Domestic violence programs to get aid

CARSON CITY -- A measure adding $5 to the cost of Nevada marriage licenses and official copies of marriage certificates, to help fund programs aimed at stopping domestic violence, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Jim Gibbons.

Under SB14, the higher fees would generate about $1.6 million a year for the programs. Advocates said that would help cover a big shortfall in money for such programs around the state. The cost of a marriage license varies from county to county. In Clark County, the additional charge takes the cost of a marriage license to $60.

Gibbons is opposed to higher fees and taxes, but spokesman Dan Burns said that in the case of SB14 "domestic violence is such a serious issue, sometimes a matter of life and death, the governor considers a $5 increase worth the price."