Tears flow as debate focuses on no-seatbelt fine

Sunday, March 25, 2007 | 7:15 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Tears during legislative debates are a rarity in this state, with its Battle Born slogan and hardscrabble history, which is why senators are still talking about a poignant scene from a hearing this week.

Sen. Michael Schneider, a Las Vegas Democrat, wept quietly during discussion of mandatory seat belts. His intern, 21-year-old Adam Thomas, died March 18 from injuries after he was ejected from a car at 2:41 a.m. March 10 on Interstate 80. The Nevada Highway Patrol said he was not wearing a seat belt.

The car's other occupant, 23-year-old Christopher Sheridan, likewise had not strapped himself in. But he was not ejected and not seriously injured. Police said alcohol was a factor.

Thomas was a UNR senior who became an intern through the political science department.

His name came up Tuesday as senators debated a bill that would let police stop drivers if they or their passengers are not wearing seat belts. A fine of up to $25 could be levied for each offense, but no points would be deducted from the driver's license.

To date, 21 states have mandatory seat belt laws. Nevada is one of 10 more states considering similar requirements.

Sen. Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, began the debate on Senate Bill 42, which was brought to the Legislature by the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association. Nolan talked about motor vehicle accidents in which occupants were ejected and killed.

"If any of you knew that passing this bill two years ago, when we've been hearing it for the last 10 years ... if you knew it would have saved Adam's life, and he'd be alive here and working in this building today, would you have voted for it?"

As Schneider lost his composure, Nolan added, his own voice cracking: "I know all of you. And I think unequivocally yes. I'm not trying to exploit that young man's death for some personal cause. It really sickens me and saddens me that he lost his life."

Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, her voice shaky, asked to debate the matter at another time "when policy decisions are not clouded by the sadness we're all feeling by the recent events."