Senate Bill No. 249–Senators Raggio, Townsend, Rawson, Washington, Shaffer, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Cegavske, Coffin, Hardy, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, Nolan, Rhoads, Schneider, Tiffany, Titus and Wiener

 

March 7, 2003

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Government Affairs

 

SUMMARY—Creates Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs. (BDR 18‑766)

 

FISCAL NOTE:  Effect on Local Government: No.

                           Effect on the State: No.

 

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

 

AN ACT relating to minority groups; creating the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs; providing the duties of the Commission; requiring the Director of the Department of Administration to provide certain staff assistance to the Commission under certain circumstances; 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 18 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 10, inclusive, of this act.

1-4  Sec. 2.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

1-5  requires, “Commission” means the Nevada Commission on

1-6  Minority Affairs created by section 3 of this act.

1-7  Sec. 3.  1.  The Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs,

1-8  consisting of 9 members appointed by the Legislative Commission,

1-9  is hereby created. Appointments to the Commission must be made

1-10  from a list of persons recommended to the Legislative Commission

1-11  by organizations and other entities which represent or promote the

1-12  interests of minority groups in this state.

2-1  2.  The members appointed to the Commission must represent

2-2  a variety of minority groups that reflects the general population of

2-3  this state.

2-4  3.  The members of the Commission shall elect a Chairman

2-5  and a Vice Chairman from among its members.

2-6  4.  The term of office of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman

2-7  is 2 years.

2-8  5.  Not more than four members of the Commission may be

2-9  from the same minority group.

2-10      Sec. 4.  Except for the initial members, the term of office of

2-11  each member of the Commission is 2 years and commences on

2-12  July 1 of the year of appointment. The members shall continue in

2-13  office until their successors are appointed. Members are eligible

2-14  for reappointment, except that no member may serve for any part

2-15  of more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies must be filled by

2-16  appointment for the unexpired terms by the Legislative

2-17  Commission.

2-18      Sec. 5.  Members of the Commission receive no compensation

2-19  for their services, but are entitled to be reimbursed for all travel

2-20  and other expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in

2-21  the performance of their duties, within the limits of money

2-22  available to the Commission.

2-23      Sec. 6.  1.  The Commission shall meet at the call of the

2-24  Chairman as frequently as required to perform its duties, but no

2-25  less than quarterly.

2-26      2.  A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a

2-27  quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority of those

2-28  present at any meeting is sufficient for any official action taken by

2-29  the Commission.

2-30      3.  The Commission shall, on or before January 31 of each

2-31  year, submit a report to the Governor summarizing the activities,

2-32  needs and recommendations of the Commission.

2-33      Sec. 7.  The Commission shall, within the limits of available

2-34  money:

2-35      1.  Study matters affecting the social and economic welfare

2-36  and well-being of minorities residing in the State of Nevada;

2-37      2.  Collect and disseminate information on activities,

2-38  programs and essential services available to minorities in the State

2-39  of Nevada;

2-40      3.  Study the:

2-41      (a) Availability of employment for minorities in this state, and

2-42  the manner in which minorities are employed;

2-43      (b) Manner in which minorities can be encouraged to start and

2-44  manage their own businesses successfully; and

2-45      (c) Availability of affordable housing for minorities;

3-1  4.  In cooperation with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission,

3-2  act as a liaison to inform persons regarding:

3-3  (a) The laws of this state that prohibit discriminatory

3-4  practices; and

3-5  (b) The procedures pursuant to which aggrieved persons may

3-6  file complaints or otherwise take action to remedy such

3-7  discriminatory practices;

3-8  5.  To the extent practicable, strive to create networks within

3-9  the business community between businesses that are owned by

3-10  minorities and businesses that are not owned by minorities;

3-11      6.  Advise the Governor on matters relating to minorities and

3-12  of concern to minorities; and

3-13      7.  Recommend proposed legislation to the Governor.

3-14      Sec. 8.  The Chairman of the Commission may, with the

3-15  approval of the Commission, appoint committees from its members

3-16  to assist in carrying out any of the functions or duties of the

3-17  Commission.

3-18      Sec. 9.  1.  The Director of the Department of

3-19  Administration shall provide staff assistance to the Commission as

3-20  the Governor deems appropriate.

3-21      2.  The Commission may engage the services of volunteer

3-22  workers and consultants without compensation as is necessary

3-23  from time to time.

3-24      Sec. 10.  The Commission may apply for and receive gifts,

3-25  grants, contributions or other money from governmental and

3-26  private agencies, affiliated associations and other persons for the

3-27  purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter and for

3-28  defraying expenses incurred by the Commission in the discharge

3-29  of its duties.

3-30      Sec. 11.  As soon as practicable after July 1, 2003, the

3-31  Legislative Commission shall appoint to the Nevada Commission on

3-32  Minority Affairs:

3-33      1.  Four members to terms that expire on June 30, 2004.

3-34      2.  Five members to terms that expire on June 30, 2005.

3-35      Sec. 12.  This act becomes effective on July 1, 2003, and

3-36  expires by limitation on June 30, 2007.

 

3-37  H