CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) _ The seventh week of the 2009 Legislature opens on Monday with the expected introduction of more than 100 bills on wide-ranging topics as a deadline hits for proposals submitted by individual lawmakers.
As of Friday, more than 600 proposals to change state laws and resolutions to change the Nevada Constitution had been introduced. Monday's deadline is one of several aimed at keeping lawmakers on track so that they'll have their work done by the mandatory June 1 end to the 2009 session.
Hearings on Monday include a Senate Finance session on the budget for Gov. Jim Gibbons' office and the governor's mansion for the coming two fiscal years.
The Finance Committee also will consider SB52, to bring Nevada into compliance with the federal Real ID law that's aimed at making it tougher for terrorists, illegal immigrants and others to get official identification.
AB187, which would authorize specialized courts for military veterans charged with nonviolent crimes while struggling to readjust to civilian life, may come up for a vote in the state Assembly.
Also Monday, Assembly Health and Human Services get reports on Nevada hospitals and on high school dropout rates. The panel also will discuss AB6, which revises the provisions governing emergency admissions to mental hospitals.
On Tuesday, a Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee reviews the governor's proposed budget for K-12 public schools. The state's per-pupil funding, already near the bottom compared with other states, would drop from $5,098 this year to $4,945 next fiscal year; and increase by just $1 to $4,946 in the second year of the coming budget cycle.
Senate Energy, Infrastructure and Transportation plans a hearing on SB206, which sets guidelines for toll roads in Nevada. Besides SB206, lawmakers are expected to get a proposal from the state Transportation Department for a toll road pilot project in Las Vegas as a way to help reduce a huge funding shortfall for Nevada highway projects.
Assembly Taxation reviews AB255, which would increase taxes on tobacco products; and AB277, which increases excise taxes on liquor; while Senate Taxation reviews SB177 which requires the state to create an Internet database of all tax rates in Nevada.
On Wednesday, a joint Senate-Assembly budget panel will discuss how federal stimulus funds can be used for unemployment benefits; and Assembly Government Affairs takes up AB260, which requires training for doctors, marriage and
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