Tax plans should move in Nevada Legislature's 14th week

The final month of Nevada's 2003 legislative session starts today -- and by the week's end the Senate Taxation Committee plans to vote on a comprehensive taxation plan.

Taxation Chairman Mike McGinness, R-Fallon, said the panel will consider a proposed tax on services Tuesday, and should be ready to vote Thursday on a full tax plan -- including the services levy.

The panel has already approved tax increases of $190 million over the upcoming biennium, but those increases don't include a broad-based business tax sought by Gov. Kenny Guinn in efforts to generate about $1 billion in new revenue.

Assembly Taxation will continue its consideration of various taxes throughout the week, but its chairman, David Parks, D-Las Vegas, doesn't plan on calling anything for a vote before the middle of next week.

Throughout the week, Assembly and Senate fiscal committees will continue closing budgets, determining how the state will spend money generated by existing taxes and the proposed new levies.

Today, Assembly Judiciary will consider SB124, which ensures that corporate officers or stockholders remain personally liable if there's "intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of laws."

Assembly Ways and Means will hear AB441, creating a homeland security commission to evaluate safety procedures for critical state buildings, facilities and infrastructures.

Also before the committee is AB460, which would make it illegal to sell cigarettes over the Internet in Nevada without paying state taxes and without strong age verification provisions.

The committee will also hear AB464, establishing a commission to set lawmakers' pay.

Senate Government Affairs will hear AB285, requiring candidates for public office to swear they've never been convicted of a felony.

Senate Finance will consider SB371, which says homeowners would have to notify builders of any construction defects at least twice. If the builders don't fix the problems, the homeowner could go to a commission to resolve the differences.

On Tuesday, Assembly Judiciary will hear SB432, which would eliminate county-issued work cards in favor of statewide registration for casino employees.

Senate Judiciary will consider SB337, a bill automatically restoring the felons' rights to vote and run for office immediately after being honorably discharged from their sentence.

Assembly Taxation will hear testimony on proposals to increase filing fees with the secretary of state's office, as well as increases in business license fees and the business activity tax.

On Wednesday, Assembly Judiciary will take up SB50, which would allow school districts to impose tougher smoking bans than what the state currently imposes. It also moves up the time for grocery stores to be required to install smoke-removing vents in slot machine areas from 2010 to 2007.

The panel will also hear SB316, letting police file affidavits with a court up to 10 days after searching someone's home, or have the affidavit sealed by a magistrate.

Senate Judiciary will consider AB320, which would prohibit the state insurance commissioner from approving medical malpractice insurance rate increases if the insurers are making up for losses in financial markets or poor underwriting decisions.

The committee will also hear AB341, which would waive Nevada's civil immunity from violations under the Family and Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, among other federal laws.

SB400, which Assembly Commerce and Labor will hear Wednesday, prevents Nevada from regulating broadband services such as high-speed Internet. It's similar to legislation pushed in several other states by telecom giant SBC Communications and was backed in Nevada by Sprint.

Assembly Health and Human Services will hear SB82, expanding the ability of hospitals and state health officials to restrain and isolate people who may spread a virus or disease.

On Thursday, Assembly Judiciary will consider SB241, requiring homeowners with crooked doors and windows or other problems to issue a formal complaint to a builder.

Assembly Taxation will consider more tax proposals, including insurance premium taxes, tax exemptions and collection allowances for businesses.

Assembly Elections, Procedures and Ethics will hear SB147, eliminating the panel's power to fine people who complain to it "in bad faith or with a vexatious purpose" up to $5,000.

The committee will also hear SB453, requiring Nevada to establish a statewide voter registration list and allow for provisional balloting to comply with the Help America Vote Act.

On Friday, Assembly Judiciary will consider SB38, Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio's anti-terrorism bill. The legislation borrows definitions from the federal USA Patriot Act passed in the weeks after the 2001 terror attacks. The language irks civil libertarians.

Assembly Commerce and Labor will hear SB255, setting up a "do call" list of those who welcome marketing phone calls. Only those on the list could be called.

Also Friday, Assembly Taxation will consider imposing a tax on hotel rooms, as well as the real estate transfer tax.

On Saturday, Assembly Government Affairs will meet in Las Vegas to discuss SB358, locking in boundary lines already approved by the Clark County Commission to block dense development around Red Rock Conservation Area.