2013 Legislature: Defect bill dies in Senate; lives in Assembly

Defect bill dies in Senate; lives in Assembly

(AP) — Republican efforts in the Nevada Senate to reform construction defect laws are on the legislative bone heap.

No action was taken by the Senate Judiciary Committee on SB161 by Friday’s deadline for committee action.

The bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson of Henderson was a priority for Republicans, who argue construction defect laws intended to protect consumers have become a trial lawyer’s dream because of hefty legal fees allowed.

The bill would have defined a constructional defect as a flaw that “presents an unreasonable risk of injury to a person or property.” It would also reduce the time in which lawsuits could be filed and remove attorney’s fees from recoverable damages.

A similar bill in the Assembly was amended and re-referred to the money committee.

Committee passes bill restricting tanning salons

(AP) — High school students wanting to work on their tan before prom may have to do it the old-fashioned way — under the sun.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Labor and Energy passed SB267 Friday, which prohibits minors from using tanning salons.

The bill now heads to the Senate for a full vote on the floor.

Originally the bill called for parental consent before a minor could use a tanning salon, but an amendment adopted Friday changed the language.

Salons that do allow minors could face civil liability from parents. They are also required to post signs about the risks of tanning and safeguards patrons should take.

Democratic Sen. Joyce Woodhouse of Henderson says the effort is to protect Nevada’s children from skin cancer.

Assembly committee kills recreational pot bill

(AP) — Nevadan’s won’t be lighting up joints anytime soon, at least not legally.

A proposal to legalize the recreational use of marijuana will not become law this session after an Assembly committee failed to vote on the bill before adjourning on the last day for bills to clear the committee of origin.

The bill was presented to members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee by Democratic Assemblymen Joseph Hogan and Andrew Martin of Las Vegas a week before Friday’s deadline.

It would have placed regulations similar to alcohol laws on the usage of marijuana.

In addition, it imposed a 25 percent tax on each grower, manufacturer and purchaser of marijuana to help fund early childhood and literacy programs in K-12 education.

Committee passes slot parlors regulations bill

(AP) — A vote along party lines passed a bill that tightens the regulations on smaller gambling establishments advanced the measure out of committee.

It now awaits a full Assembly vote.

AB360 requires restricted gambling licensees to have at least 2,500 square feet of space for patrons, a restaurant that seats at least 25 people and is open at least 12 hours per and a permanent bar.

An amendment removed a provision requiring machines be embedded in the permanent bar. Opponents claimed it hindered their ability to adapt as gambling evolves.

Democratic Majority Leader William Horne of Las Vegas, the bill’s sponsor, says the measure is an effort to prepare the state for potential future problems.

Republicans on the committee say there is no need to address issues that aren’t currently problematic.

Committee clears bill for trafficking victims services

(AP) — An Assembly committee has unanimously passed a bill aimed at improving Nevada’s procedure for dealing with victims of human trafficking.

The vote comes two days after Republican Assemblyman John Hambrick of Las Vegas presented the bill to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for the first time.

The measure now heads to the Assembly floor for a full vote.

AB338 requires the state to build a program to teach law enforcement officers, educators and other state officials how to handle problems faced by victims of human trafficking.

It also mandates signs advertising victim services to be displayed at locations suspected as trafficking hotspots.

At an earlier hearing, the Washoe County Sheriff’s office representative said state law enforcement lacked ample education and training addressing trafficking issues.

Bill allows driving cards for non-U.S. citizens

(AP) —Non-U.S. citizens who are in Nevada illegally would be able to get driving privilege cards under a bill advancing in the state Legislature.

The Senate Transportation Committee on Friday approved SB303. It allows immigrants to take a driving test and get a driving privilege card.

Under the measure, the cards could not be used as official identification to board commercial airlines or enter a federal government building.

But backers of the bill say it will allow those people to obtain car insurance and drive legally on state roadways.

The bill now moves to the state Senate.