requires two-thirds majority vote (§ 22)                                                                                                               

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                 A.B. 272

 

Assembly Bill No. 272–Assemblymen Carpenter
and Goicoechea (by request)

 

March 11, 2003

____________

 

Referred to Concurrent Committees on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining and Ways and Means

 

SUMMARY—Provides for regulation of outfitters and guides. (BDR 54‑142)

 

FISCAL NOTE:  Effect on Local Government: Yes.

                           Effect on the State: No.

 

~

 

EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.

Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT relating to professions; creating the Board of Outfitters and Guides; prescribing the powers and duties of the Board; requiring the licensing of outfitters and guides; establishing fees for licenses issued by the Board; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

 

1-1  Section 1. Title 54 of NRS is hereby amended by adding

1-2  thereto a new chapter to consist of the provisions set forth as

1-3  sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this act.

1-4  Sec. 2.  1.  It is the policy of this state and the purpose of this

1-5  chapter to:

1-6  (a) Promote and encourage residents and nonresidents to

1-7  participate in the enjoyment and use of the deserts, mountains,

1-8  rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs and other natural resources of

1-9  this state, and the fish and game therein, and to that end to

1-10  regulate and license those persons who for compensation provide

1-11  equipment and personal services to persons who participate in

1-12  outdoor recreational activities; and

1-13      (b) Safeguard the health, safety, welfare, and freedom from

1-14  injury or danger of persons who engage in outdoor recreational


2-1  activities by using the services of commercial outfitters and guides

2-2  in this state.

2-3  2.  It is not the purpose of this chapter to:

2-4  (a) Interfere with the business of livestock operations;

2-5  (b) Prevent the owner of pack animals from allowing other

2-6  persons to use those animals if no consideration is exchanged for

2-7  that use;

2-8  (c) Interfere with the right of the general public to enjoy the

2-9  recreational value of the deserts, mountains, rivers, streams, lakes,

2-10  reservoirs and other natural resources of this state if the services

2-11  of commercial outfitters and guides are not used; or

2-12      (d) Interfere with the right of the United States to manage the

2-13  public lands under its control.

2-14      Sec. 3.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

2-15  requires, the words and terms defined in sections 4 to 9, inclusive,

2-16  of this act have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

2-17      Sec. 4.  “Board” means the Board of Outfitters and Guides.

2-18      Sec. 5.  “Guide” means any natural person who is employed

2-19  by an outfitter to provide personal services directly related to the

2-20  conduct of outdoor recreational activities for which the outfitter is

2-21  licensed.

2-22      Sec. 6.  “License year” means the period beginning on

2-23  June 1 and ending on May 31 of the following year.

2-24      Sec. 7.  “Licensee” means a person who is issued a license

2-25  pursuant to this chapter.

2-26      Sec. 8.  “Outdoor recreational activities” include, without

2-27  limitation:

2-28      1.  Hunting animals, including, without limitation, birds;

2-29      2.  Float or power boating on rivers and streams of this state;

2-30      3.  Fishing on the lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams of this

2-31  state; and

2-32      4.  Desert or mountain excursions, including, without

2-33  limitation, excursions on horseback, rappelling and rafting.

2-34      Sec. 9.  “Outfitter” means any person who:

2-35      1.  Advertises or otherwise holds himself out to the general

2-36  public for hire for engaging clients in outdoor recreational

2-37  activities;

2-38      2.  Provides, for compensation, facilities and services to

2-39  clients engaged in outdoor recreational activities; and

2-40      3.  Maintains, leases, or otherwise uses equipment or

2-41  accommodations for engaging clients in outdoor recreational

2-42  activities.

2-43      Sec. 10.  The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:

2-44      1.  A person who, without charge, provides a pack or saddle

2-45  horse or other equipment, to a hunter or a fisherman.


3-1  2.  A person who provides only equipment to a person who

3-2  engages in an outdoor recreational activity without a guide.

3-3  3.  A member of a nonprofit organization if:

3-4  (a) The organization is exempt from the payment of federal

3-5  income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue

3-6  Code;

3-7  (b) The purpose of the organization is to provide outdoor

3-8  experiences to persons under the age of 21 years and to the leaders

3-9  of the organization; and

3-10      (c) The organization provides outfitting and guiding services

3-11  only to its members without profit.

3-12      4.  A member of an organization if the primary purpose of the

3-13  organization is the rehabilitation and treatment of culturally

3-14  disadvantaged and at-risk youths, which may include the

3-15  participation of those youths in outdoor recreational activities as

3-16  part of the organization’s program of rehabilitation and treatment.

3-17      5.  An employee of the State of Nevada or the Federal

3-18  Government when performing the duties of his employment.

3-19      Sec. 11.  1.  The Board of Outfitters and Guides, consisting

3-20  of five members, is hereby created.

3-21      2.  The members of the Board must be appointed as follows:

3-22      (a) One member appointed by the Board of Wildlife

3-23  Commissioners from among its members;

3-24      (b) Three members appointed by the Governor who:

3-25          (1) Are licensed as outfitters or guides pursuant to this

3-26  chapter; and

3-27          (2) Have at least 5 years of experience as an outfitter or

3-28  guide in this state; and

3-29      (c) One member appointed by the Governor who is a

3-30  representative of the general public.

3-31      3.  After the initial terms, the term of office of each member of

3-32  the board is 3 years.

3-33      4.  To the extent of money available for this purpose, each

3-34  member of the Board is entitled to receive a salary of not more

3-35  than $80 per day, as fixed by the Board, while engaged in the

3-36  business of the Board.

3-37      5.  To the extent of money available for this purpose, while

3-38  engaged in the business of the Board, each member and employee

3-39  of the Board is entitled to receive the per diem allowance and

3-40  travel expenses provided for state officers and employees

3-41  generally.

