Tuesday, March 4, 2003 | 9:07 a.m.
Lawsuits over spam proposed
The Assembly unanimously approved a measure Monday that would allow e-mail users to sue those who send unsolicited advertisements that are not clearly marked.
Assembly Bill 93, introduced by Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, would permit someone to file a civil suit against the sender of an advertisement not clearly marked on the subject line with ADV or Advertisement.
The bill allows those to seek damages of $500 per e-mail.
Assemblywoman Dawn Gibbons, R-Reno, expressed concerns on how the measure would be enforced. Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said the $500 would attract those who wish to enforce it, and would be a "right step" toward ridding computer users of unwanted spam.
The measure passed 41-0 with Genie Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, absent. It was referred to the Senate.
Bill visits comment period at meetings
A bill that would give citizens a chance to comment at public meetings before the government body takes a vote on an issue was introduced Monday by Sen. Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas.
Some local governments schedule public comment at the end of their meetings, after the votes have been taken on various items. But in some cases, citizen activists talk at length on every issue on the agenda.
A similar measure was proposed for the North Las Vegas municipal ballot by residents who organized an initiative petition to force the City Council to change its rules. A District Court judge, however, ruled the petition should not appear on the ballot because it addressed administrative matters such as the starting time of the council meetings as well as substantive items such as the comment period.
Senate Bill 229 was referred to O'Connell's Government Affairs Committee. The bill also would require notices of meetings be posted on the Internet three days in advance.
Medical care at heart of measure
In what is being hailed as a consumer rights bill, the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee voted Monday to give patients of managed care organizations a chance to appeal the denial of medical care and tests.
It is a rare case in which insurance companies, trial attorneys and consumers all agree on a compromise bill to require an independent review of a managed care organization's rejection of medical treatment.
Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said an independent organization would be selected to hear appeals of patients.
Some managed care organizations now have a review panel, but the legislation would require it statewide, Buckley said.
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