Nevada Lawmakers Sans Job Creation

Nevada lawmakers have been busy this week, hearing bills and creating laws to better the lives of residents in this great state. Problem is — so far I see nothing that creates jobs — something Nevadans are desperate for.

Health care workers could have a state-mandated to-do list if a new bill becomes law. Las Vegas Democratic Assemblyman John Oceguera introduced AB280 which would require hospitals to develop safety checklists to remind workers of tasks such as washing hands after touching a contaminated surface and positively identifying a patient before treatment to avoid mix-ups.

A bill before a state House committee would require a prescription for over-the-counter cold medicines that contain ingredients used to make methamphetamine. Authorities says the easy sale of such products contributes to Nevada’s methamphetamine problem. Detractors dismissed the criticism, saying electronic tracking is an effective tool against abuse.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on SB224 and SB228. The bills would make it illegal to possess or sell synthetic marijuana or bath salts which are smoked or snorted. Opposition was limited to how to best define the drugs, whether specifying compounds or opting for a broader language that would encompass a class of compounds.

Members of the Assembly Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard AB188, which would bar semi-trucks from hauling three trailers and bring Nevada in line with 38 other states. Bill supporters say triple trailers are so long that drivers have difficulty passing them, and the last trailer is vulnerable to flipping over. AB188 would still allow other long trailer configurations that proponents say are easier to maneuver.

A bill introduced in the Nevada Assembly would create a license plate specifically for female veterans. Las Vegas Democratic Assemblyman Elliott Anderson introduced AB27 which would add the plates to Nevada’s selection of specialized plates that already include one supporting all veterans. Anderson is a Marine Corps veteran and said the plates would honor women for their service in the predominantly male armed forces. Funds from the plates would go to veterans’ outreach programs.

Critics say a Nevada bill banning air fresheners and candles in public places would lead to stinky rooms and prohibit priests from using candles in Mass. Las Vegas Democratic Assemblyman Paul Aizley presented the proposed legislation, which would set restrictions on pesticides, fragrances and candles to accommodate people with chemical sensitivities. Proponents said air fresheners give them migraines or asthma attacks and prevent them from going to the movies or to restaurants.

Critics counter the bill would affect everything from candlelit restaurants and weddings, not to mention unmasked odors in public bathrooms.

Nevada is also tackling truancy with a bill tying incentives such as teen drivers’ licenses and parents’ hunting licenses to school attendance. The Assembly Education Committee heard AB64, which including provisions that make graduation policies more flexible and others that allow principals to bring law enforcement to investigate a truancy case. It also requires students to show proof of school attendance or graduation before they can get a driver’s license or work permit.

The Nevada Assembly has approved a bill making it easier to buy and sell guns across state lines. AB217 repeals a section of state law that only allows such sales if the buyer and seller live in states adjacent to Nevada. The bill allows sales of rifles and shotguns between a resident of one state and a federally licensed firearms dealer in another state. Sales must comply with the laws of both states included in the transaction.

A bill heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee that would empower Nevada’s attorney general to create task forces to examine fatal domestic violence cases. SB66 would also authorize creation of a panel to examine how domestic violence cases that end in suicide or death are handled.

Under current law only a court or local agency can create task forces to examine domestic violence cases.

So far, all I see is a lot of over-regulation. Finally why is it that the many have to suffer for the whims of the few?