3-42      6.  The salary, per diem allowance and travel expenses of the

3-43  member of the Board who is appointed by the Board of Wildlife

3-44  Commissioners must be paid from the Wildlife Account in the

3-45  State General Fund.


4-1  7.  As used in this section, “game warden” means a person

4-2  designated as a game warden pursuant to NRS 501.349.

4-3  Sec. 12.  1.  A member may be removed from the Board by

4-4  the appointing authority for good cause.

4-5  2.  If a vacancy occurs during a member’s term, the

4-6  appointing authority shall fill the vacancy in the same manner as

4-7  the original appointment.

4-8  Sec. 13.  1.  A majority of the members of the Board

4-9  constitutes a quorum.

4-10      2.  The Board shall meet at least four times a year, and at

4-11  least two meetings must be held in Reno, Nevada.

4-12      Sec. 14.  1.  The Board shall appoint an Executive Director

4-13  who serves at the pleasure of the Board.

4-14      2.  The Executive Director shall perform duties prescribed by

4-15  the Board.

4-16      3.  The Board may, by a majority vote of the members of the

4-17  Board, refuse, ratify or reverse any action or decision of the

4-18  Executive Director.

4-19      Sec. 15.  The Board shall:

4-20      1.  Conduct examinations to determine the qualifications of

4-21  applicants for licenses issued pursuant to this chapter.

4-22      2.  Issue licenses to qualified applicants, with such restrictions

4-23  and limitations thereon as the Board may find reasonable.

4-24      3.  Conduct hearings and proceedings to suspend, revoke or

4-25  restrict licenses issued pursuant to this chapter for cause in the

4-26  manner provided in this chapter.

4-27      4.  Enforce the provisions of this chapter.

4-28      5.  Adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this

4-29  chapter, including, without limitation, regulations which

4-30  prescribe:

4-31      (a) The requirements for training, experience and knowledge

4-32  of the laws and regulations relating to licensure pursuant to this

4-33  chapter;

4-34      (b) The form and content of examinations for licenses issued

4-35  pursuant to this chapter, whether oral, written or demonstrative,

4-36  or a combination thereof;

4-37      (c) The type and condition of equipment which must be used

4-38  by a licensee; and

4-39      (d) The standards and requirements for the operation of an

4-40  outfitter and conduct of a guide which are appropriate for:

4-41          (1) Protecting clients of an outfitter from injury or danger;

4-42  and

4-43          (2) The conservation of wildlife and range resources.


5-1  6.  Cooperate with the Federal Government and other states in

5-2  matters of mutual concern relating to outfitters and guides in this

5-3  state.

5-4  Sec. 16.  1.  The Board may issue subpoenas to compel the

5-5  attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers,

5-6  documents, records of licensees, and any other articles related to

5-7  this chapter.

5-8  2.  If any witness refuses to attend or testify or produce any

5-9  article as required by a subpoena, the Board may file a petition

5-10  with the district court stating that:

5-11      (a) Notice has been given for the time and place of attendance

5-12  of the witness or the production of the required articles;

5-13      (b) The witness has been subpoenaed pursuant to this section;

5-14  and

5-15      (c) The witness has failed or refused to attend or produce the

5-16  articles required by the subpoena or has refused to answer

5-17  questions propounded to him,

5-18  and requesting an order of the court compelling the witness to

5-19  attend and testify before the Board or produce the articles as

5-20  required by the subpoena.

5-21      3.  Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall enter an order

5-22  directing the witness to appear before the court at a time and place

5-23  to be fixed by the court in its order, the time to be not more than

5-24  10 days after the date of the order, and show cause why he has not

5-25  attended or testified or produced the articles. A certified copy of

5-26  the order must be served upon the witness.

5-27      4.  If it appears to the court that the subpoena was regularly

5-28  issued, the court shall enter an order that the witness appear

5-29  before the Board, at the time and place fixed in the order, and

5-30  testify or produce the required articles, and upon failure to obey

5-31  the order, the witness must be dealt with as for contempt of court.

5-32      Sec. 17. The Board may employ enforcement agents to

5-33  conduct investigations and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

5-34      Sec. 18. 1.  Each outfitter shall, not later than June 1 of

5-35  each year, provide to the Board in the manner prescribed by the

5-36  Board, the number of each species of big game mammal taken by

5-37  its clients during the immediately preceding license year and the

5-38  area in which each big game mammal was taken.

5-39      2.  The Board shall compile the information it receives

5-40  pursuant to subsection 1 and, not later than July 1 of each year,

5-41  provide to the Administrator of the Division of Wildlife of the State

5-42  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the

5-43  manner prescribed by the Administrator, the total number of each

5-44  species of big game mammal taken by clients of all outfitters


6-1  during the immediately preceding license year and the area in

6-2  which each big game mammal was taken.

6-3  3.  As used in this section, “big game mammal” has the

6-4  meaning ascribed to it in NRS 501.005.

6-5  Sec. 19.  1.  Each applicant for a license issued pursuant to

6-6  this chapter must submit to the Board an application on a form

6-7  prescribed by the Board.

6-8  2.  An application for a license as an outfitter must:

6-9  (a) Include, without limitation:

6-10          (1) A list of the outdoor recreational activities for which the

6-11  outfitter wishes to be licensed; and

6-12          (2) A description of the boundaries of the geographical

6-13  area in which the outfitter wishes to engage clients in the outdoor

6-14  recreational activities;

6-15      (b) Be signed by the applicant, under oath or affirmation, that

6-16  the information provided by him is true and correct; and

6-17      (c) Be notarized.

6-18      3.  An application for a license as an outfitter submitted by a

6-19  firm, partnership, corporation or other organization must

6-20  designate at least one natural person conducting its business who

6-21  meets the requirements for a license as an outfitter.

