Ratings of the 2011 Nevada Legislature

List of Bills Included in Our Ratings

1 – AB9: Increases some of the fees charged and collected by Justices of the Peace. It also is a vehicle for additional spending in the future. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increases fees. Since this bill increased fees, it needed a 2/3 vote by both the Assembly and the Senate. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 40 – 2 on April 20, 2011 and failed in the Senate by a vote of 13 – 8 on May 11, 2011.

2 – AB72: Increases the annual licensing fee for Nevada investment advisers from $110 to $125. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increases fees. Since this bill increased fees, it needed a 2/3 vote by both the Assembly and the Senate. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 41 – 1 on April 25, 2011 and failed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on May 20, 2011.

3 – AB78: Removes the $200 state business license exemption from small businesses in Nevada that earn less than $27,000. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it discourages small home based businesses. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 24 – 18 on April 26, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on May 20, 2011. However, due to legislative procedure, AB78 was returned to the Senate where it died.

4 – AB81: Makes it harder for third-party candidates to get on an election ballot. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it discourages civic participation outside the two major parties. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 32 – 10 on April 26, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on May 30, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

5 – AB93: Requires the Department of Corrections to establish a pilot program that provides taxpayer funded treatment for drug and alcohol abuse for former inmates that are on probation. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it establishes new spending without offsetting spending cuts somewhere else. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 30 – 8 on June 4, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on June 6, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

6 – AB137: Requires the implementation of a taxpayer funded new school breakfast program. This mandate could force schools to make cuts in essential academic programs. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it could force schools to make cuts in essential academic programs. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 28 – 13 on May 16, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on June 5, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

7 – AB149: This bill would make it easier to file medical malpractice suits. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it would increase the amount of frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 16 on April 25, 2011 and then died in the Senate.

8 – AB152: Sets up an advisory committee whose sole purpose is to find ways to tax Nevada residents more to pay for highway construction and maintenance. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it abrogates the power of the Legislature. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 27 – 14 on April 8, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on May 30, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 13, 2011.

9 – AB167: Establishes a new aquatic invasive species fee for each motorboat owned or operated. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased fees. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 32–8 on May 6, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 21 – 0 on June 5, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 15, 2011.

10 – AB170: Requires each retail establishment in which cigarettes are sold to post at least one sign regarding the dangers of smoking tobacco during pregnancy. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it was an unnecessary “feel good” mandate. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 32– 10 on April 18, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on May 20, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on May 31, 2011.

11 – AB192: Increases the fees a county recorder can charge Nevada residents for a copy of a document, notice, deed, map or chart. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased fees. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 32– 10 on April 25, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 18 – 3 on May 20, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on May 27, 2011.

12 – AB219: Allows the state to confiscate up to 75% of the value of any unclaimed slot machine vouchers from private casinos. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it allows the government to confiscate property that does not belong to it. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 40 – 2 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on June 6, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

13 – AB224: Creates the Office of Parental Involvement and Family Engagement. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it created another unnecessary, feel-good nanny-state program. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 29 – 13 on May 25, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on June 4, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 13, 2011.

14 – AB259: Allows fees that are charged and collected in civil actions to be redirected to new programs. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased the scope of government. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 27 – 15 on May 25, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on June 5, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

15 – AB289: Establishes new regulatory authority over dietitians, including a new license fee. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased fees as well as unnecessary government regulation. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 30 – 12 on April 25, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 18 – 3 on May 27, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 5, 2011.

16 – AB299: Creates a new subsidized car insurance program. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it adds a new entitlement and allows the government to compete with private enterprise. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 29 – 13 on April 26, 2011 and then died in the Senate.

17 – AB304: Establishes new licensing and fees for fire performers. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it created new, unnecessary, regulatory authority and increased fees. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 37 – 5 on April 26, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on May 28, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 2, 2011.

18 – AB309: Increases the regulations on Nevada’s healthcare sector. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it established a new mandate on insurance companies that will, inevitably, drive up premiums. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 33 – 9 on April 18, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on May 26, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 6, 2011.

19 – AB401: This bill purportedly reforms Nevada’s construction defect laws. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it mandates attorney fees whether a case is adjudicated or not. It will increase the number of construction defect lawsuits to the benefit of no one but trial attorneys. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 16 on June 5, 2011 and failed in the Senate by a vote of 9 – 12 on June 6, 2011.

20 – AB429: Would expand mobile home park landlord’s requirement to pay moving costs for tenants. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased government regulation. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 16 on April 20, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 21 – 0 on May 11, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on May 19, 2011.

