mINUTES OF THE JOINT meeting
of the
Senate Committee on Finance
AND THE
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means
Seventy-second Session
May 16, 2003
The Joint Meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means was called to order by Chairman William J. Raggio at 10:06 a.m., on Friday, May 16, 2003, in Room 4100 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
Senate Committee MEMBERS PRESENT:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Vice Chairman
Senator Dean A. Rhoads
Senator Barbara K. Cegavske
Senator Sandra J. Tiffany
Senator Bob Coffin
Senator Bernice Mathews
Assembly Committee MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
Mr. Walter Andonov
Mr. Bob Beers
Mrs. Vonne Stout Chowning
Mrs. Dawn Gibbons
Ms. Christina R. Giunchigliani
Mr. David E. Goldwater
Mr. Joshua B. Griffin
Mr. Lynn C. Hettrick
Ms. Sheila Leslie
Mr. John W. Marvel
Ms. Kathyrn A. McClain
Mr. David R. Parks
Mr. Richard D. Perkins
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gary L. Ghiggeri, Senate Fiscal Analyst
Mark W. Stevens, Assembly Fiscal Analyst
Bob Guernsey, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
Steven J. Abba, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
Pamela Carter, Committee Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Michael Hillerby, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor
Dr. Jane A. Nichols, Chancellor, System Administration Office, University and Community College System of Nevada
Washington Office – Budget Page ELECTED-7
Budget Account 101-1011
Gary L. Ghiggeri, Senate Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
The Senate Committee on Finance approved and closed the Washington office budget account (B/A) 1011 as recommended by the Governor, and it provided an additional $7800 per year increase from the Highway Fund based on increased lobbying efforts for highway projects. I believe the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means has eliminated the office.
Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr.:
I recommend we hold action on this budget.
Senator Raggio:
Agreed.
Governor’s Office of Consumer Health Assistance – Budget Page ELECTED-13
Budget Account 101-1003
Senator Raggio:
Let me note that the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not approve the deletion of the ombudsman position in B/A 1003, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Health Assistance budget. In addition, the workers’ compensation fund is in a payback situation from prior years when the cost was less than the amount of funding. Do we have a new item on the fiscal note on this budget account?
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Department of Administration issued a memorandum removing the fiscal note on Assembly Bill (A.B.) 236. This amounts to a concurrence with the action of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means to eliminate the ombudsman position.
ASSEMBLY BILL 236: Directs Office for Consumer Health Assistance to assist consumers in gaining information regarding certain prescription drug programs. (BDR 18-203)
Senator Raggio:
I thought the Assembly did not approve the deletion of the ombudsman position.
Michael Hillerby, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not approve enhancement unit E-600, which retained one ombudsman position in B/A 1003. They kept the payback amount but reduced the payback time from 10 years to 6 years.
Assemblyman Arberry:
I would like to request a motion to concur with the action of the Senate to retain one ombudsman position and make an appropriation from the General Fund for the payback over the next biennium.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO RETAIN ONE OMBUDSMAN POSITION AND MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PAYBACK OVER THE NEXT BIENNIUM.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN LESLIE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
*****
Senator Raggio:
We were prepared to do the same. However, the fiscal note seems to indicate the ombudsman position is not needed.
Assemblywoman Giunchigliani:
Removing the fiscal note allows us to keep the position. We questioned the fiscal note for this reason.
Senator Raggio:
Mr. Hillerby, can you clarify this?
Mr. Hillerby:
The Governor’s office would like to have an option with an extended payback period to keep one ombudsman position. The intent of withdrawing the fiscal note from A.B. 236 is to request only one position for the prescription drug program. If the payback provision is reduced to 6 years, we can do the work in A.B. 236 with one position with some of the other grant support we intend to get.
Senator Raggio:
The Senate’s position is that the $122,000 payback should be made over the biennium rather than over a 6-year period. Are you saying this fiscal note is removed only if the payback is for the longer period?
Mr. Hillerby:
That is correct.
Senator Raggio:
In view of that, the Senate Committee on Finance should concur with the action of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means to retain one ombudsman position and appropriate from the General Fund for the payback over the next biennium.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS TO RETAIN ONE OMBUDSMAN POSITION AND APPROPRIATE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PAYBACK OVER THE NEXT BIENNIUM.