6-22      4.  An application for a license as a guide must:

6-23      (a) Include, without limitation, a statement signed by the

6-24  outfitter for whom the applicant will be employed stating that the

6-25  outfitter will employ the applicant as a guide; and

6-26      (b) Be signed by the applicant.

6-27      5.  The Board may investigate the background and

6-28  qualifications of an applicant as it deems appropriate.

6-29      Sec. 20. 1.  In addition to any other requirements for the

6-30  issuance or renewal of a license set forth in this chapter, an

6-31  applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license must submit to

6-32  the Board:

6-33      (a) The social security number of the applicant; and

6-34      (b) The statement prescribed by the Welfare Division of the

6-35  Department of Human Resources pursuant to NRS 425.520. The

6-36  statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

6-37      2.  The Board shall include the person’s social security

6-38  number and the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

6-39      (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted

6-40  for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

6-41      (b) A separate form prescribed by the Board.

6-42      3.  A license may not be issued or renewed by the Board if the

6-43  applicant:

6-44      (a) Fails to submit his social security number required

6-45  pursuant to subsection 1;


7-1  (b) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to

7-2  subsection 1; or

7-3  (c) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to

7-4  subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a

7-5  child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved

7-6  by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order

7-7  for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.

7-8  4.  If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted

7-9  pursuant to subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the

7-10  support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a

7-11  plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency

7-12  enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed

7-13  pursuant to the order, the Board shall advise the applicant to

7-14  contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the

7-15  order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to

7-16  satisfy the arrearage.

7-17      Sec. 21. The Board shall make a final decision concerning

7-18  an application for:

7-19      1.  The issuance of a license not later than 60 days after the

7-20  Board receives the completed application.

7-21      2.  The renewal of a license not later than 30 days after the

7-22  Board receives the completed application.

7-23      Sec. 22.  1.  If an applicant has not been previously licensed

7-24  by the Board, the applicant must submit with his application an

7-25  application fee in an amount determined by the Board pursuant to

7-26  subsection 6.

7-27      2.  The fee for the issuance of:

7-28      (a) A license as an outfitter is $500.

7-29      (b) A license as a guide is $100.

7-30      3.  The fee for the renewal of:

7-31      (a) A license as an outfitter, $150.

7-32      (b) A license as a guide, $50.

7-33      4.  The Board shall adopt regulations providing for the

7-34  issuance of a duplicate license to replace an unexpired license that

7-35  has been lost, stolen or destroyed or requires a change of the name

7-36  of a licensee. The regulations must establish a fee, which must not

7-37  exceed $25, for the issuance of a duplicate license.

7-38      5.  The Board may, by regulation, provide for the issuance of

7-39  an amended license to replace an unexpired license if the Board

7-40  revises the geographical area of operation of the outfitter pursuant

7-41  to subsection 6 of section 26 of this act. The regulation may

7-42  establish a fee, which must not exceed $100, for the issuance of an

7-43  amended license.

7-44      6.  The Board shall annually establish a one-time application

7-45  fee of not more than $800 for an application for a license as an


8-1  outfitter, or $100 for an application for a license as a guide, for

8-2  each applicant who has not been issued such a license by the

8-3  Board. The fees collected by the Board pursuant to this subsection

8-4  must be used only to pay the costs of investigating applicants.

8-5  Sec. 23. 1.  Before the Board issues a license, an applicant

8-6  must:

8-7  (a) File with the Board a surety bond in a form acceptable to

8-8  the Board executed by the applicant as principal with a

8-9  corporation authorized to transact surety business in this state as

8-10  surety; or

8-11      (b) Establish a cash deposit with the Board as provided in this

8-12  section.

8-13      2.  Before issuing a license to an applicant, the Board shall

8-14  require the applicant to file with the Board satisfactory evidence

8-15  that the surety bond or cash deposit is in full force, unless the

8-16  applicant has been relieved of the requirement as provided in this

8-17  section.

8-18      3.  The failure of an applicant or licensee to file or maintain

8-19  in full force the required bond or to establish the required cash

8-20  deposit constitutes cause for the Board to deny, revoke, suspend or

8-21  refuse to renew a license.

8-22      4.  The amount of each bond or cash deposit required by this

8-23  section must be fixed by the Board with reference to the financial

8-24  and professional responsibility of the licensee or applicant and the

8-25  magnitude of operations of the licensee or applicant, but must be

8-26  not less than $1,000 or more than $10,000. The bond must be

8-27  continuous in form and be conditioned that the total aggregate

8-28  liability of the surety for all claims is limited to the face amount of

8-29  the bond irrespective of the number of years the bond is in force.

8-30  The Board may increase or reduce the amount of any bond or

8-31  cash deposit if evidence supporting a change in the amount is

8-32  provided when the applicant applies for a license pursuant to this

8-33  chapter or at a hearing conducted pursuant to this chapter. Unless

8-34  released earlier pursuant to subsection 5, a cash deposit may be

8-35  withdrawn 2 years after termination of the license in connection

8-36  with which it was established, or 2 years after completion of all

8-37  work authorized by the Board after termination of the license,

8-38  whichever occurs later, if there is no outstanding claim against the

8-39  cash deposit.

8-40      5.  After a licensee has been licensed as an outfitter or guide

8-41  in this state for not less than 5 consecutive years, the Board may

8-42  relieve the licensee of the requirement for filing a bond or

8-43  establishing a cash deposit if evidence supporting the relief is

8-44  provided to the Board. The Board may, at any time thereafter,

8-45  require the licensee to file a new bond or establish a new cash


9-1  deposit as provided in subsection 4. If a licensee is relieved of the

9-2  requirement of establishing a cash deposit, the cash deposit may

9-3  be withdrawn 2 years after the relief is granted, if there are no

9-4  outstanding claims against the cash deposit.

9-5  Sec. 24. 1.  Each bond or cash deposit required by section

9-6  23 of this act must be in favor of the State of Nevada for the

9-7  benefit of any person who is injured by any unlawful act or

9-8  omission of an outfitter or guide.

