THE TWENTY-NINTH DAY
Carson City(Monday), March 5, 2001
Senate called to order at 11:08 a.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Roll called.
All present.
Prayer by the Chaplain, Pastor Patrick Propster.
As we come together to give place to You
And to ask Your blessing over this day,
I ask, Lord, that You bestow Your guidance and wisdom
On all those who will make decisions
that ultimately may govern this land.
I ask for truth, for tolerance of conflicting opinions,
And for Your Peace.
I pray that You will bring unity and oneness of mind,
In that we will all have one goal: to benefit this great country.
Please give us respect for others.
I ask that everything discussed here today
Will generally benefit all of those who fall under its jurisdiction.
I pray that this government as a whole will have
Your discernment, direction and discretion.
I ask for a turning back to Your morals and Your ways
As a country whose example impacts the world.
I pray for a turning back to the ways
The founding fathers planned for this country.
And lastly, I ask, as our currency so boldly states,
That this be one nation under God.
I pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Founding Father.
Amen.
Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.
Senator Raggio moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with, and the President and Secretary be authorized to make the necessary corrections and additions.
Motion carried.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Madam President:
Your Committee on Government Affairs, to which were referred Senate Bills Nos. 150, 155, 200, 201, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Ann O'Connell, Chairman
MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, March 2, 2001
To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed Assembly Bills Nos. 18, 150.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed, as amended, Assembly Bill No. 100.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 8.
Patricia R. Williams
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
By Senators Raggio, Titus, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Coffin, Jacobsen, James, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, O'Connell, O'Donnell, Porter, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Townsend, Washington, Wiener; Assemblymen Beers, Anderson, Angle, Arberry, Bache, Berman, Brower, Brown, Buckley, Carpenter, Cegavske, Chowning, Claborn, Collins, de Braga, Dini, Freeman, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Goldwater, Gustavson, Hettrick, Humke, Koivisto, Lee, Leslie, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Parnell, Perkins, Price, Smith, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15—Commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
Whereas, In 1784, only 8 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the idea for the formation of chambers of commerce in the United States originated; and
Whereas, Two years later, the first chamber was organized, and in 1911, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce was established; and
Whereas, For the past 89 years, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has proudly served the Las Vegas businesses, as well as the community as a whole, and is now the fourth largest chamber of commerce in the nation, with a membership of more than 6,400 business professionals and a trained, professional staff of 55; and
Whereas, The comprehensive mission of this body of businessmen is to be “a business organization that protects, fosters, and enhances the success of our membership through a focused, collaborative effort”; and
Whereas, In fulfilling that mission, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce identifies community needs, problems and opportunities, and then develops programs that satisfy those needs, solve those problems and seize those opportunities; and
Whereas, Notable past accomplishments in attaining the goals of the Chamber include obtaining the first Federal Building and Post Office for Las Vegas in 1924, creating the Livewire Fund to promote Las Vegas in 1944, leading in the formation of the Las Vegas Valley Water District in 1945, helping establish the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in 1953 and founding the United Way of Southern Nevada in 1955; and
Whereas, The Chamber not only serves existing businesses by sponsoring over 100 events each year, including seminars, workshops, expos, campaigns, general-membership luncheons, new-member welcomes, mixers and other gatherings, but also encourages entrepreneurs and offers valuable assistance to businesses that are new to the area; and
Whereas, Efforts abound to encourage leadership on the cutting edge of the business world through Chamber programs such as those to respond to the special needs of home-based and micro businesses; and
Whereas, To maintain Las Vegas as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” the Chamber provides information for tourists relating to lodging, shopping, transportation, restaurants, recreation, and industry and employment, and promotes the city through such ventures as its recent negotiations for a 10-year commitment with the National Finals Rodeo and an agreement with the sponsors of the Winston Cup; and
Whereas, The youth of Las Vegas and their education are priorities for the Chamber, as demonstrated by its support of school bond referendums, scholarship programs, and opportunities such as the Leadership Las Vegas program, which identifies high school juniors who have demonstrated leadership and, through a 10-month curriculum, prepares them for the responsibilities of leadership in the community; and
Whereas, Residents of Las Vegas have benefited from such community-wide efforts of the Chamber as the promotion of improvements and upgrades to major traffic artery I-15 and the Courtesy Las Vegas program that is designed to instill and inspire a higher and more consistent level of courtesy across Clark County; and
Whereas, It is no accident that for the last 3 years, Inc., a leading publication serving entrepreneurs and small business executives, has named Las Vegas the best city in the country in which to start a small business, and in 1998, Fortune, a national magazine devoted to business and finance, selected the city as the second best in the nation in which to do business; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the Nevada Legislature hereby commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, recognizes the Chamber as the largest and most influential proponent of free enterprise in Las Vegas and honors it as the organization which “does the things that most people think just happen”; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the Legislature applaud the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for the contributions it has made in developing Las Vegas as the “City of the Century, Community of the Future”; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Raggio, Neal, Jacobsen, O'Donnell and President Hunt.
