Senate briefs for April 23, 2003

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 | 10:58 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Legislation passed Tuesday in the state Senate:

Senate Bill 440

Would allow people who own homes valued at up to $175,000 and who face major financial problems to delay for up to three years paying part of their property tax. County assessors would administer the programs.

The bill passed by a vote of 21-0.

Senate Bill 370

Would permit county commissions to raise the real property transfer tax by up to 5 cents per each $500 of value to help fight "invasive species" such as the grasshoppers that are expected to invade Northern Nevada this summer. Passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 448

A plan by state Treasurer Brian Krolicki aimed at preserving money for Millennium Scholarships and for the state's prescription drug system for seniors was approved on a near-party line vote of 14-7. SB448 would permit Krolicki to sell off 50 percent of the state's $1 billion tobacco settlement at a reduced price and then take the money and invest it. He has argued that to depend on the tobacco companies to continue to pay the money is too risky.

The bill also would increase the grades required to qualify for and maintain a Millennium Scholarship. All of the Democrats voted against the bill except Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, who joined with the Republican majority.

Senate Bill 368

Requires the Las Vegas Monorail Co. to submit audit financial statements to the Legislature each year. It would also require an annual performance report on the progress of the construction, operations and security of the system. It passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 417

The bill allows the state to accept $10.7 million in federal funds for work on complying with the new national voting act. The Senate agreed to an Assembly amendment and sent the bill to Gov. Kenny Guinn. It sets up a fund for the money, which will be used for such things as purchasing voting machines and compiling a statewide voter registration list.

Secretary of State Dean Heller said the state would have to comply with the federal legislation, even if it did not collect the money.

Senate Bill 453

It brings the state into compliance with the federal law that requires easier access to the polls. The bill, which goes to the Assembly, also provides that people will be able to register to vote up to 20 days before an election, as opposed to the current 30 days.

Senate Bill 387

Provides a break for people who purchase prescription drugs. Unless a doctor specifically orders a brand named drug, the pharmacist will fill the prescription with a lower-cost generic drug.

The consumer may refuse to take the generic drug, unless the bill is being paid by a government agency.

Defeated

Senate Bill 338, a bill that would have set up a system to license and regulate massage therapists, was defeated in the Senate when it failed to gain a two-thirds vote.

SB338 got only 12 votes while 14 were needed.