchase of various equipment. Carlos Concha, Acting Deputy Chief, Division of Parole and Probation (P&P), Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety, testified in support of the passage of A.B. 236. which will provide a General Fund appropriation of $737,971 for replacement of office equipment, computer hardware and software, new office and other equipment, new weapons, and other safety/security equipment for parole and probation officers. Senator Raggio asked if this will address the issue of providing protective vests for the officers. Mr. Concha responded in the affirmative. He clarified the safety/security equipment provided by the passage of A.B. 236 will include safety vests and weapons. Senator Raggio stated the cost for the purchase of new computer hardware and software recommended by the Budget Division is $332,464 to initialize a system for the Division of P&P to provide an automated system to establish access to public safety and criminal justice systems. He noted the committee was advised there is a dire need for communication equipment for P&P at a cost of $1.6 million. Since the budget can only authorize $332,464, he asked what this amount will permit the division to do in terms of accessing the system. Mr. Concha said the $332,464 will provide funding to begin the purchase of the equipment within the current biennium. Senator Raggio asked if this amount will enable the division to link with other agencies. He pointed out the committee has heard a lot of comment regarding the lack of communication between the P&P and various law enforcement agencies. Mr. Concha said he is currently working with representatives of the DMV&PS to "fast track" the system to enter the names of all offenders into a criminal repository system. He stated this tracking system should be on-line within the next 3 to 6 months, and will be part of plans formulated by a Blue Ribbon Task Force Committee appointed by the Governor. Mr. Concha said this will enable officers on the street to access the system to reveal if a suspect is on parole and probation. He pointed out there is discussion going on at this time with the director of P&P and other law enforcement officials concerning this system. Senator Raggio stated: This committee will want to know within the next few days the results of the discussions and what you can represent to us will be accommodated by this appropriation in that regard. With respect to the other $480,000 for replacement of office equipment, computer hardware and software, new office and other equipment, semiautomatic pistols, ammunition, and protective vests, will this amount fully fund your needs for the equipment? Mr. Concha replied, "Yes it does. The weapons are for all peace officers, and the replacement equipment is for equipment that is broken down and needs to be replaced." Senator Raggio reiterated: I want you to tell us today if you need additional money for this kind of equipment, because we do not want to come back to another session and have somebody tell us they were not able to have the equipment they need to do their job, or to protect them in doing their job. Does this fully do it? Say so now, and we will put the money into it. Mr. Concha replied, "This will fully do it. The question is the automation which is step 1 of a 5-year plan. Once the automation money is provided over a 5-year period, that should connect us and we should be fully operational." Senator Coffin remarked he understands there are varying weights and strengths of body armor. He asked which grade of body armor will be purchased. Mr. Concha replied he is not certain of the actual grade, but it is of the same quality as that purchased for the NHP. Senator Coffin asked if different kinds of body armor will be used for different assignments. He specifically wanted to know if heavier duty armor will be available to be used by parole and probation officers who must visit offenders with a known record of violence. He commented, "I want to make sure that we have enough equipment. This may mean more than one vest per person." Mr. Concha said the equipment the division intends to purchase is of sufficient quality to stop the penetration of a bullet fired by a .357 Magnum revolver. Senator Coffin asked if the division requires parole and probation officers to wear this equipment. Mr. Concha replied at the present time no such requirement has been imposed because of the type of equipment that has been used. He clarified the equipment being used was just given to the officers and was "just found and picked up off the street." Upon issuance of the new safety equipment, Mr. Concha assured Senator Coffin the division will impose a requirement that protective vests be worn. Due to the crowded condition of P&P, Senator Jacobsen asked where the new equipment will be stored. He suggested facilities at Stewart could be utilized. Mr. Concha said he is not certain if the division has considered Stewart facilities for needed space. He said the division's primary concern at this time is in the Las Vegas area due to rapid growth and the unavailability of space. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 236 to receive testimony on Assembly Bill (A.B.) 253. ASSEMBLY BILL 253: Makes appropriation to welfare division of department of Human resources for safety and security equipment, computer equipment and vehicles. Myla C. Florence, Administrator, Welfare Division, Department of Human Resources, supports the passage of A.B. 253 that will provide a onetime appropriation of $246,646 from the General Fund to the Welfare Division to purchase safety and security equipment, new and replacement computer equipment, and vehicles. She stated originally A.B. 253 requested $278,254 but was amended during hearings before the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. The reduced amount is the result of eliminating duplicate data processing equipment provided as a part of the Nevada Operations Multi Automated Data Systems (NOMADS) project. Ms. Florence distributed Exhibit G summarizing the equipment purchases within the budget account of the Welfare Division. In the interest of time, Senator Raggio suggested the committee review Exhibit G, and closed the hearing on A.B. 253. Senator Raggio turned the committee's attention back to A.B. 303 to listen to additional testimony. Keith Rheault, Deputy Superintendent, State Department of Education, spoke in support of the passage of A.B. 303, and his testimony was read from prepared material (Exhibit H). He referred the committee to a previous handout, Exhibit F, which he said includes a breakout of funds that would be made available to school districts and community colleges to be used by local partnerships to implement the school-to-work transition system. Senator Raggio noted the substance of A.B. 303 was heard by the Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for appropriation purposes and is