SENATOR COFFIN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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Lieutenant Governor – Budget Page ELECTED-20
Budget Account 101-1020
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance has closed B/A 1020, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, as recommended by the Governor. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means reduced funding in E-500 for out-of-state and in-state travel, operating expenses, and information services by approximately $23,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2004 and $14,000 in FY 2005.
Assemblyman Arberry:
I will accept a motion to concur with the action of the Senate to close B/A 1020 as recommended by the Governor.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO CLOSE B/A 1020 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN CHOWNING SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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Controller’s Office – Budget Page ELECTED-74
Budget Account 101-1130
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance approved and closed B/A 1130, the Controller’s Office budget, as recommended by the Governor. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means deleted funding in E-275 for two positions, related operating costs, and information services costs.
Assemblyman Arberry:
I will accept a motion to concur with the action of the Senate to approve and close B/A 1130.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIBBONS MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE TO APPROVE AND CLOSE B/A 1130 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
ASSEMBLYMAN BEERS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION WAS CARRIED BY THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. (ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI VOTED NO.)
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State Treasurer – Budget Page ELECTED-86
Budget Account 101-1080
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance added $151,000 in each year of the next biennium for additional postage costs in B/A 1080, the State Treasurer’s office, as recommended by the Budget Division. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not concur with the budget amendment.
Senator Raggio:
We will hold on this budget.
Treasurer Higher Education – Budget Page ELECTED-92
Budget Account 101-1081
Millennium Scholarship Administration – Budget Page ELECTED-96
Budget Account 101-1088
Nevada College Savings Trust – Budget Page ELECTED-104
Budget Account 101-1092
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not approve the Governor’s recommendation for $205,000 in each year of the next biennium for marketing and advertising costs in B/A 1081 for higher education. The Assembly would like the monies directed to prepaid tuition and unfunded liability. The Senate Committee on Finance approved B/A 1081 as recommended by the Governor.
Senator Raggio:
We will hold on this budget, as well as B/A 1088, the millennium scholarship, and B/A 1092, the Nevada College Savings Trust budget, since they are closely related budget accounts.
Judicial Selection – Budget Page COURTS-38
Budget Account 101-1498
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not approve funding of approximately $1700 for each year of the biennium for judicial workshops included in the base and separate enhancement unit in B/A 1498, Judicial Selection. The Senate Committee on Finance approved B/A 1498 as recommended by the Governor.
Senator Raggio:
Apparently these judicial workshops have not been held. I request a motion from the Senate to concur with the action of the Assembly to not approve funding in the amount of $1700 each year of the biennium for judicial workshops in B/A 1498.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS TO NOT APPROVE FUNDING FOR B/A 1498 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1700 IN EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM FOR JUDICIAL WORKSHOPS.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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University of Nevada Reno – Budget Page UCCSN-16
Budget Account 101-2980
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance approved funding for B/A 2980, University of Nevada, Reno, in the amount of $786,000 per year over the biennium and $40,000 in one-time equipment costs to support the operation and maintenance costs for the Fire Science Academy in Carlin, Nevada. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not approve the funding.
Assemblyman Arberry:
I will accept a motion to concur with the action of the Senate to approve funding in the amount of $786,000 for each year in the next biennium and $40,000 in one-time equipment costs for the Fire Science Academy in Carlin, Nevada.
ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE TO APPROVE FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $786,000 EACH YEAR IN THE NEXT BIENNIUM AND $40,000 IN ONE-TIME EQUIPMENT COSTS FOR THE FIRE SCIENCE ACADEMY IN CARLIN, NEVADA.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN LESLIE SECONDED THE MOTION.
Assemblyman Perkins:
There was concern that there was some misrepresentation by Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) staff on the proposed funding for B/A 2980. I would like the record to reflect that I do not agree with that.
Senator Raggio:
Dr. Nichols, is that the situation? Could you explain the basis of the proposed funding?
