Legislature news briefs for April 15, 2003

Tuesday, April 15, 2003 | 10:27 a.m.

Administrators' bill defeated

A bill that would require public administrators in Clark and Washoe counties to have certain qualifications before they are elected became the first bill defeated on the floor of the Senate this session.

Senate Bill 143 died on a 10-10 vote Monday, with Sen. Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, absent. Eleven votes are needed to pass any bill.

Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, who voted against the bill, said he would ask that the bill be reconsidered today.

The bill would have required public administrators in the two major counties to have a college degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or have graduated from law school, or have at least three years of full-time work experience in wills, trusts, estate, probate law or creditors' claims.

Senate approves sidewalk scooters

Without debate, the Senate approved a bill to allow Segway personal transportation devices to be considered as pedestrians using the sidewalks.

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said that local governments could still regulate their use.

Segways, which are similar to scooters, can reach speeds of up to 12.5 mph. Thirty-three other states have authorized their use on sidewalks.

Senate Bill 363, approved 20-0, goes to the Assembly.

Prescription plan passes Senate 20-0

Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan to expand the state's Senior Rx low-cost prescription drug plan was approved by the Senate, 20-0.

Senior citizens who have an income of less than $21,500 are eligible to enroll in the insurance plan. Senate Bill 459 would allow seniors who are married to enroll if their household income does not exceed $28,660.

The bill goes to the Assembly.

People who don't pay their fines

related to criminal convictions would not be able to register their cars under a bill approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 479 states that courts will notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the unpaid fines. The bill goes to the Assembly.

The Senate ceremonially adjourned Monday

in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline of Sparks, who was killed in the war in Iraq. Cline was the second Nevadan killed in the war. First Lt. Fred Pokorney of Tonopah was killed in the early days of action.

By a 16-4 vote, the Senate

approved a bill to name the Legislative Building after former Sen. Lawrence Jacobsen, R-Minden, who served 40 years in the Legislature. Jacobsen, now a lobbyist for Douglas County, served longer than any other state legislator. Senate Bill 365 goes to the Assembly.