Confusion about bill causes hiccup during Nevada Senate votes

CARSON CITY — A bill requiring a court to appoint an attorney to represent a child in cases of alleged abuse or neglect passed on a second attempt on Monday after some confusion on the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 305 included a fee increase to $6 for recording certain documents to fund legal services for abused and neglected services, meaning it needed more than a simple majority to clear the house.

When it was first brought to a vote, the measure received a vote of 13-8, one vote shy of the two-thirds supermajority that would be needed for passage because of the fee increase.

After floor discussion, it was clarified that the bill would not prohibit a court from also appointing a guardian to represent a child in abuse or neglect cases — only that the attorney and the guardian cannot be the same person.

After reconsideration, the Senate approved the bill 17-4. It now goes to the Assembly.

The legislation was among 19 bills that the Senate passed — many unanimously — late Monday before adjourning at 9:20 p.m. The chamber is scheduled to convene again at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Among the bills passed were:

■ Senate Bill 250, requiring peace officer certification for constable candidates in certain cities.

■ Senate Bill 339, to change the date for vehicles that can qualify for vintage license plates from 1942 to 1961.

■ Senate Bill 408, which would set parameters for child sex change operations.

■ Senate Bill 411, allowing for the veterinary care of feral cats.

■ Senate Bill 413, to create Public Lands Day on the last day of September.

■ Senate Bill 416, the creation of an apprenticeship program for medical marijuana establishments.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3821. Follow @SandraChereb on Twitter.