Legislative briefs for March 4, 2005

Friday, March 4, 2005 | 9:38 a.m.

Lawmakers may be falling behind

CARSON CITY -- The Legislature ends its first month in session today and it is trailing the pace of the 2003 session.

Lorne Malkiewich, director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, says there have been about 100 fewer bills introduced this time compared with the first full month two years ago.

Two years ago, there were 444 bills after 29 days. This year there are 325 bills.

Malkiewich said Thursday a "good portion" of the legal staff that drafts the bills had to devote its efforts to research in the impeachment trial of Controller Kathy Augustine in December last year. It was the first impeachment in the state's history.

In this session, the legal staff has devoted much of its work to researching the constitutionality of the various plans for reducing the property tax. So bills are not being drafted as fast.

Two years ago, Malkiewich said the attorneys were able to draft the bills at the beginning of the session and then do the research toward the end of the session on the validity of the proposed tax increases.

Despite falling behind, Malkiewich said, "We will get them (the bills) all out" and they will be ready by the various deadlines for introduction of bills.

Effort made to create award

CARSON CITY -- A Nevada War on Terrorism Medal would be created to honor the men and women in the armed services.

Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, sponsored Senate Bill 161 Thursday calling for the Office of the Military to design and create the medal. Those who receive a federal Global War on Terrorism Medal would be eligible for the state award.

Death penalty bill advances

CARSON CITY -- The Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved a bill that would abolish the death penalty for crimes committed by anyone younger than 18.

Nevada was one of 19 states that allowed the death penalty for juveniles, and Assembly Bill 6 would have outlawed the practice. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that executing minors is a cruel punishment. The Legislature is proceeding with the bill to ensure state statutes comply with this week's ruling.