Editorial: Bill deserves a veto

Friday, June 10, 2005 | 9:19 a.m.

We hold a dim view of cab drivers receiving kickbacks from strip clubs and other businesses after dropping off patrons. It's a seedy practice that takes advantage of tourists.

Nevertheless, we oppose an amendment passed in the closing hours of the Legislature that would outlaw the kickbacks. It was passed in the dead of night, as a surprise, and with no chance for anyone affected by the bill to testify. No one could ask, for example: Why does it affect taxi drivers but not limousine drivers?

The amendment, pushed by Assembly Assistant Majority Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, was attached to Assembly Bill 505. As originally introduced, the bill had a single purpose: Eliminate the Transportation Services Authority and transfer its regulatory power to the Public Utilities Commission. The TSA regulates tow trucks, limousines, buses and moving vans statewide, and all taxies in Nevada except those in Clark County, which are regulated by the state Taxicab Authority.

In our view, Gov. Kenny Guinn should veto this bill. A separate regulatory body for transportation should be retained. And the way the amendment was passed is not good government.