9-9  2.  Any person who claims against the bond or cash deposit

9-10  may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction on the

9-11  bond or against the Board on the cash deposit for the amount of

9-12  damage he has suffered to the extent covered by the bond or cash

9-13  deposit. No action may be commenced on the bond or cash deposit

9-14  for 2 years after the commission of the act on which the action is

9-15  based. If an action is commenced on the bond, the surety that

9-16  executed the bond shall notify the Board of the action within 30

9-17  days after the date:

9-18      (a) The surety is served with a complaint and summons; or

9-19      (b) The action is commenced,

9-20  whichever occurs first.

9-21      3.  Upon receiving a request from a person for whose benefit a

9-22  bond or cash deposit is required, the Board shall notify the person

9-23  that:

9-24      (a) A bond is in effect or that a cash deposit has been made,

9-25  and the amount of bond or cash deposit;

9-26      (b) There is an action against a bond, if that is the case, and

9-27  the court, the title and number of the action and the amount

9-28  requested by the plaintiff; and

9-29      (c) There is an action against the Board, if that is the case, and

9-30  the amount requested by the plaintiff.

9-31      4.  If a surety, or in the case of a cash deposit, the Board,

9-32  wishes to make payment without awaiting court action, the

9-33  amount of the bond or cash deposit must be reduced to the extent

9-34  of any payment made by the surety or the Board in good faith

9-35  under the bond or cash deposit. Any payment must be based on

9-36  written claims received by the surety or Board before the court

9-37  action.

9-38      5.  The surety or the Board may bring an action for

9-39  interpleader against all claimants upon the bond or cash deposit.

9-40  If an action for interpleader is commenced, the surety or the

9-41  Board must serve each known claimant and publish notice of the

9-42  action at least once each week for 2 weeks in a newspaper of

9-43  general circulation in the county where the outfitter has his

9-44  principal place of business. The surety is entitled to deduct its costs

9-45  of the action, including publication, from its liability under the


10-1  bond. The Board is entitled to deduct its costs of the action,

10-2  including attorney’s fees and publication, from the cash deposit.

10-3      6.  Claims against a bond or cash deposit have equal priority,

10-4  except where otherwise provided by law, and if the bond or cash

10-5  deposit is insufficient to pay all claims in full, the claims must be

10-6  paid pro rata. Partial payment of claims is not full payment, and

10-7  the claimants may bring actions against the licensee for the

10-8  unpaid balances.

10-9      7.  The Board shall not claim against the bond or cash deposit

10-10  required pursuant to section 23 of this act for the payment of an

10-11  administrative fine imposed for a violation of the provisions of this

10-12  chapter.

10-13     Sec. 25.  1.  The Board shall not issue a license to an

10-14  applicant if the Board determines that the applicant:

10-15     (a) Is incompetent or does not possess good moral character;

10-16     (b) Is less than 18 years of age; or

10-17     (c) Does not possess sufficient knowledge of the laws and

10-18  regulations of this state and the Federal Government concerning

10-19  fish and game or outfitters and guides.

10-20     2.  The Board shall not issue a license as an outfitter to any

10-21  applicant who the Board determines does not have sufficient

10-22  financial resources to conduct adequately the business of an

10-23  outfitter.

10-24     3.  The Board shall not issue a license as an outfitter to a

10-25  firm, partnership, corporation or other organization which does

10-26  not have at least one designated agent conducting its business as

10-27  an outfitter who meets the requirements for a license as an

10-28  outfitter.

10-29     4.  The Board may refuse to issue a license to an applicant

10-30  who the Board determines has committed an act or omission that

10-31  constitutes grounds for revocation or suspension of a license

10-32  pursuant to this chapter.

10-33     Sec. 26.  1.  The Board shall prescribe, by regulation, the

10-34  form and content of licenses issued pursuant to this chapter. The

10-35  Board may prescribe, by regulation, the limitations that may be

10-36  placed upon a license issued pursuant to this chapter. A limitation

10-37  placed upon a license must be clearly indicated on the face of the

10-38  license or as an attachment to the license and constitutes a part of

10-39  the license.

10-40     2.  A license as an outfitter issued by the Board must specify:

10-41     (a) The outdoor recreational activities that may be conducted

10-42  by the outfitter pursuant to the license;

10-43     (b) The limits of the geographical area in which the outfitter is

10-44  authorized to operate; and


11-1      (c) The species of game, if any, which may be hunted pursuant

11-2  to the license.

11-3      3.  When considering whether to approve an outdoor

11-4  recreational activity for a license, the Board shall consider,

11-5  without limitation:

11-6      (a) The length of time the applicant has operated in that area;

11-7      (b) The extent to which the applicant is qualified by

11-8  experience, equipment or resources to operate in that area;

11-9      (c) The safety record of the applicant;

11-10     (d) The accessibility of the area, the particular terrain and the

11-11  weather conditions normal to that area during the applicable

11-12  season; and

11-13     (e) The total amount of geographical area requested by the

11-14  applicant for a license as an outfitter, giving consideration to

11-15  the effect which the licensure of such an area would have upon

11-16  the environment, the amount of game which can be harvested

11-17  and the number of persons that can be adequately served in the

11-18  area.

11-19     4.  A license issued by the Board is valid from the date issued

11-20  until the end of the license year in which the license is issued.

11-21     5.  Only the person named on the license may conduct the

11-22  activities described in the license. A license may not be sold,

11-23  assigned or otherwise transferred.

11-24     6.  The Board may revise the geographical area of operations

11-25  of the outfitter described in his license if the Board determines

11-26  that good cause exists for the revision.

