Gov signs wildlife director selection bill

(AP) - Nevada's governor will have more discretion to appoint the state's wildlife director under a bill signed Friday by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

AB322 stems from an ongoing spat between the politically-appointed Nevada Wildlife Commission and the Nevada Department of Wildlife during the administration under former Gov. Jim Gibbons.

Gibbons fired director Ken Mayer in late November, just before he left office. Sandoval re-appointed Mayer as acting director in January.

State law said the governor must appoint a director from names recommended by the nine-member commission. AB322 strikes that language. It says the governor may consider nominations by the commission, but gives the governor sole authority to make the final appointment.

The bill also strengthens qualifications for a conservation representative to serve on the appointed policy board.