Panel OKs license plate measure

Friday, Feb. 21, 2003 | 9:33 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would crack down on new residents who don't register their vehicles was approved Thursday by the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Assembly Bill 30 would also modify a state law that allows millions of dollars in refunds to motorists who cancel their registration before it expires.

"(Nevada is) losing tons of money," said Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, D-Las Vegas.

The bill states that new residents must register each vehicle they plan to operate in Nevada before getting a driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

New residents who don't own a vehicle would be able to get a driver's license if they sign an affidavit stating that. People who falsely sign such an affidavit could face perjury charges.

Assemblyman Don Gustavson, R-Sun Valley, cast the only dissenting vote in the committee. He said some of his constituents who move to Nevada don't have the money to register their cars within the 30-day time limit.

When people move out of state and cancel their registration, they get a refund based on the amount of time remaining on the registration. Assemblyman Tom Collins, D-North Las Vegas, said Nevada is the only state that allows this refund.

McClain, who sponsored AB30, said the state loses $4 million or more each year through the refunds -- money that could fund state and local governments and school districts.

After extensive discussion, the committee accepted an amendment by Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, that states refunds would be given to people who are entitled to more than $100. Refunds for less than $100 would be forfeited. Carpenter said in some cases refunds are appropriate -- for instance, when a husband dies and the wife doesn't drive.