Resolution sets guidelines for annual legislative session

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 | 10:48 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A proposed constitutional amendment for annual sessions of the Nevada Legislature and an increase in pay for lawmakers was approved by an Assembly Committee by a 5-2 vote Tuesday.

Assembly Joint Resolution 5, which passed during the 1999 session, provides the Legislature will continue to meet for 120 days in odd-numbered years. But it adds a 45-day session in the even-numbered years. It also removes the restriction that legislators are paid for only 60 days during regular sessions.

A 45-day session, said Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, D-Vegas, would take up the "real issues that are not taken care of in 120 days."

Assemblyman Bob Price, D-North Las Vegas, the major sponsor of the resolution, said he doubted an annual session would cost the taxpayer much more. The present 120-day session will cost about $12 million.

Price said there is a question regarding the constitutionality of the Interim Finance Committee, which meets during the time the Legislature is not in session to allocate money to take care of emergencies. Other interim committees also meet during the off year.Assemblyman Harry Mortenson, D-Las Vegas, produced figures revealing senators are paid to attend an average of 35 meetings during the off year, while Assembly members attend 24 paid meetings.

Legislators are paid $130 a day for the first 60 days of the regular session. ARJ5 would allow lawmakers to collect for every calendar day they served in both sessions. That would be a 275 percent increase from their present $7,800 pay over the two years.

Voting against the resolution were Don Gustavson, R-Sun Valley, and John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas.

The resolution now goes to the floor of the Assembly for a vote, probably sometime next week.