Legislature news briefs

Monday, April 26, 1999 | 12:25 p.m.

State database urged to help find cures

Nevada should begin collecting information about birth defects to help develop ways of identifying their causes as well as cures, a legislative panel was told.

Assemblywoman Jan Evans, D-Sparks, on Friday urged the Senate Human Resources Committee to endorse her Assembly Bill 238, saying it won't even cost the state since the federal government has awarded the state health division $300,000 to set up the system.

Committee Chairman Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, said some concerns have been expressed over the bill's confidentiality provisions.

"They want the assurance this is really confidential, that the fact there is a birth defect in the family won't be released," he said.

But state health officer Mary Guinan assured him the statistical database would be kept confidential.

The panel took no vote on the bill.

Resolution calls for Nevadans-first list

Human organs donated by Nevadans would first be offered to Nevada transplant patients if a legislative panel has its way.

The Senate Human Resources Committee on Friday sent an advisory resolution on the matter to the full Senate for consideration. The resolution earlier gained Assembly approval.

Supporters of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 19 said Northern Nevada in particular has a large number of organ donors, but the organs now go to a regional center in San Francisco or Sacramento for use by the next patient on a list.

As a result, many Nevadans can't get an organ in time, even though many more Nevada organs are donated per capita than California organs.

Committee Chairman Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, said the resolution doesn't go far enough. The real problem is not enough people donate their organs, he said.

"Why don't we act in Nevada so that everyone who dies in Nevada will be a donor unless they say otherwise?" he asked.

Senate to vote on arrest rules

A bill requiring bail enforcement agents to notify police agencies when they intend to make an arrest is up for a vote in the Senate.

The agents, also known as bounty hunters, have legal authority to arrest people who skip court appearances or violate terms of their bail agreements.

The agents can enter a suspect's home to make an arrest if necessary. But under Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto's Assembly Bill 485 they would be required to tell police first.

The bill has drawn support from police, prosecutors, defense lawyers and bail bond agents.

"It will give them a little bit more accountability than just pushing in the door," said Annie Rees, president of the Nevada Bail Agents Associations.

Supporters hope it also will give legitimacy to reputable bail firms and help weed out unlicensed agents.