Senator Raggio requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Raggio:
We are pleased, today, to consider this resolution to commemorate 90 years of activity on the part of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The resolution is quite extensive and points out a few facts.
First of all, the Chamber of Commerce in the United States has existed since 1784 going back to the years following the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Chamber of Commerce epitomizes the concept that this nation was based on the principle of free enterprise, the hallmark of Chambers of Commerce throughout this nation.
Those of us who go back some years know that Las Vegas, for many years during the last century, was a very small town. In that period of time, since the Chamber was first established in 1911, the city has grown and so has the activity of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. It is now the fourth largest Chamber of Commerce in America. This is an interesting statistic since Las Vegas is not the fourth largest city in America. The size of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce indicates the activity and the effort which has been put forth to further the principles of free enterprise.
Las Vegas is probably one of the best-known cities throughout the world and is probably known due in part to the activities of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. There are 6,400 business professionals and staff, 55 who make up the mechanics of the Chamber of Commerce. We salute the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce today as an organization reflecting the business activities of the community and its existence as a continuing proponent of free enterprise. I am pleased on behalf of the Senate to recognize the Chamber and to join in commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Neal:
I can see the Director of the Chamber of Commerce cringe as I stand, but when looking at this resolution, I chuckled to myself when our Majority Leader mentioned that the Chamber had its origin in 1784 eight years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. My chuckle was based on the fact that this organization must have had its genesis in slavery.
Given the fact that I noticed during the last election, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce endorsed many people, but none of color. I was wondering whether or not they were on their way back to this condition of slavery. I know my good friend cannot answer this question, but this is one of those opportunities where I can take the opportunity to pester them because I was not one of those persons who was endorsed. They endorsed my opponent. When you come into this House and sit for one of these resolutions, you get an opportunity for others like me to tell you our story and let you know some of our feelings about your organization and how we think about it.
I am not going to be too hard on you. I do think that the Chamber’s function in Las Vegas over the years is worthy of such a commemoration as we have here, today, with this resolution. I could not help but state some of the things I have observed in recent years about this organization.
Senator Jacobsen:
I certainly rise in support of this resolution, and I do not think there is any other recipient in this body who has taken more advantage of their courtesy over the years. I have never missed an invitation that came from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. I have found the Chamber to be informative. I never felt like a slave. I felt more like an honored guest every time I went. They were perfect.
I am reminded of a few tours they sponsored. One, 25 years ago, under Mike O’Callaghan’s governorship, where 65 of us took a bus tour for an entire week. We visited every small community in the area. We had town meetings, and it was most enjoyable. We arrived in Las Vegas at their annual conference.
There are many things I would not know anything about if it were not for the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. I am grateful because each time I went I came back with a great deal of knowledge and was treated like a king.
Senator O'Donnell:
I, too, was not endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce, but I rise in support of this resolution. I did not even have an opponent and the Chamber did not endorse me. But, even so, the Chamber is a vital entity in the city of Las Vegas.
As a youngster, growing up, I was very appreciative of the growth and the various services the Chamber provided. My father would always remark about the Chamber of Commerce and what it would do for the community. A lot of the founding fathers for the community were members of the Chamber of Commerce. It is a worthwhile organization. I do support the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s 90-year anniversary resolution.
President Hunt:
I have been a member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce with our restaurant for nearly 30 years. I have seen the growth of Las Vegas, and I realize that many of the founders of the Chamber, the presidents who donated their time, were the real backbone of our community. They contributed much of their own time and personal efforts to make Las Vegas as successful as it has been and is. Part of the reason for the success of the State of Nevada, obviously, is due to southern Nevada’s growth. We welcome them and wish them a happy 90th birthday and continued success. Pat Shalmy, the Director, is with us today. We thank you and look forward to many more prosperous years with the Chamber in Las Vegas.
