Nevada Legislature Week 6 opens with speech from Rep. Mark Amodei

Week six of the 2017 Nevada Legislature opens with an address by Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., before a joint session of the Senate and Assembly. Amodei is expected to discuss issues important to Nevada now before the Congress in a speech set to start at 5 p.m. Monday in the Assembly chambers.

Senators Monday are expected to give final approval to Initiative Petition 1 mandating the Department of Motor Vehicles register people to vote when they’re licensed or their license renewed. The Assembly has already passed the measure.

The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee will vote on Senate Bill 201 on Monday, legislation that would bar mental health professionals from conducting sexual orientation or gender identity therapy on children under age 18. Opponents have long argued those therapies not only don’t work with LGBT teens but too often cause serious mental/emotional issues.

At the same time, the Assembly Judiciary Committee will take up Assembly Bill 180 enacting the Juvenile Justice Bill of Rights. The bill requires juveniles in detention be treated fairly and with respect, provided access to services, education, healthy food and adequate necessities such as clothing and personal hygiene products. It also requires teens be provided appropriate medical and mental health services and they be free from abuse, physical punishment and unwanted psychotropic medications.

The Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee will hear AB247, a bill that makes it easier for victims of harassment, sexual assault or stalking to break a lease so they can move somewhere safe.

On Tuesday, the Assembly Legislative Operations and Elections Committee will vote out SJR2 ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment for women. Speaker Jason Frierson said he expects the Assembly to give final approval to the resolution on March 22, the anniversary of ERA’s adoption by Congress more than 40 years ago.

The Assembly Corrections, Parole and Probation Committee hears AB251 allowing the pardons board to commute sentences of death or life without possible parole for inmates who committed that crime before the age of 18.

The Assembly Government Affairs Committee hears two bills by Carson Assemblyman Al Kramer. AB140 would move the Carson City-Washoe County line to put a small group of homes on Duck Hill in the capital. He said the residents there asked for the measure saying they shop, socialize and identify with Carson City, not Washoe County. The Carson City Board of Supervisors are supporting the measure.

AB246 would allow creation of tax increment districts that include more than one county. Kramer said that would allow, for example, a tax district along Clear Creek Road that includes properties in both Douglas County and Carson City. Kramer has said since he lives in that area, he would probably have to abstain from voting on the measure.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Education takes up SB249 that adds financial literacy and economics to the list of things schools have to teach.

Wednesday is Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature. Gov. Brian Sandoval will sign veterans legislation in a ceremony that also honors distinguished veterans. In addition, Nevada Adjutant General Bill Burks will award Richard Moyer the Bronze Star for valor for his service in Vietnam.There will be veterans and military events throughout the day.

Also Wednesday, the Assembly Judiciary Committee will discuss AB118 that would allow 18-year-olds to get concealed weapons permits. Existing law requires a person to be at least 21 to get a concealed gun permit.

On Thursday, the Senate Natural Resources Committee takes up several bills dealing with water, water rights and the powers of the state engineer.

Also on Thursday, the Assembly Taxation Committee reviews AB47, a bill to improve collection of delinquent taxes owed the state.

On Friday, the Assembly Judiciary Committee takes up AB136 by Assemblywomen Dina Neal that would mandate the release of defendants without appearing in court and on an unsecured bond if the arrest was for a non-violent misdemeanor and the defendant has no history of failure to appear.