Senate passes measure detailing public administrator qualifications

Wednesday, April 16, 2003 | 10:29 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would require public administrators to have certain qualifications.

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

After a deadlock Monday the bill passed by a 12-9 vote Tuesday and next goes to the Assembly.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said that there have been cases in Washoe County in which property was mismanaged.

"There is too much at stake. The people's property after death has to be secured," Raggio said.

Sen. Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas, said that former Clark County Public Administrator Jared Shafer supported Senate Bill 143.

The public administrator, she argued, has to know real estate and be able to protect the credit of the heirs of an estate.

Democrats, who were on the losing side in the party-line voting, argued that other offices, such as state treasurer, governor and legislators, do not carry such qualifications.

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, maintained the voters "have the right to elect a fool or a crook."