Resolution adopted.
Senator Raggio moved that all rules be suspended and that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15 be immediately transmitted to the Assembly.
Motion carried unanimously.
Senator Raggio moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Motion carried.
Senate in recess at 11:27 a.m.
SENATE IN SESSION
At 11:29 a.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Quorum present.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 8.
Senator Titus moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Titus.
Resolution adopted.
INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE
By the Committee on Commerce and Labor:
Senate Bill No. 274—AN ACT relating to contractors; revising the provisions governing the rights and duties of contractors and subcontractors under contracts and subcontracts; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Motion carried.
By Senator McGinness and Assemblyman de Braga:
Senate Bill No. 275—AN ACT making an appropriation to White Pine County for replacement of the antiquated steam heating system in the White Pine County Courthouse Complex; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Senator McGinness moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
By the Committee on Finance:
Senate Bill No. 276—AN ACT relating to state employees; increasing the amount of longevity payments to state employees; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
By Senators Wiener, Rawson, Neal, Porter, Care, Coffin, Jacobsen, Mathews, Townsend; Assemblymen Carpenter, Anderson, Arberry, Berman, Leslie and Nolan:
Senate Bill No. 277—AN ACT relating to public health; requiring the posting of a sign in every food establishment in which alcoholic beverages are sold that warns of the dangers of drinking such beverages during pregnancy; providing a civil penalty for failure to post the sign; making an appropriation; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Senator Wiener moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
By Senators Mathews, Rawson, Neal, Carlton and Titus:
Senate Bill No. 278—AN ACT relating to the welfare of children; requiring the establishment of a program to provide supportive assistance to certain persons who obtain the legal guardianship of their grandchildren; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Senator Mathews moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 18.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 100.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Government Affairs.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 150.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Motion carried.
SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT
Senate Bill No. 49.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Judiciary:
Amend sec. 27, page 5, line 17, by deleting “acknowledged,” and inserting: “notarized, acknowledged, verified or made under oath,”.
Amend sec. 40, page 9, by deleting line 34 and inserting:
“(b) An
acknowledgment;”.
Amend sec. 40, page 9, line 35, by deleting “[(c)] (b)”
and inserting “(c)]”.
Amend sec. 40, page 9, line 37, by deleting “(c)” and inserting “(b)”.
Senator James moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator James.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 11 of the 70th Session.
Resolution read second time and ordered to third reading.
Assembly Bill No. 78.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
GUESTS EXTENDED PRIVILEGE OF SENATE FLOOR
On request of Senator McGinness, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to the following students from the Northside Elementary School: Cody Acquistapace, Lucretia Allen, Steven Angus, James Bake, William Bassham, Callie Black, Willie Brewster, Trent de Braga, Drake Douglas, Scott Eckert, Josh Esposito, Whitnee Howell, Justin Jones, Crystal Lanterman, Paige Leahy, Mandy Mazanek, Kelton McClanahan, Reid Orozco, Derek Sammaripa, Becca Sizemore, Dustin Van Reed, Renee Williams, Zach Yesslith, Henriette Zoutomou, Ashley LaFontain, Keith Adams, Garrett Adams, Trent Blackwater, Kaylynn Bradley, Jonathon Brown, Mattie Jo Casey, Shannon Cromell, Katy Durst, Eric Franklin, Travis Gent, Bobby Creer, Shayna Gross, Brandon Hooper, Bradley Kinseth, Ryan McKnight, Cody Meyrahn, Mireya Montero, Jeremy Norman, Shelly Rechel, Nichole Rothery, Russell Smith, Emma Stotz, Vicki Tam, Rachel Vanderbeek, Isaiah Williams, T. J. Greene; teacher: Chris Hansen; chaperones: Karen Hansen, Doug Gross, Diane Sizemore, Sherry Black and Carol Stotz.
On request of Senator Raggio, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Pat Shalmy and Kami Dempsey.
On request of President Hunt, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Deacon Chuck Malito.
Senator Raggio moved that the Senate adjourn until Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at 11 a.m.
Motion carried.
Senate adjourned at 11:56 a.m.
Approved:Lorraine T. Hunt
President of the Senate
Attest: Claire J. Clift