11-27     Sec. 27.  A person engaged in the business, or acting in the

11-28  capacity, of an outfitter or guide within this state may not bring or

11-29  maintain any action in the courts of this state for the collection of

11-30  compensation for the performance of any services as an outfitter

11-31  or guide without alleging and proving that the person, partnership

11-32  or corporation was licensed as an outfitter or guide pursuant to

11-33  this chapter at the time the alleged cause of action arose.

11-34     Sec. 28.  1.  If the Board denies an application for a license,

11-35  the Board shall send a written notice to the applicant that sets

11-36  forth the reasons for the denial and any deficiencies in the

11-37  application within 10 days after the Board denies the application.

11-38     2.  If the applicant corrects the deficiencies set forth in

11-39  the notice to the satisfaction of the Board within 30 days after the

11-40  applicant receives the notice pursuant to subsection 1, the Board

11-41  shall issue a license to the applicant.

11-42     Sec. 29.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, all

11-43  reasonable expenses incurred by the Board in carrying out the

11-44  provisions of this chapter must be paid from the money that it


12-1  receives. No part of the salaries or expenses of the Board may be

12-2  paid out of the State General Fund.

12-3      2.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, all money

12-4  collected by the Board from the imposition of fines must be

12-5  deposited with the State Treasurer for credit to the State General

12-6  Fund. All other money received by the Board must be deposited in

12-7  qualified banks, credit unions or savings and loan associations in

12-8  this state and paid out on its order for its expenses.

12-9      3.  The Board may delegate to a hearing officer or panel its

12-10  authority to take any disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter,

12-11  impose and collect fines therefor, and deposit the money therefrom

12-12  in banks, credit unions or savings and loan associations in this

12-13  state.

12-14     4.  If a hearing officer or panel is not authorized to take

12-15  disciplinary action pursuant to subsection 3 and the Board

12-16  deposits the money collected from the imposition of fines with the

12-17  State General Fund, it may present a claim to the State Board of

12-18  Examiners for recommendation to the Interim Finance Committee

12-19  if money is needed to pay attorney’s fees or the costs of an

12-20  investigation, or both.

12-21     Sec. 30.  1.  The Board may, upon its own motion, and shall,

12-22  upon the verified written complaint of any person setting forth

12-23  facts which, if proven, would constitute grounds for denial,

12-24  suspension or revocation of a license pursuant to this chapter,

12-25  investigate the actions of the licensee. If, after an investigation,

12-26  the Board decides to proceed with disciplinary action, the Board

12-27  may take action pursuant to this section.

12-28     2.  A written notice of the hearing must be served on the

12-29  respondent not less than 30 days before the date of the hearing,

12-30  either personally or by mailing a copy thereof by registered or

12-31  certified mail to the address of the respondent last known to the

12-32  Board.

12-33     3.  If, after having been served with the notice of hearing, the

12-34  respondent fails to appear at the hearing and defend, the Board

12-35  may proceed to hear evidence against the respondent and may

12-36  enter an order as is justified by the evidence. The order is final

12-37  unless the respondent petitions for a review thereof. Within 30

12-38  days after the date of any order, upon a showing of good cause for

12-39  failing to appear and defend, the Board may reopen the

12-40  proceedings and allow the respondent to submit evidence on his

12-41  behalf.

12-42     4.  At any hearing a respondent may be represented before the

12-43  Board by counsel. The respondent is entitled, on application to the

12-44  Board, to the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of

12-45  witnesses on his behalf.


13-1      Sec. 31.  1.  After giving notice and conducting a hearing,

13-2  the Board may revoke, or suspend for a period of not more than 1

13-3  year, any license issued pursuant to this chapter on any one or a

13-4  combination of the following grounds:

13-5      (a) For providing false information or for failure to provide

13-6  information required to be provided on the application for a

13-7  license that is in effect or for other fraud or deception in obtaining

13-8  a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

13-9      (b) For fraudulent, untruthful or misleading advertising.

13-10     (c) For conviction of a felony.

13-11     (d) For three or more forfeitures of any deposit of money or

13-12  collateral with a court or administrative agency or for a conviction

13-13  for a violation of any regulation of the United States Forest

13-14  Service or the Bureau of Land Management of the United States

13-15  Department of the Interior.

13-16     (e) For unethical or unprofessional conduct as defined by

13-17  regulations of the Board.

13-18     (f) For conviction of any violation of any state or federal law

13-19  or regulation relating to fish and game or outfitters and guides.

13-20     (g) For a substantial breach of any contract with any person

13-21  using the services of the licensee.

13-22     (h) For willfully:

13-23         (1) Operating in a geographical area for which the licensee

13-24  is not licensed; or

13-25         (2) Engaging in any activity for which the licensee is not

13-26  licensed.

13-27     (i) For the employment of an unlicensed guide by an outfitter.

13-28     (j) For the inhumane treatment of any animal used by the

13-29  outfitter or guide in the conduct of his business, including, without

13-30  limitation, the failure to provide the animal with proper food,

13-31  drink and shelter.

13-32     (k) For failure by any firm, partnership, corporation or other

13-33  organization, or any combination thereof, licensed as an outfitter

13-34  to have at least one natural person conducting its business as an

13-35  outfitter who meets the requirements for a license as an outfitter.

13-36     (l) For failure of an outfitter to serve the general public in any

13-37  of the following ways:

13-38         (1) By limiting its services to any natural person, group,

13-39  corporation or club that limits its services to a membership; or

13-40         (2) By not offering services to the general public.

13-41     (m) For any violation of or noncompliance with any applicable

13-42  provision of this chapter or any regulation of the Board adopted

13-43  pursuant to this chapter.


14-1      2.  In addition to any other penalties prescribed by this

14-2  chapter, the Board may impose a civil penalty of not more than

14-3  $5,000 for each violation. The Board may recover:

14-4      (a) Attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the Board concerning

14-5  a hearing held pursuant to subsection 1 from a licensee if he is

14-6  found in violation thereof; and

14-7      (b) Attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the recovery of a civil

14-8  penalty imposed.