21 – AB433: Allows public employees to stay on payroll while they run and occupy public office. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it makes it easier for public employees to serve in public office which we believe is a violation of the Nevada Constitution. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 16 on April 25, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on May 30, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

22 – AB456: Makes it possible to graduate high school without passing certain sections of the Nevada high school proficiency test. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it “dumbs dow the value of a high school diploma.” It passed the Assembly by a vote of 33 – 9 on April 18, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 13 – 8 on May 25, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 2, 2011.

23 – AB503: Increased the habitat conservation fee. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased fees. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 36 – 5 on June 3, 2011, it failed in the Senate on a vote of 12 – 9 on June 6, 2011, failing to meet the 2/3 requirement. The fee increase was then deleted from the bill and it passed the Senate unanimously on June 7, 2011 and was passed in the Assembly by a voice vote. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011. We based our rating on the first Senate vote since there was a recorded vote on the fee increase in both houses of the Legislature.

24 – AB508: Requires Nevada residents to register mopeds and pay a new fee of $33. Additionally, it requires that helmets be worn by all moped drivers under threat of a misdemeanor. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased fees and unnecessarily expanded the regulatory scope of government. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 33 – 9 on April 26, 2011 and then died in the Senate.

25 – AB546: Places additional regulations on non-profits and private pre-K education providers. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased burdensome and unnecessary government regulations. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 31 – 11 on May 30, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 13 – 8 on June 5, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 15, 2011.

26 – AB552: Mandates DNA collection from anyone arrested for a felony in Nevada whether or not the individual is ever charged or convicted of the crime. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it’s an infringement on personal privacy and the 4^th Amendment. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 31 – 11 on May 27, 2011 and then died in the Senate.

27 – AB561: Increases taxes by extending the Modified Business Tax, Sales and Use Tax, and annual Business License Fee for two additional years. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased taxes. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 36 – 6 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on June 6, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

28 – AB571: Allows adults to smoke tobacco in age-restricted stand-alone bars, taverns and saloons. Citizen Outreach supported this bill because it restored individual freedom and private property rights. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 23 – 19 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 13 – 8 on June 6, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

29 – AB578: Creates nine joint standing committees to meet between legislative sessions. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it essentially creates a year round Legislature, circumventing the Nevada Constitution. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 28 – 14 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on June 6, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

30 – AB579: The Governor’s Education Budget. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased spending which required an increase in taxes. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 34 – 4 on June 4, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on June 5, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

31 – AB580: The Governor’s Civil Administration Budget. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased spending which required an increase in taxes. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 36 – 6 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on June 5, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 14, 2011.

32 – SB34: Expands government’s ability to charge and collect “use” taxes for Internet sales. Citizen Outreach opposes this e-tax bill because it would unduly harm small, online retailers as well as violate the constitutional prohibition on laws that burden interstate commerce. It passed the Senate 21 – 0 on April 7, 2011 and the Assembly May 30, 2011 and was approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

33 – SB48: Authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue permits that restrict the size and weight of vehicles operating on Nevada roads and freeways. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased unnecessary government regulations which could increase consumer prices. It passed the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on April 26, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

34 – SB75: Allows the State Treasurer to use taxpayer money to provide loans to select businesses. Citizen Outreach opposed this “Solyndra” bill because it allows the government to pick and choose winners and losers in the free market and gambles the taxpayer’s money. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 28 – 14 on May 18, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on May 18, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

35 – SB115: Sets the rates that private hospitals in Nevada must accept for certain patients and procedures. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it unnecessarily increases government regulation of private hospitals. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 16 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on June 6, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

36 – SB140: Makes it a crime for a person to use a cell phone for any reason without the use of a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle. Citizen Outreached opposed this bill because it criminalizes activity that can better be discouraged through education and public awareness campaigns and because it places an unrealistic enforcement burden on law enforcement officers. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 24 – 17 on April 26, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on May 30, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

37 – SB144: Requires Nevada auto shops to check the air pressure for each tire on vehicles in for service or repair. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it unnecessarily increases government regulation. It passed the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on April 22, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

38 – SB153: Increases the time in which the State Engineer may grant an extension of time to complete an application for water use from 5 years to 10 years for governmental entities. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it unnecessarily increases the approval time for water permits. It passed the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on April 22, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

39 – SB190: Regulates music therapists in Nevada and allows for a $200 or higher licensure fee. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it unnecessarily increased government regulations and fees. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 30 – 12 on May 28, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on April 26, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 3, 2011.

40 – SB192: Requires an increased portion of the property taxes collected in Washoe and Clark Counties be diverted to their respective Regional Transportation Commissions and those funds may be used to increase their bonding capacity. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it diverted funds from local governments and increased the borrowing capacity of the Regional Transportation Commissions. It passed the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on March 7, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

41 – SB193: Creates a new hair braider license and forces hair stylists to pay a $200 fee. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased unnecessarily increased government regulations and fees. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 40 – 0 on March 21, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 21 – 0 on May 13, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

42 – SB207: Allows the state Labor Commissioner to impose an administrative penalty against an employer who allegedly misclassifies an employee as an independent contractor. Citizen Outreach opposed this punitive bill because it discourages self-employment. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 25 – 13 on Jun 4, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on May 29, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 13, 2011.