Jane A. Nichols, Chancellor, System Administration Office, University and Community College System of Nevada:
There was no intent to suggest there was misrepresentation by LCB staff. The question asked was whether this funding was included in the last budget, and it was not. I wrote a letter (Exhibit C) detailing the history of the funding and why it was not in the last budget but was included in prior budgets when the Fire Science Academy was open and operating. This simply puts the funding back in place once the Fire Science Academy opens again.
Assemblywoman Giunchigliani:
I do not agree with the proposed funding. The Fire Science Academy has had abuses of funding in the past which have never been fully explored. An audit still needs to be conducted on the potential mismanagement of funds at the Fire Science Academy. We have never given money to the Carlin facility before; we gave it to the Stead facility. I do not think we should be giving them money from the General Fund when we do not know what they did with the private money.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. (ASSEMBLYMAN BEERS, ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI, AND ASSEMBLYMAN GOLDWATER VOTED NO.)
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Nevada Arts Council – Budget Page CULTURAL-64
Budget Account 101-2979
Commission on Tourism – Budget Page TOUR&ECON-19
Budget Account 101-1522
State Parks – Budget Page CNR-38
Budget Account 101-4162
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means added funding in the amount of $250,000 in the second year of the biennium to B/A 2979, the Nevada Arts Council. This funding was transferred from B/A 1522, the Commission on Tourism budget, in room tax monies. This is part of the additional funding identified in closing the tourism budget by reprojecting the room tax receipts in FY 2005. In addition, the Senate Committee on Finance reduced General Fund appropriations in FY 2005 by approximately $206,000 for items identified for state parks and approximately $159,000 in railroad rehabilitation projects for the state railroad museum. In combination, these actions utilize all the identified surplus funding for B/A 2979.
Senator Raggio:
I will request a motion from the Senate to concur with the action of the Assembly to add funding to B/A 2979 in the amount of $250,000 in the second year of the biennium from room tax monies in B/A 1522 and state parks monies in B/A 4162, state parks.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS TO ADD FUNDING TO B/A 2979 IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000 IN THE SECOND YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM FROM ROOM TAX MONIES IN B/A 1522 AND STATE PARKS MONIES IN B/A 4162.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
*****
Assemblyman Arberry:
I request a motion to concur with the action of the Senate to reduce General Fund appropriations by approximately $206,000 in B/A 4162 for items identified for state parks and approximately $159,000 in B/A 1522 for railroad rehabilitation projects at the state railroad museum.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO REDUCE GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS BY APPROXIMATELY $206,000 IN B/A 4162 FOR ITEMS IDENTIFIED FOR STATE PARKS AND APPROXIMATELY $159,000 IN B/A 1522 FOR RAILROAD REHABILITATION PROJECTS AT THE STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN CHOWNING SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
*****
Merit Award Board – Budget Page ADMIN-12
Budget Account 101-1345
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance approved $5000 in funding in each year of the next biennium for B/A 1345, the Merit Award Board budget, as recommended by the Governor. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means eliminated the budget.
Assemblyman Arberry:
I request a motion to concur with the action of the Senate approving $5000 in funding in each year of the next biennium for B/A 1345 as recommended by the Governor.
ASSEMBLYMAN GOLDWATER MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE APPROVING $5000 IN FUNDING IN EACH YEAR OF THE NEXT BIENNIUM FOR B/A 1345 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
ASSEMBLYMAN PERKINS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. (ASSEMBLYMAN ANDONOV, ASSEMBLYMAN BEERS, ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIBBONS, ASSEMBLYMAN HETTRICK, AND ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL VOTED NO.)
*****
Agri, Predatory Animal & Rodent Control– Budget Page AGRI-57
Budget Account 101-4600
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance closed the agriculture B/A 4600, Predatory Animal and Rodent Control budget, as recommended by the Governor, to provide increased funding for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for a federal contracted supervisory position in Ely, Nevada. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means did not approve this funding.
Senator Raggio:
This would amount to $4233 each year of the biennium. Are there federal funds available for this COLA?
Mr. Ghiggeri:
No.
Assemblyman Arberry:
I request a motion to concur with the action of the Senate to approve funding for and close B/A 4600 as recommended by the Governor.
ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR AND CLOSE B/A 4600 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
ASSEMBLYMAN GRIFFIN SECONDED THE MOTION.
