Tuesday, May 20, 2003 | 9:38 a.m.
Assembly OKs math test moratorium
Despite objections from Republicans, the state Assembly on Monday approved a moratorium on the math portion of the high school proficiency exam.
Assembly Bill 179, sponsored by Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, allows high school seniors who fail the math portion of the exam this year to still obtain a diploma and graduate if they have met all other requirements.
The measure also allows students to retake portions of the test they have failed, and authorizes administering the test in a student's native language. An amendment added to the bill last week puts a two-year moratorium on the math portion of the exam and requires the state Education Department to study it.
The bill passed 31-11 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Resolution would reduce regents to 9
A divided Assembly approved a resolution Monday that changes the way the university regents are chosen.
Assembly Joint Resolution 11, requested by Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, reduces the number of regent districts to nine and provides that six of those nine will be appointed by the governor.
Just three regents will be subject to a vote of the people, under the measure.
Segway classified as pedestrian
The Assembly transitioned into a new era for pedestrians when it approved classifying the high-tech scooter Segway as the equivalent of someone walking down the street.
Senate Bill 363, which passed unanimously defines Segways and motorized wheelchairs as pedestrians for purposes of traffic laws.
The Segway is an upright, two-wheeled, battery-powered scooter which turns in almost a virtual manner with just the slightest movement from the rider's hands.
The devices, which can reach speeds of 12 mph, sell for just under $5,000 and are used in other states by law enforcement.
SB363 now goes to Gov. Kenny Guinn for consideration.
Senate OKs traffic relief plan
The Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill to allow $2.7 billion to be spent over the next 25 years to eliminate traffic congestion and other transportation problems in Southern Nevada.
The Senate agreed with an Assembly amendment to Senate Bill 237 that requires Clark County officials to provide more detailed information yearly on how the money is spent and what has been accomplished.
The plan, approved by Clark County voters last November, calls for a one-quarter of a cent increase in the sales tax; an additional one cent per gallon on jet aviation fuel; and increased taxes or fees on developers.
The money will add 425 high-speed-line miles of road, local traffic signal system improvements and additional mass transit vehicles and routes.
The bill goes to Gov. Kenny Guinn.
Panel pushes lawmakers' pay
The Senate Finance Committee introduced a proposed constitutional amendment to allow legislators to be paid for the full 120 days of the session.
Lawmakers now earn $130 per day for the first 60 days of the session. Senate Joint Resolution 11 would give the lawmakers pay for each day of service.
In addition the lawmakers would receive a "reasonable allowance" for postage, newspapers, telecommunications and stationery. That is capped now at $60.
The resolution would have to be passed by two sessions of the Legislature and then ratified by the voters in 2006.
archive