14-9      Sec. 32.  1.  If the Board receives a copy of a court order

14-10  issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension

14-11  of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses,

14-12  certificates and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a

14-13  license issued pursuant to this chapter, the Board shall deem the

14-14  license issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 30th

14-15  day after the date on which the court order was issued unless

14-16  the Board receives a letter issued to the holder of the license by the

14-17  district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550

14-18  stating that the holder of the certificate, registration, license or

14-19  permit has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied

14-20  the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

14-21     2.  The Board shall reinstate a license issued pursuant to this

14-22  chapter that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to

14-23  NRS 425.540 if the Board receives a letter issued by the district

14-24  attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the

14-25  person whose license was suspended stating that the person whose

14-26  license was suspended has complied with the subpoena or warrant

14-27  or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

14-28     Sec. 33.  Any person who is aggrieved by any action of the

14-29  Board in denying the issuance of, or in the suspension or

14-30  revocation of, a license pursuant to this chapter may appeal the

14-31  decision to the Board by filing a written request for a hearing

14-32  before the Board within 21 days after the Board takes action or

14-33  issues its decision concerning that action.

14-34     Sec. 34.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection

14-35  and section 10 of this act, a person shall not operate as an outfitter

14-36  or guide unless the person is licensed as an outfitter or guide, as

14-37  appropriate, pursuant to this chapter. Any natural person who

14-38  holds a license as an outfitter may operate as a guide without

14-39  possessing a license as a guide if he possesses the qualifications of

14-40  a guide as determined by the Board.

14-41     2.  A person licensed to operate as an outfitter may conduct

14-42  his business as an outfitter only within the geographical area

14-43  described in his license.

14-44     3.  Any person who is convicted of violating any of the

14-45  provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.


15-1      Sec. 35.  1.  The Board or its designated agent may

15-2  commence and prosecute in district court a civil enforcement

15-3  action against any person who is alleged to have violated any

15-4  provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to

15-5  this chapter. The Board is not required to initiate or prosecute an

15-6  administrative action before commencing and prosecuting a civil

15-7  action.

15-8      2.  A civil proceeding may not be brought to recover for a

15-9  violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation

15-10  adopted pursuant to this chapter more than 2 years after the

15-11  Board has knowledge of the violation.

15-12     3.  Any person who is found to have violated any provision of

15-13  this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter

15-14  must be assessed the Board’s costs, including the reasonable

15-15  attorney’s services, for preparing and litigating the case.

15-16     Sec. 36.  NRS 622.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-17     622.010  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

15-18  requires, “occupational licensing board” includes, without

15-19  limitation:

15-20     1.  The State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and

15-21  Residential Design.

15-22     2.  The State Board of Landscape Architecture.

15-23     3.  The State Contractors’ Board.

15-24     4.  The State Board of Professional Engineers and Land

15-25  Surveyors.

15-26     5.  The Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists.

15-27     6.  The Nevada State Board of Accountancy.

15-28     7.  The Board of Medical Examiners.

15-29     8.  The Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners.

15-30     9.  The Board of Dental Examiners of Nevada.

15-31     10.  The State Board of Nursing.

15-32     11.  The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

15-33     12.  The Chiropractic Physicians’ Board of Nevada.

15-34     13.  The State Board of Oriental Medicine.

15-35     14.  The State Board of Podiatry.

15-36     15.  The Nevada State Board of Optometry.

15-37     16.  The Board of Dispensing Opticians.

15-38     17.  The Board of Hearing Aid Specialists.

15-39     18.  The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech

15-40  Pathology.

15-41     19.  The Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

15-42     20.  The State Board of Pharmacy.

15-43     21.  The State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

15-44     22.  The Board of Occupational Therapy.

15-45     23.  The Board of Psychological Examiners.


16-1      24.  The Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family

16-2  Therapists.

16-3      25.  The Board of Examiners for Social Workers.

16-4      26.  The Board of Examiners for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

16-5  Counselors.

16-6      27.  The State Board of Funeral Directors, Embalmers and

16-7  Operators of Cemeteries and Crematories.

16-8      28.  The State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board.

16-9      29.  The State Board of Cosmetology.

16-10     30.  The Real Estate Division of the Department of Business

16-11  and Industry.

16-12     31.  The Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

16-13     32.  The Private Investigator’s Licensing Board.

16-14     33.  The Health Division of the Department of Human

16-15  Resources.

16-16     34.  The Nevada State Board of Examiners for Administrators

16-17  of Facilities for Long-Term Care.

16-18     35.  The Certified Court Reporters’ Board of Nevada.

16-19     36.  The Board of Outfitters and Guides.

16-20     Sec. 37.  NRS 218.825 is hereby amended to read as follows:

16-21     218.825  1.  Each of the boards and commissions created by

16-22  the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628 to 644,

16-23  inclusive, 654 and 656 of NRS and sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of

16-24  this act shall engage the services of a certified public accountant or

16-25  public accountant, or firm of either of such accountants, to audit all

16-26  its fiscal records once each year for the preceding fiscal year or once

16-27  every other year for the 2 preceding fiscal years. The cost of the

16-28  audit must be paid by the board or commission audited.

16-29     2.  A report of each such audit must be filed by the board or

16-30  commission with the Legislative Auditor and the Chief of the

16-31  Budget Division of the Department of Administration on or before

16-32  December 1 of each year in which an audit is conducted. All audits

16-33  must be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing

16-34  standards and all financial statements must be prepared in

16-35  accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting for

16-36  special revenue funds.

16-37     3.  The Legislative Auditor shall audit the fiscal records of any

16-38  such board or commission whenever directed to do so by the

16-39  Legislative Commission. When the Legislative Commission directs

16-40  such an audit, it shall also determine who is to pay the cost of the

16-41  audit.

