Senate bill would cut into appointment power

Jennifer Coleman

Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999 | 9:10 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Gov. Kenny Guinn's top appointees would have to be approved by the Nevada Senate if a bill introduced Wednesday wins approval.

In his state of the state address in January, Guinn asked the Legislature for the more flexibility and authority - not less - in running the executive branch of Nevada government.

But that's not what would occur with SB160, introduced by Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, when the governor names a department director or makes other key appointments.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, a co-sponsor of the bill, said this isn't the first time he's fought for the provision. Raggio, R-Reno, said the difference this time is that there's a Republican governor.

"I've been a long-time proponent of this," he added. "A significant number of legislatures, like the Congress, have the right to approve major appointments and cabinet positions."

"I haven't talked to the governor, so I don't know what his feeling on this is," Raggio said.

Nevada is one of five states without some kind of confimation of appointments, Rhoads said.

"If I were governor, I would want my appointments to be scrutinized. If one of them screws up, it's not just my fault, I wasn't the only person who approved it," he said.

Rhoads got a similar measure through the Senate four years ago, but couldn't get it approved in the Democrat-controlled Assembly. A Democrat, Bob Miller, was governor.

Eighteen senators - 12 Republicans and six Democrats - have put their names on the bill, which seems to run counter Guinn's request for more autonomy.

The bill would affect top jobs in the departments of business and industry, natural resources, human resources, DMV and public safety, prisons and taxation. The Senate would also have the final say on members of the state Gaming Control Board, parole commissioners, PUC commissioners and the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

"The Legislature should have some say, when in session, on these key appointments. A lot of these directors are setting policy now," Raggio said.

If a position became open when the Legislature wasn't in session, SB160 would allow the governor to appoint his choice in an interim capacity, subject to the Senate's approval in the next session.