Record 261 bills introduced in Legislature
CARSON CITY — An opening day record was set in the Legislature on Monday when 261 bills were introduced in the Senate and Assembly.
The key bills include the following:
■ Senate Bill 76, proposed by the Department of Transportation, would prohibit the use of cell phones by drivers while they are operating motor vehicles. It and other bills prohibiting texting are expected to be some of the most debated proposals this session. Five other bills on texting and cell phones are being prepared.
■ Senate Bill 78, sought by Reno, would allow cities, counties and school districts to suspend employee salary and benefit increases negotiated during collective bargaining during times of severe economic distress.
■ Assembly Bill 129, proposed by Assemblyman Randy Kirner, R-Reno, would end the requirement for full-day kindergarten in public schools and let school districts decide how many students should be in each class. Gov. Brian Sandoval advocates similar legislation.
■ Assembly Bill 128, proposed by Assemblyman Paul Aizley, D-Las Vegas, would prohibit smoking anywhere on the campuses of state colleges and universities.
■ Assembly Bill 117, proposed by the Assembly Education Committee, would allow school districts to reduce the number of days in the school year by 10 days.
■ Assembly Bill 108, proposed by the Assembly Operations and Elections Committee, would allow people to register and vote on Election Day.
■ Senate Bill 2, introduced by Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, calls for raising state per pupil spending to at least the national average. Schneider has regularly and unsuccessfully proposed such legislation. Nationally, Nevada ranks near the bottom in state support for schools. Sandoval wants to reduce current support by $270 per pupil, to $4,918 per year.
Contact reporter Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.