16-42     Sec. 38.  NRS 284.013 is hereby amended to read as follows:

16-43     284.013  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, this

16-44  chapter does not apply to:


17-1      (a) Agencies, bureaus, commissions, officers or personnel in the

17-2  Legislative Department or the Judicial Department of State

17-3  Government, including the Commission on Judicial Discipline;

17-4      (b) Any person who is employed by a board, commission,

17-5  committee or council created in chapters 590, 623 to 625A,

17-6  inclusive, 628, 630 to 644, inclusive, 648, 652, 654 and 656 of NRS

17-7  [;] and sections 2 to 35, inclusive of this act; or

17-8      (c) Officers or employees of any agency of the Executive

17-9  Department of the State Government who are exempted by specific

17-10  statute.

17-11     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the terms and

17-12  conditions of employment of all persons referred to in subsection 1,

17-13  including salaries not prescribed by law and leaves of absence,

17-14  including, without limitation, annual leave and sick and disability

17-15  leave, must be fixed by the appointing or employing authority

17-16  within the limits of legislative appropriations or authorizations.

17-17     3.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, leaves of

17-18  absence prescribed pursuant to subsection 2 must not be of lesser

17-19  duration than those provided for other state officers and employees

17-20  pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The provisions of this

17-21  subsection do not govern the Legislative Commission with respect

17-22  to the personnel of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

17-23     4.  Any board, commission, committee or council created in

17-24  chapters 590, 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628, 630 to 644, inclusive,

17-25  648, 652, 654 and 656 of NRS and sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of

17-26  this act which contracts for the services of a person, shall require the

17-27  contract for those services to be in writing. The contract must be

17-28  approved by the State Board of Examiners before those services

17-29  may be provided.

17-30     Sec. 39.  Chapter 289 of NRS is hereby amended by adding

17-31  thereto a new section to read as follows:

17-32     1.  A person who is employed as an enforcement officer by the

17-33  Board of Outfitters and Guides pursuant to section 17 of this act is

17-34  a peace officer for the purposes of:

17-35     (a) Enforcing the provisions of sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of

17-36  this act and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

17-37     (b) Responding to requests from other law enforcement

17-38  agencies for assistance in enforcing other laws.

17-39     2.  For purposes of this section, a request from a law

17-40  enforcement agency means a request relating to a specific

17-41  violation or suspicion of a violation of law and does not constitute

17-42  a continuous request for assistance outside the scope of

17-43  enforcement of the provisions of sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this

17-44  act.

 


18-1      Sec. 40.  NRS 289.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

18-2      289.010  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

18-3  requires:

18-4      1.  “Choke hold” means the holding of a person’s neck in a

18-5  manner specifically intended to restrict the flow of oxygen or blood

18-6  to the person’s lungs or brain. The term includes the arm-bar

18-7  restraint, carotid restraint and lateral vascular neck restraint.

18-8      2.  “Peace officer” means any person upon whom some or all of

18-9  the powers of a peace officer are conferred pursuant to NRS

18-10  289.150 to 289.360, inclusive[.] , and section 39 of this act.

18-11     3.  “Punitive action” means any action which may lead to

18-12  dismissal, demotion, suspension, reduction in salary, written

18-13  reprimand or transfer of a peace officer for purposes of punishment.

18-14     Sec. 41.  NRS 353.005 is hereby amended to read as follows:

18-15     353.005  The provisions of this chapter do not apply to boards

18-16  created pursuant to chapters 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628, 630 to

18-17  640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654 and 656 of NRS and

18-18  sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this act and the officers and

18-19  employees thereof.

18-20     Sec. 42.  NRS 353A.020 is hereby amended to read as follows:

18-21     353A.020  1.  The Director, in consultation with the

18-22  Committee and Legislative Auditor, shall adopt a uniform system of

18-23  internal accounting and administrative control for agencies. The

18-24  elements of the system must include, without limitation:

18-25     (a) A plan of organization which provides for a segregation of

18-26  duties appropriate to safeguard the assets of the agency;

18-27     (b) A plan which limits access to assets of the agency to persons

18-28  who need the assets to perform their assigned duties;

18-29     (c) Procedures for authorizations and recordkeeping which

18-30  effectively control accounting of assets, liabilities, revenues and

18-31  expenses;

18-32     (d) A system of practices to be followed in the performance of

18-33  the duties and functions of each agency; and

18-34     (e) An effective system of internal review.

18-35     2.  The Director, in consultation with the Committee and

18-36  Legislative Auditor, may modify the system whenever he considers

18-37  it necessary.

18-38     3.  Each agency shall develop written procedures to carry out

18-39  the system of internal accounting and administrative control adopted

18-40  pursuant to this section.

18-41     4.  For the purposes of this section, “agency” does not include:

18-42     (a) A board created by the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A,

18-43  inclusive, 628, 630 to 640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654

18-44  and 656 of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this act.

18-45     (b) The University and Community College System of Nevada.


19-1      (c) The Public Employees’ Retirement System.

19-2      (d) The Housing Division of the Department of Business and

19-3  Industry.

19-4      (e) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada.

19-5      Sec. 43.  NRS 353A.025 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19-6      353A.025  1.  The head of each agency shall periodically

19-7  review the agency’s system of internal accounting and

19-8  administrative control to determine whether it is in compliance with

19-9  the uniform system of internal accounting and administrative control

19-10  for agencies adopted pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 353A.020.

19-11     2.  On or before July 1 of each even-numbered year, the head of

19-12  each agency shall report to the Director whether the agency’s

19-13  system of internal accounting and administrative control is in

19-14  compliance with the uniform system adopted pursuant to subsection

19-15  1 of NRS 353A.020. The reports must be made available for

19-16  inspection by the members of the Legislature.

19-17     3.  For the purposes of this section, “agency” does not include:

19-18     (a) A board created by the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A,

19-19  inclusive, 628, 630 to 640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654

19-20  and 656 of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this act.

