Legislative Briefly 4/30

Veterans' court proposal passes

(AP) " The Nevada Senate voted unanimously Wednesday for a plan that would allow for specialized courts for military veterans charged with nonviolent crimes while struggling to readjust to civilian life.

AB187 was approved earlier in the Assembly but must return there for approval of Senate amendments before it can be sent to Gov. Jim Gibbons.

Advocates of AB187, proposed by Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, say it would help veterans charged with crimes and who suffer from mental or substance abuse problems stemming from their military service.

Under the plan, such veterans could go through a treatment program and, if they complete the program, have their criminal files sealed. In earlier testimony, Buckley said the bill was the least that could be done for veterans who risk their lives to protect the nation.

Senator proposes renewable energy plan

(AP) " An initiative aimed at attracting large-scale renewable-energy industries and promoting small-scale projects such as rooftop solar systems in Nevada was outlined Wednesday by Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford.

Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, asked the Senate Energy, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee to amend his plan into SB358, a Gibbons administration bill aimed at reducing energy use in state buildings. The panel will discuss the proposal again next Tuesday.

Under Horsford's plan, a "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Authority" would be created within the state Public Utilities Commission. The authority would be advised by two panels, one made up of state and local officials involved in energy issues and the other made up of representatives of the renewable industry, trade organizations and contractors.

Horsford said the new authority would help channel federal funds "to ensure Nevada meets its goal of establishing itself as the renewable energy capital of the West."

He added that his proposal calls for incentives such as tax breaks to encourage renewable energy development and policies aimed at developing a workforce of Nevadans trained to handle various renewable energy projects.