Gov. Jim Gibbons on Monday voiced opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow for a Nevada lottery to raise money for books, computers and other educational materials for schools.
Gibbons, who as governor has no control over the constitutional amendment process, said he didn't believe that running a lottery is "a proper function of government." He added that the state shouldn't be competing with the state's biggest industry, gambling.
The proposed amendment passed by a 29-13 vote last week in the Assembly on a mostly party-line vote.
The proposal now moves to the state Senate for final legislative action. If it's approved by the Legislature this year and again in 2009, voters in 2010 would have the final say on whether to allow a state lottery.
CARSON CITY
Data-mining companies dispute violating law
Data-mining companies are disputing allegations that they violated Nevada law by purchasing data on doctors' prescribing practices, saying that existing law was written to protect the privacy of patients, not physicians.
State Sen. Joe Heck, R-Henderson, sponsored Senate Bill 231 to end the companies' practice of collecting data about which doctors prescribe what drugs. Heck said Monday he gave the companies months to show any public good done with the data, but got nothing convincing.
Research and marketing can be done adequately with aggregate data that doesn't include doctors' names, added Heck, who is a doctor.
CARSON CITY
Mining industry, group agree on mercury bill
Nevada's mining industry, a watchdog group and two victims of mercury poisoning said Monday they endorse a scaled-back bill to increase inspections of mercury emissions at mining operations.
The Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee heard testimony on Assembly Bill 115, with no one opposing the measure. Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, said worker safety was her top priority in crafting the bill.
AB115 would add two new inspectors at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to conduct unannounced visits to mines at least twice per year.
The bill also would require the agency to raise fees to pay for the positions. The fee increase means the bill requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass.