19-21     (b) The University and Community College System of Nevada.

19-22     (c) The Public Employees’ Retirement System.

19-23     (d) The Housing Division of the Department of Business and

19-24  Industry.

19-25     (e) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada.

19-26     4.  The Director shall, on or before the first Monday in

19-27  February of each odd-numbered year, submit a report on the status

19-28  of internal accounting and administrative controls in agencies to the:

19-29     (a) Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to

19-30  the:

19-31         (1) Senate Standing Committee on Finance; and

19-32         (2) Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means;

19-33     (b) Governor; and

19-34     (c) Legislative Auditor.

19-35     5.  The report submitted by the Director pursuant to subsection

19-36  4 must include, without limitation:

19-37     (a) The identification of each agency that has not complied with

19-38  the requirements of subsections 1 and 2;

19-39     (b) The identification of each agency that does not have an

19-40  effective method for reviewing its system of internal accounting and

19-41  administrative control; and

19-42     (c) The identification of each agency that has weaknesses in its

19-43  system of internal accounting and administrative control, and the

19-44  extent and types of such weaknesses.

 


20-1      Sec. 44.  NRS 353A.045 is hereby amended to read as follows:

20-2      353A.045  The Chief shall:

20-3      1.  Report to the Director.

20-4      2.  Develop long-term and annual work plans to be based on the

20-5  results of periodic documented risk assessments. The annual work

20-6  plan must list the agencies to which the Division will provide

20-7  training and assistance and be submitted to the Director for

20-8  approval. Such agencies must not include:

20-9      (a) A board created by the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A,

20-10  inclusive, 628, 630 to 640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654

20-11  and 656 of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this act.

20-12     (b) The University and Community College System of Nevada.

20-13     (c) The Public Employees’ Retirement System.

20-14     (d) The Housing Division of the Department of Business and

20-15  Industry.

20-16     (e) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada.

20-17     3.  Provide a copy of the approved annual work plan to the

20-18  Legislative Auditor.

20-19     4.  In consultation with the Director, prepare a plan for auditing

20-20  executive branch agencies for each fiscal year and present the plan

20-21  to the Committee for its review and approval. Each plan for auditing

20-22  must:

20-23     (a) State the agencies which will be audited, the proposed scope

20-24  and assignment of those audits and the related resources which will

20-25  be used for those audits; and

20-26     (b) Ensure that the internal accounting, administrative controls

20-27  and financial management of each agency are reviewed periodically.

20-28     5.  Perform the audits of the programs and activities of the

20-29  agencies in accordance with the plan approved pursuant to

20-30  subsection 5 of NRS 353A.038 and prepare audit reports of his

20-31  findings.

20-32     6.  Review each agency that is audited pursuant to subsection 5

20-33  and advise those agencies concerning internal accounting,

20-34  administrative controls and financial management.

20-35     7.  Submit to each agency that is audited pursuant to

20-36  subsection 5 analyses, appraisals and recommendations concerning:

20-37     (a) The adequacy of the internal accounting and administrative

20-38  controls of the agency; and

20-39     (b) The efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the

20-40  agency.

20-41     8.  Report any possible abuses, illegal actions, errors, omissions

20-42  and conflicts of interest of which the Division becomes aware

20-43  during the performance of an audit.

20-44     9.  Adopt the standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors for

20-45  conducting and reporting on audits.


21-1      10.  Consult with the Legislative Auditor concerning the plan

21-2  for auditing and the scope of audits to avoid duplication of effort

21-3  and undue disruption of the functions of agencies that are audited

21-4  pursuant to subsection 5.

21-5      11.  Appoint a Manager of Internal Controls.

21-6      Sec. 45.  NRS 608.0116 is hereby amended to read as follows:

21-7      608.0116  “Professional” means pertaining to an employee who

21-8  is licensed or certified by the State of Nevada for and engaged in the

21-9  practice of law or any of the professions regulated by chapters 623

21-10  to 645, inclusive, of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 35, inclusive, of this

21-11  act.

21-12     Sec. 46.  1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2 to

21-13  35, inclusive, of this act, a person who operates as an outfitter or

21-14  guide is not required to be licensed as an outfitter or guide pursuant

21-15  to the provisions of this act before July 1, 2004.

21-16     2.  As used in this section:

21-17     (a) “Guide” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 5 of this

21-18  act.

21-19     (b) “Outfitter” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 9 of this

21-20  act.

21-21     Sec. 47. 1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11 of

21-22  this act, each initial member appointed to the Board of Outfitters

21-23  and Guides pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of section 11

21-24  of this act is not required to be licensed pursuant to sections 2 to 35,

21-25  inclusive, of this act at the time of appointment, but must be eligible

21-26  for a license as an outfitter or guide at the time of appointment.

21-27     2.  As soon as practicable after July 1, 2003:

21-28     (a) The Board of Wildlife Commissioners shall appoint to the

21-29  Board one member whose term expires on September 30, 2004; and

21-30     (b) The Governor shall appoint to the Board:

21-31         (1) Two members whose terms expire on September 30,

21-32  2005; and

21-33         (2) Two members whose terms expire on September 30,

21-34  2006.

21-35     Sec. 48. 1.  This act becomes effective on July 1, 2003.

21-36     2.  Sections 20 and 32 of this act expire by limitation on the

21-37  date on which the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 666 requiring each state

21-38  to establish procedures under which the state has authority to

21-39  withhold or suspend, or to restrict the use of professional,

21-40  occupational and recreational licenses of persons who:

21-41     (a) Have failed to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to

21-42  a proceeding to determine the paternity of a child or to establish or

21-43  enforce an obligation for the support of a child; or

 


22-1      (b) Are in arrears in the payment for the support of one or more

22-2  children,

22-3  are repealed by the Congress of the United States.

 

22-4  H