Legislative briefs for May 7, 2003

Wednesday, May 7, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.

Panel OKs bill on building defects

A bill creating a seven-member state commission to resolve problems between homeowners and contractors over construction defects was approved by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

Senate Bill 371, which goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote probably next week, would empower the commission to order a contractor to make the repairs within 90 days if the board found the builder was at fault.

"Every defect is fixed. There is no lawsuit," said Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, the sponsor of the bill.

The homeowner would have to make two requests of the contractor to repair the problem before filing a complaint with the commission, whose members would be appointed by the governor.

If the contractor cannot make the repairs, then another contractor would have to be hired. The expense would be paid by the insurance company or from a state recovery fund.

If the commission found there was "no reasonable probability that a constructional defect exists," it would dismiss the complaint.

Action taken on phony credentials

It would be illegal for a person to use false or misleading educational credentials to obtain a job or public office under a bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

Senate Bill 457 provides there would be a $2,500 civil fine for anybody caught trying to use bogus credentials. The individual could also be prosecuted for a gross misdemeanor.

Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, who sponsored the bill, said there are "diploma mills" that sell the credentials for a price.