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Nevada last in child support

CARSON CITY — Nevada legislators frequently hear witnesses testify that the state ranks worst in the nation in its foreclosure rates, suicide rates and Medicaid reimbursements, and near the bottom in support for education.

Buckley says tax proposals on hold until budget review done

CARSON CITY — The state’s projected $2 billion budget hole has gotten $100 million deeper, but Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley refused to say Monday whether her party will support any tax increases.

Stimulus will give state budget boost

CARSON CITY — Total spending by Nevada state government actually would increase by $1 billion under the governor’s proposed two-year budget with the infusion of federal stimulus money, according to an analysis by a conservative think tank.

Lawmakers to look at stimulus

CARSON CITY — Lawmakers start their fifth week of the 2009 session on Monday with a review of the nearly $1.5 billion in federal stimulus funds coming to Nevada and debate on how much it will actually reduce a huge state revenue shortfall.

Students ask legislators to avoid massive education cuts

Twenty-plus college students pleaded with legislators Friday to keep the higher education system’s budget from being cut, which many said could end their chances of success in life.

THE LATEST
LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS

• Nevada lawmakers rather than the state Ethics Commission would handle any complaints against an Assembly or Senate member alleging an improper vote, under terms of a bill approved Thursday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Officials lament cutting mental health services

CARSON CITY — In testimony Thursday to Nevada lawmakers, state officials listed tough choices they face as a result of Gov. Jim Gibbons’ proposed cuts to mental health services.

Sexual offender measure advances

CARSON CITY — Nevada lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday that might make it tougher for convicted sexual offenders to be released from lifetime supervision but would reduce the amount of time offenders have to wait for a hearing on their release.

Bond issue pushed to cover budget shortfall

CARSON CITY — A Las Vegas assemblyman suggested Thursday that the Legislature float a bond to cover a budget shortfall of nearly $2 billion.

Buckley bill would establish veterans-only courts

Some veterans accused of nonviolent crimes would benefit from a specialized court geared toward substance abuse and mental health treatment, according to a bill sponsored by Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley and a bipartisan group of Nevada legislators.

LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS

• A Senate panel heard testimony Wednesday on a bill to let police ticket cab passengers for not wearing seat belts, and also ticket cabbies who don’t ensure that children riding in their taxis are buckled up.

Bills would ease foreclosure problems

CARSON CITY — Nevada lawmakers worked Wednesday on bills to ease foreclosure problems for homeowners, health care facilities and renters, who often are unaware of their landlord’s mortgage woes until they face eviction.

Senate OKs bill allowing stops for seat belt violation

CARSON CITY — Police would be permitted to pull over vehicles anytime they believe a driver is not wearing a seat belt under a bill approved 12-9 Tuesday in the Senate.

Assembly approves room tax increase

CARSON CITY — The state Assembly in a 35-7 vote Tuesday backed a 3 percentage point increase in the room tax in Clark and Washoe counties.

Legislature In Brief

Lawmakers ponder Yucca Mountain costs