Legislative briefs for April 29, 2005

Friday, April 29, 2005 | 9:34 a.m.

Guinn signs bill on car pool lanes

A bill that permits the state Transportation Department to designate lanes on highways for the exclusive use of car-pooling vehicles has been passed by the Senate and is headed for the signature of Gov. Kenny Guinn.

U.S. 95 in Las Vegas will be the first place the bill is exercised, said Scott McGruder, spokesman for the transportation department. The bill, sought by the agency, aims to encourage car pooling and reduce traffic, he said.

Assembly Bill 82, approved unanimously by the Senate Thursday, gives the Transportation Department the authority to design certain lanes for exclusive us by high-occupany vehicles.

The department must determine which lanes will be designated, how many occupants must be in a vehicle to use the lanes and the hours when the use of the lanes are restricted.

A person who violates the law would be subject to a $250 fine.

Senate says no to notorio publico

A notary public who is not a licensed attorney in Nevada will be prohibited from using the term "notario" or "notorio publico" or any other equivalent non-English term in advertising under a bill approved 21-0 by the Senate Thursday.

The term "notorio publico" means a specialized attorney to some people from Latin America, leading some people to believe they could get legal advice on immigration matters.

The restriction on the advertisement would apply to business cards, stationery, notice and sign.

Centennial plates may continue

The license plates celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Las Vegas won't be phased out at the end of this year under a bill passed Thursday by the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 290 would end the sunset on the license plates, which is scheduled for Dec. 31, 2005. At least 32,000 plates have been sold, netting at least $1.1 million in proceeds, said Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas.

"I think it will prove to be the most successful plate in the history of the state," Coffin said, pointing out that the Lake Tahoe license plate has raised $2.5 million.

Until now, the money has been divided between the committee planning the city's centennial celebration and historic presevation funds.