Legislative Briefly

Death penalty study debated

(AP) " Death penalty opponents joined with advocates of more funding for schools and other services in arguing Tuesday for a plan to determine how costly it is to continue the death penalty in Nevada.

Under AB190, reviewed by the Senate Legislative Operations and Elections Committee, the study would be done by the lawmakers' staff and completed in time for the 2011 session.

The bill, sponsored chiefly by Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, was approved earlier on a 30-12 state Assembly vote.

Anderson said various studies around the country have shown that costs of dealing with capital cases are "alarmingly high," and the study would determine whether it makes "good fiscal sense to continue the death penalty system in Nevada."

Michael Pescetta, an assistant federal defender and death penalty foe who has been involved in many capital cases in Nevada, said there's no dispute that such cases are more costly than those that result in no-parole life sentences.

North Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Stephen Dahl said the higher expense in capital cases stems from the U.S. Supreme Court's requirements for a high level of legal review because "death is different." He said an Iowa study showed a capital case can cost about $2.4 million compared with $1.5 million for all legal proceedings and other costs in a life-in-prison case.

Sam Bateman of the Nevada District Attorneys Association said his group was "somewhat skeptical" about the study results. But he added he appreciated the fact that the study would be done by legislative staffers who would remain neutral in doing the study.

State bug bill approved

(AP) " A measure designating the Vivid Dancer Damselfly as Nevada's official state bug was signed into law Monday by Gov. Jim Gibbons.

SB166, by Sen. Joyce Woodhouse, D-Henderson, and Assemblyman Lynn Stewart, R-Henderson, flew through the Legislature after advocates said a contest to choose the bug taught students about teamwork, scientific thinking, deadlines, writing skills, Internet research, state history and the legislative process.