43 – SB208: Creates the Task Force on Employee Misclassification. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because its purpose was to unnecessarily increase government regulation in the private sector. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 15 on Jun 4, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on May 29, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 14, 2011.

44 – SB210: Increases the regulations placed on Nevada’s food processors. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it unnecessarily increases government regulation. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 39 – 3 on May 28, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on April 26, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 3, 2011.

45 – SB230: Prohibits school districts from providing food or beverages containing trans-fats. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it unnecessarily increases government regulation. It passed the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on April 22, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

46 – SB231: Authorizes a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed firearm to carry a concealed firearm while on the property of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Citizen Outreach supported this bill because it restores the 2^nd Amendment rights of students. It passed the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on May 28, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

47 – SB254: Changes the mediation process for Homeowner Associations. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it adds layers of bureaucracy and unnecessary regulations. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 35 – 7 on May 30, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on April 26, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

48 – SB268: Requires three years of paying taxes to the State before you may receive preferential status for bidding on certain State contracts. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it gives preferential treatment to existing businesses and stifles competition. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 28 – 14 on May 30, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on April 22, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

49 – SB269: Authorizes "write in voting." Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it circumvents the Primary process. It failed in the Senate by a vote of 1 – 20 on April 26, 2011.

50 – SB281: Requires the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to establish the Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill as an inappropriate meddling in the private sector. It passed the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on April 22, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

51 – SB291: Prohibits a person who is less than 18 years of age to go to a tanning salon without the written consent of a parent or guardian. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill as an unnecessary intrusion into what should solely be parental responsibility. It passed the Senate by a vote of 13 – 8 on April 25, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

52 – SB313: Requires the Energy Commissioner to adopt minimum standards of energy efficiency for portable light fixtures and televisions. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill as an unnecessary expansion of government regulation. It failed in the Senate by a vote of 10 – 11 on June 5, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

53 – SB341: Directs the Legislative Commission to appoint a subcommittee to conduct a study concerning the establishment of a state-owned and operated bank. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it is an inappropriate intrusion of the government in completion with the private sector. It failed in the Senate by a vote of 10 – 11 on June 5, 2011.

54 – SB359: Requires certain businesses to maintain records on age, sex, race and salary information on all employees and makes those records available for audit. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it places an unnecessary burden on State contractors. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 42 – 0 on May 28, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 20 – 1 on April 22, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 13, 2011.

55 – SB360: Makes changes to redevelopment agencies. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it allows redevelopment agencies to loan taxpayer money to private businesses, in competition with the private sector, set certain hiring quotas and extends the life of redevelopment agencies. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 25 – 17 on June 6, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on June 5, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 15, 2011.

56 – SB412: Establishes a Board of Complementary and Integrative Medicines to control and regulate all natural health care. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because as an unnecessay increase in government regulation. It passed the Senate by a vote of 12 – 9 on April 26, 2011 and died in the Assembly.

57 – SB418: Requires the creation of a subcommittee of the Legislative Committee on Health Care. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because two separate committees have already been formed to monitor implementation of the Patient Protection and Health Care Act. This bill would just add an additional layer of bureaucracy. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 26 – 16 on June 6, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 11 – 10 on June 3, 2011. It was then vetoed by the Governor on June 15, 2011.

58 – SB432: This bill makes various changes to regional transportation commissions. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it included a provision that allows Clark County to extend an increase in the sales tax beyond the original expiration date and authorizes the commission to issue bonds based on that extension. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 38 – 4 on May 30, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 14 – 7 on April 22, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 17, 2011.

59 – SB493 Creates the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission and increases taxes to the State. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased taxes on the mining industry without decreasing taxes elsewhere. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 39 – 3 on June 6, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 16 – 5 on June 5, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 16, 2011.

60 – SB503: Governor’s Civil Departments, Boards, Agencies, Commissions and Institutions Budget. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased spending which required an increase in taxes. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 36 – 6 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on June 4, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 14, 2011.

61 – SB504: Governor’s Capital Improvement Budget. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased spending which required an increase in taxes. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 36 – 6 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on June 4, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 14, 2011.

62 – SB505: Governor’s State Employees Compensation Budget. Citizen Outreach opposed this bill because it increased spending which required an increase in taxes. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 36 – 6 on June 5, 2011 and passed in the Senate by a vote of 15 – 6 on June 4, 2011. It was then approved by the Governor on June 14, 2011.