Concerns raised over state’s powers during emergency

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A handful of citizens urged the Legislative Committee on Health Tuesday not to strip away the constitutional rights of citizens in drafting a proposed law giving government officials more power in times of emergency.

"I do not trust the governments. I have seen too much abuse," Patricia Saye of Las Vegas said. "Protect me from those who want to protect me."

Committee Chairman Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, assured the group there will be adequate protections built into any proposed legislation that permits government officials to deal with bioterrorism threats such as the anthrax scare.

"I want to see due process standards," Rawson said.

Rawson stressed this was the "most significant" legislation the committee is considering.

Saye and others urged that children not be separated from their families in cases of isolation or quarantine during an epidemic emergency. And if property is seized by the government, she said there must be adequate compensation.

Janine Hansen, an Independent American candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, said the Legislature should be more involved in the handling of any emergencies, rather than relying solely on the governor.

"We want to make sure there is no dictatorial power by the governor," Hansen said.

She said there must be exemptions for those with health or religious reasons from getting vaccinated during epidemics. And if those are denied, there must be a system of appeals.

Hansen, of Reno, urged the committee to write into the proposed new law a section that health and other personal information on individuals gathered by the state and local officials must not be transferred to the federal government.

Jim O'Brien of the Clark County Emergency Management Agency said his agency conducted a mock exercise on dealing with a bioterrorist attack. Officials found the existing law was sufficient in the emergency management field, he said.