Rookie lawmakers to get additional training

By Cy Ryan

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 | 1:50 a.m.

CARSON CITY – There are going to be at least 28 rookies in the 63-member Nevada Legislature in 2011 and they will be in training camp for a longer time than normal.

Because of the large number of new members, the freshmen might become chairpersons or vice chairpersons of committees or serve on the important budget committees that decide how state money is spent.

Lorne Malkiewich, director of the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau, is getting ready to have extensive training before the session begins on Feb. 7 and at key points during the 120-day meeting.

“We have lost almost all of our most experienced legislators, the ones who have the most to share with new members,” Malkiewich told the Committee To Consult With The Director.

Instead of hours and individual monitoring, there could be days and it will be in a classroom setting.

Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, said it pays off to have training for the newcomers.

Malkiewich noted this session will also deal with reapportionment, which will require training for new members.

In the past, there was little turnover on the Senate Finance Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee because of so many experienced members serving. He said there was “little need for new members to learn quickly.”

But this session there could be a large number of freshmen on the Ways and Means Committee and the training will not only be for freshmen on a money committee but any new members as well.