Senate sees bill creating a 'Sunset Commission'

Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, Thursday introduced legislation to require periodic evaluations of all governmental services to determine whether they can be eliminated.

The Nevada Sunset Commission would evaluate all governmental programs and services in the state for necessity and duplication of services by other programs from the federal government to local governments.

The commission itself would consist of seven members, one each appointed by the governor, Senate majority and minority leaders, Assembly speaker and minority leader, Nevada League of Cities and Nevada Association of Counties.

It would review all governmental programs and services in Nevada to evaluate whether they are effectively serving the purpose they were created for. It also would look at the impact of any changes in state or federal law that effect the operation or necessity for the program or service and examine programs and services provided by the federal, state and local governments in Nevada to see of those services are duplicated.

The commission would develop recommendations and report them annually to the governor and Legislature.

Senate Bill 251 was referred to the Government Affairs Committee for study.