Assemblywoman Chowning:
I will vote no on this recommendation from our subcommittee. I have never heard of a state paying for COLA for a federal employee. We felt there is enough money in the federal government to pay for this, and they take money from our state pockets all the time. We should not be supplementing a federal employee’s salary.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. (ASSEMBLYWOMEN CHOWNING AND McCLAIN VOTED NO.)
*****
B&I, National Association of Insurance – Budget Page B&I-56
Budget Account 101-3828
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means approved B/A 3828, business and industry national association of insurance, as recommended by the Governor, including an increase in the assessment fees for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners from $15 to $22. This was predicated upon successful passage of A.B. 453 (1st Reprint). The Senate Committee on Finance did not approve proposed funding for B/A 3828 contingent upon passage of A.B. 453. The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor recommended passage of A.B. 453 on May 13, 2003.
ASSEMBLY BILL 453 (1st Reprint): Makes various changes to provisions relating to insurance. (BDR 57-546)
Senator Raggio:
Since our action was dependent on the successful passage of A.B. 453, I will entertain a motion to concur with the action of the Assembly.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS TO APPROVE AND CLOSE B/A 3828 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR AND CONTINGENT UPON FINAL PASSAGE OF A.B. 453.
SENATOR COFFIN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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HR, Vital Statistics – Budget Page HEALTH-7
Budget Account 101-3190
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance approved and closed B/A 3190, the Vital Statistics budget, as recommended by the Governor. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means provided for General Funds in the amount of $400,000 in FY 2004 and $348,000 in FY 2005 for B/A 3190 to support the implementation of a Sentinel Events Registry, pursuant to A.B. No. 1 of the 18th Special Session.
Senator Raggio:
The Senate Committee on Finance has heard nothing about this substantial increase proposed by the Assembly.
Assemblywoman Leslie:
The Assembly heard testimony on this issue in the subcommittee on human resources. The Sentinel Events Registry methodology of the Health Division provided three options to meet the requirements of A.B. No. 1 of the 18th Special Session. The vital statistics budget was already closed when this issue resurfaced for discussion. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means selected option 2, which fulfills the expectations in the agreement. The Sentinel Events Registry is a critical component of the medical malpractice bill passed in the 18th Special Session.
Senator Raggio:
We will hold B/A 3190 for further discussion.
HR, Health Aid to Counties – Budget Page HEALTH-16
Budget Account 101-3209
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance restored $100 in B/A 3209 for each year of the biennium of General Fund appropriation for Clark and Washoe Counties to access the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) Contingency Fund.
Senator Raggio:
The Governor’s budget would have eliminated this account altogether.
Senator Rawson:
Clark and Washoe Counties asked the subcommittee to leave this placeholder here to allow them to approach the IFC in case of some extreme circumstance in the counties. The amount of money is very small.
Assemblywoman Giunchigliani:
The Assembly could concur with the Senate to restore funding in the second year of the biennium. This gives us time to see the effect of the actions we take this session.
Senator Raggio:
That seems a reasonable accommodation.
Senator Rawson:
Once we reduce the money, legislation will be needed to allow them access again. If we eliminate the funding in both years, they will be out.
Senator Raggio:
Mr. Ghiggeri, what would be the effect of having funding in the second year only?
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The counties would not have access to the IFC in FY 2004. They could approach IFC in FY 2005 only.
Assemblywoman Leslie:
The testimony from the counties was that once the Health Aid to Counties budget has been taken down to zero, it will take legislation to bring it back at the next session.
Mark W. Stevens, Assembly Fiscal Analyst:
The budget would be down to zero in the first year, but it would be $100 in the second year. Because of this, it would be in the Appropriations Act. I do not believe this would preclude funding being provided to the counties in the 2005‑2007 biennium.
