Assembly approves first 2 bills of special session

The Assembly moved quickly Friday morning and approved its first two bills of the Legislature's special session.

It approved a bill to remedy a state Supreme Court ruling on a sales and use tax exemption for meals comped by casinos to employees and patrons. State and local governments could be on the hook for $150 million in refunds if the decision stands. The Supreme Court has been asked to reconsider its decision.

The Assembly also approved a bill to return $36 million, which had been set aside to pay Southern California Edison over a tax issue, to the legislative Interim Finance Committee to help the budget.

In addition to budget cuts of $275 million, the proclamation calling lawmakers to the capital lists several other areas of concern, including changes to both the Parole Board and Pardons Commission processes.

Despite the several dozen items on the agenda, Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said lawmakers will finish their work in one day.