outlined in Exhibit F. The exhibit displays the student counts in the school districts, the formula allocation, and information regarding the base funding amount of $25,000 to be allocated annually to each school district and community college. Eric Copper, Lobbyist, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, provided the committee with a copy of a letter (Exhibit I) from Ted Wiens, Chairman of the Board, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and Timothy Cashman, Chairman, Education Task Force, dated June 19, 1995, in support of the passage of A.B. 303. He added the Greater Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce also supports the passage of A.B. 303 and stand ready to assist the State Department of Education with the terms of the bill. Ray E. Bacon, Lobbyist, Nevada Manufacturers Association, stated the association has been working with the State Department of Education for several months concerning the provisions of A.B. 303, and strongly supports the passage of the second reprint of A.B. 303. He indicated the changes that were made in the Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities have strengtened the provisions of the bill, and will ensure employers are accountable to improve the performance of students in the work place. Ms. Livingston said the Nevada Women's Lobby and the American Association of University Women are in support of the passage of A.B. 303. Ms. Lakin testified the Taxpayer's Education Alliance, does not support the passage of A.B. 303 due to the cost, adherance to federal legislature, and federal intrusion into local control. She stated she has read school-to-work legislation prepared by the federal government that was made into law on May 4, 1994. She opined A.B. 303 contains much of the same wording contained in the federal measure, and will cause the state to hire additional non- teaching instructors. She opposes this practice. She pointed out 86 pecent of the state's education budget is used for salaries and benefits, and the passage of A.B. 303 will increase the percentage. Ms. Lakin also asserted the passage of A.B. 303 will place pressure on businesses or employers in Nevada. Senator Raggio reminded Ms. Lakin A.B. 303 is before the Senate Committee on Finance for purposes of funding only, and not to hear testimony concerning the substance of the bill. He asked Ms. Lakin if her concerns were brought before the Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities. Ms. Lakin replied in the affirmative. Senator Raggio asked Ms. Lakin if she opposes occupational education being provided in the school system. Ms. Lakin replied she does not oppose occupational education, but does oppose the language of A.B. 303. Senator Coffin confirmed the same testimony was provided by Ms. Lakin in the Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities at which time he recalled she advocated she would accept federal funds for special education purposes. Ms. Lakin argued that is not what she said because she does not think the state should accept "federal education money and mandates." Ms. Hansen expressed opposition to the passage of A.B. 303. She stated the Nevada Eagle Forum is not against occupational education being provided in Nevada schools, but contends A.B. 303 will force the state to participate in "Goals 2000" on a national level, and the federal takeover of education. She provided handout material (Exhibit J) pertaining to Goals 2000, a set of goals the federal government approved in 1994, which she contends is included in the language of A.B. 303. Senator Rhoads pointed out the Elko County School District decided not to accept educational monetary assistance from Goals 2000, but under the terms of A.B. 303 the county will receive $71,000. He indicated he does not see a connection between Goals 2000 and A.B. 303. Ms. Lakin said the Nevada Eagle Forum does not oppose funds being distributed to the state, but does oppose the use of funds by the State Department of Education to apply for federal grants. Mr. Rheault responded the state appropriations and the applications that will be required for this funding will be totally separate. If a school district wants to form a partnership for school-to- work activities, they can apply to the state for approval. He stated the funds will be proportionately distributed to the districts that want to participate in school-to-work activities. Sheila Ward, Lobbyist, Carson/Douglas Christian Coalition, testified in opposition of the passage of A.B. 303 by reading from prepared text, (Exhibit K). Barbara T. Clark, Lobbyist, Nevada Parent Teacher Association (PTA), indicated the PTA supports the passage of A.B. 303, and provided handout material (Exhibit L) outlining the Nevada PTA's position regarding this measure. Senator Raggio closed the hearing on A.B. 303 and asked for a motion on Senate Bill (S.B.) 539. SENATE BILL 539: Reduced number of times notice of application to appropriate water must be published in newspaper. SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO NOT CONCUR WITH ASSEMBLY AMENDMENT NO. 991 TO S.B. 539. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator Raggio asked the committee to review Senate Bill (S.B.) 198 that was heard before the committee on June 8, 1995. At that time it was determined an amendment would be needed to adjust the appropriation to be provided to the Department of Prisons. SENATE BILL 198: Makes appropriation to department of prisons for replacement of various equipment. Dan Miles, Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau, distributed a copy of Exhibit M, a suggested amendment to S.B. 198. He stated the amendment provides for a $2,557,834 one-shot equipment appropriation for the Department of Prisons, and will provide for new and replacement equipment, computer hardware and software, and new replacement vehicles for all of the institutions of the prison system. He pointed out the amendment will lower the appropriation from $2,580,695. He stipulated the sums appropriated may be transferred among the various facilities and divisions of the Department of Prisons only upon the recommendation of the Governor and approval of the IFC. SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO AMEND AND DO PASS S.B. 198. SENATOR RAWSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator Raggio asked for a motion on Senate Bill (S.B.) 266. SENATE BILL 266: Requires research division of the legislative counsel bureau to prepare certain information relating to federal mandates and encroachments. SENATOR RHOADS MOVED TO AMEND AND DO PASS S.B. 266. SENATOR RAWSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator Raggio adjourned the meeting at 9:55 a.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Marion Entrekin, Committee Secretary APPROVED BY: Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman DATE: Senate Committee on Finance June 20, 1995 Page