Legislative briefs

Inmate accused of stealing from IRS

(Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau) - Just a week after announcing a cooperative program with the Internal Revenue Service to stop inmates who try file for tax refunds they don't deserve, Nevada prison officials say they have their first case.

Director of Corrections Greg Cox said the inmate attempted to obtain a $5,500 rebate from IRS using fraudulent means. Prison officials intercepted the check.

Cox said the inmate faces administrative disciplinary proceedings for violating the department penal code.

Spokesman Kevin Ingram said he also could face charges from the IRS, which is looking into the case.

Federal officials say inmates trying to file false returns to get federal tax refunds has become a serious problem in a number of states. While Nevada isn't among the top 10 problem states, Cox said he and his predecessor worked out an agreement with IRS officials to short circuit the fraudulent practice in Nevada.

Assembly committee OKs death penalty study

(AP) - A Nevada Assembly committee has agreed to go ahead with a study on the costs associated with a death penalty case, but struck a provision that also would have imposed an execution moratorium while the analysis is conducted.

The Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections voted Thursday to amend and pass AB501. Besides studying costs, the original measure would have halted executions until July 1, 2013, while still allowing prosecutors to seek death sentences.

Democratic Assemblyman Tick Segerblom of Las Vegas said since there are no executions in the near future, the moratorium is unnecessary.

The bill now goes to the Assembly floor.

Modified bottle deposit bill stays afloat

(AP) - The push to add a 5-cent deposit to single-serve bottles and cans continues.

Assemblyman James Ohrenschall of Las Vegas presented a new version Thursday of AB427 to the Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining.

The amended bill adds a 5-cent deposit to a wider array of beverages that now includes water and teas. The bill no longer requires retailers to accept containers and provide deposit refunds; this would now happen at designated recycling centers.

Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton of Las Vegas says the bill has drawn interest from companies that want to set up shop in Nevada if the bill passes. Carlton invited a Boy Scout who has followed the bill to the Assembly if it makes it to the floor.

The bill now goes to Assembly Ways and Means.