Two measures to sidestep Gibbons on stimulus included in bill filings

CARSON CITY -- More than 200 measures were proposed Monday in the Nevada Legislature as lawmakers rushed to meet a deadline for bill introductions by individual lawmakers.

With the introductions, the total of bills that change laws and resolutions that would revise the Nevada Constitution stood at more than 800. The deadline was one of several aimed at keeping legislators on track so they will have their work done by the mandatory June 1 end to the 2009 session.

Among Assembly measures were two proposals to sidestep Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons and accept federal stimulus funds for expanded jobless insurance. AB469 and ACR17 would allow for acceptance of stimulus funds for the benefits. Gibbons has said repeatedly that he would reject part of the federal funds that would commit Nevada to increased spending or expanded programs.

Several bills that would change existing tax abatements and exemptions also were introduced, including AB458, which creates an education stabilization account for K-12 education and decreases abatements offered by redevelopment agencies, economic development zones and the state Economic Development Commission.

Also proposed was AB444, which repeals a partial abatement of business taxes that certain employers are allowed during the first four years of operation, and repeals the tax credit provided to insurers that use any building in Nevada as their home office.

Other new measures include AB442, which would impose restrictions on lobbying. The bill would prohibit employees or officers of any state or local agency or institution in Nevada, including members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches, from paying a person to act as a lobbyist.

In the Senate, newly introduced SB299 would allow for payment of stipends and reimbursements to lawmakers under certain circumstances.

Other new Senate measures include SB283, which revises state laws to ensure that the rights of domestic partners are protected; and SB262, which provides for penalties for anyone who cultivates marijuana in amounts greater than what's allowed for medical use.

Also introduced was SB264, which lets local governments impose, increase, decrease and repeal taxes to ensure that they carry out their responsibilities; and SB267, which changes requirements of the state's open meeting law that must be followed by government agencies.