City keeps eye on legislation

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 | 9:48 a.m.

Las Vegas officials told the City Council Wednesday they are keeping a watchful eye on several bills in the Legislature that could affect the city.

Deputy City Manager Betsy Fretwell told the council about a bill that would eliminate the loophole on how council members abstain from voting. The bill clarifies the effect of an abstention by a council member, and the necessary quorum and number of votes necessary to take action on a matter.

Fretwell explained that current regulations require that four votes are necessary to pass any matter right now. Under this bill if one of five council members were to abstain it would only need a majority, or three votes, to pass.

Another bill being watched could affect the city's Municipal Court and some of its programs. The city is also following a bill that would ban smoking in grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls. Smoking would still be allowed in taverns, bars and casinos.

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