Time-strapped Legislature to trim testimonials

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000 | 10:27 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- It's a time-honored tradition for the state Legislature to draft and pass flowery-worded resolutions for prominent people who have died or to praise someone with a noted accomplishment.

In some cases, it may take an hour or more while senators or assembly members rise to relate their memories of the individual. But times are changing, and the Legislature must complete its business in 120 days, which leaves little time for such niceties.

A legislative committee Tuesday grappled with the issue but failed to come up with definitive recommendations. Instead it left the decision of whether to limit resolutions to the leadership of each house.

Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said it's an issue frequently talked about but never acted upon.

Assemblyman Joe Dini, D-Yerington, the senior member of the Assembly with 17 sessions and an admitted "antique," defended the practice as a "highly regarded tradition."

For those who have long service in the Legislature and know a lot of people, "It's hard to turn down the families" who request a resolution, said Dini, who is stepping down as speaker in the 2001 Assembly.

But Buckley, who will be majority leader in the 2001 Legislature, replied that some resolutions honor people who never lived in Nevada. Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, R-Minden, noted a resolution requested by Assemblywoman Genie Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, that would commend the musical group R.E.M. for encouraging the prevention of teen suicides in one of its songs.

In the 1999 Legislature, resolutions declared the last week of June as Nevada Amateur Radio Week, recognized March 2 as "Read Across America" day in commemoration of Dr. Seuss' birthday, commended Washoe County Sheriff Richard Kirkland for innovative management philosophy, congratulated Patrick Hummel of Las Vegas for his accomplishments in chess, honored Chinese journalist Gao Yu and designated April 21 as E. Clampus Vitus Day at the Nevada Legislature. E. Clampus Vitus Day is most noted for its dedication to partying.

Some of the resolutions being prepared for the 2001 session include recognizing Kiwanis Day in Nevada, honoring the National Association for Women in Construction and designating Merchant Marine and Navy Guard Remembrance Week.

Many of the resolutions honor deceased legislators, public servants or prominent citizens in Nevada. Those are the ones that eat up the time because they include long speeches, and family members are present to receive a memorial.

Dini said such resolutions are "part of the character of the house" and allow lawmakers to pay their respects.

The legislative committee suggested the leadership of both houses consider designating a single day of the week for considering memorials and commendations and prohibit their consideration during heavy times of business. The committee also endorsed Hettrick's suggestion that speeches be limited to two people, rather than having everyone rise to have a say.