Legislative briefs for March 8, 2005

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 | 10:59 a.m.

Change proposed in gun law

The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard Assembly Bill 121 this morning, which aims to revoke concealed weapons permits from permit holders who have been convicted of possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past five years.

The bill was supported by representatives of both police and district attorney groups.

Current state law allows concealed weapons permits to be revoked if a person has been convicted of driving under the influence or assigned by a court to undergo a drug or alcohol treatment program in the past five years.

Internet display of nonprofits urged

Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, argued this morning that some nonprofit groups should be required to post information on the secretary of state's Web site to help people determine if they are giving money to legitimate groups.

Assembly Bill 119 would require nonprofits operating in Nevada to file a registration statement and financial report such as a 990 IRS form with the secretary of state, which would then post the forms online. Donors names would not be posted. The secretary of state's office supported the idea this morning.

Several representatives of nonprofit groups said they think the registration should be optional, since many scam groups wouldn't register anyway. At least 17 other states are looking into similar provisions to protect consumers, Parks said.

Social Security privacy considered

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, wants to keep confidential the Social Security numbers of parents involved in court paternity hearings.

He sponsored Senate Bill 164 Monday that would provide that in a court judgment the Social Security numbers would be provided to the state Welfare Division but not to the general public.

SB164 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate passes tax-debt measure

By a 21-0 vote, the Senate Monday passed a bill to allow the Nevada Tax Commission to work out a compromise on debts owed taxpayers.

Senate Bill 15 was sent over to the Assembly.

Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon, said the Tax Commission will use this only as a "last resort" if the taxpayer is unable to pay the full amount.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, asked if it gave too much power to an appointive board. She also worried that it could allow some taxpayers to get favored treatment.