Senator Raggio:
Let us take action to concur with the action of the Assembly allowing for restoration of $100 in funds to B/A 3209 in the second year only of the biennium. If legal counsel indicates there is a question, we will reopen it.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS TO RESTORE $100 IN FUNDS TO B/A 3209 IN THE SECOND YEAR ONLY OF THE BIENNIUM.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO RESTORE $100 IN FUNDS TO B/A 3209 IN THE SECOND YEAR ONLY OF THE BIENNIUM
ASSEMBLYWOMAN LESLIE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will hold B/A 3716, B/A 3717, B/A 3718, B/A 3737, B/A 3751, B/A 3762, B/A 3759, B/A 3724, B/A 3722, B/A 3723, B/A 3725, B/A 3739, B/A 3741, B/A 3747, B/A 3748, B/A 3749, B/A 3752, and B/A 3754 in the Department of Corrections. The only difference in these budgets is inflation for food as recommended by the Governor in E-500.
Director’s Office Public Safety – Budget Page PS-1
Budget Account 201-4706
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means approved a reduction in funding for out-of-state travel in E-2755 from $7,457 to $3,728 in each year of the next biennium. The Senate Committee on Finance approved the Governor’s recommendation to increase travel to out-of-state conferences for the director, deputy director, and public information officer.
Senator Raggio:
I request a motion to concur with the action of the Assembly on B/A 4706 to decrease funding for out-of-state travel in each year of the next biennium.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS ON B/A 4706 TO REDUCE FUNDING FOR TRAVEL IN EACH YEAR OF THE NEXT BIENNIUM.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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Wildlife – Budget Page CNR-139
Budget Account 101-4452
Senator Raggio:
We need to defer action on B/A 4452, the Department of Wildlife, pending the passage of Senate Bill (S.B.) 420, which contains a fee mechanism to fund the department.
SENATE BILL 420: Makes various changes relating to wildlife. (BDR 45-1254)
Veterans’ Home Account – Budget Page VETERAN-6
Budget Account 101-2561
Mr. Ghiggeri:
The Senate Committee on Finance supported the Governor’s recommendation to utilize the license plate charge as a reduction to General Fund costs in B/A 2561, the Veterans’ Home Account. The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means removed the license plate charge revenue and replaced it with General Fund monies in the amount of approximately $98,000 per year.
Assemblywoman Chowning:
The Governor has already signed A.B. 192 (1st Reprint) directing funds to the veterans’ gift account. It would therefore be appropriate for the Senate Committee on Finance to concur. Veterans wanted the funds to go into the broader-based gift account so all donations would go to meet veterans’ needs, rather than some going to the General Fund.
ASSEMBLY BILL 192 (1st Reprint): Revises provisions related to special license plates. (BDR 43-181)
Senator Raggio:
What is the Senate bill on this matter?
Mr. Ghiggeri:
I believe that was S.B. 324. That legislation would put funds from different sources into the gift fund and redirected funds previously deposited from the sale of license plates. When the Senate Committee on Finance approved that bill, they deleted the provision to redirect funds to the gift account. This morning, the Senate Committee on Finance approved an amendment to repeal what was implemented in A.B. 192.
SENATE BILL 324: Makes various changes concerning Veterans’ Home Account and Gift Account for Veterans’ Home. (BDR 37-305)
Senator Raggio:
We will hold B/A 2561 for further clarification.
DMV Field Services – Budget Page DMV-29
Budget Account 201-4735
Senator Raggio:
Staff requested clarification of the number of positions involved in B/A 4735, the Department of Motor Vehicles Field Services. As I understand it, both the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance closed this budget in E-350 with 129 of the 179 requested positions approved. However, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee approved 30 positions in the Carey field office, 18 positions in the Sahara field office, and placed funding for the additional positions in reserve. The Senate Committee on Finance approved funding for the Reno field office, placed additional funds in reserve, and supported the utilization of kiosks where needed in field services offices. The amount of money and positions is the same; the difference is in how much is going into reserve for highway funding.
Senator Tiffany:
We recommended the positions go to the two facilities with more than an hour wait time. However, we wanted the DMV to see how the kiosks work, then come back to the IFC to add more kiosks if that would be faster than filling positions. This is consistent with the action to put these funds in reserve.
Senator Raggio:
I request a motion to concur with the action of the Assembly to approve and close B/A 4735.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS TO APPROVE AND CLOSE B/A 4735.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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Senator Raggio:
There being no further questions or comments, we are adjourned at 10:42 a.m.
Lynn Hendricks,
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
DATE:
Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
DATE: