New laws affect millions in Nevada

By Cy Ryan

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Almost 20 new laws that were approved by the Legislature last year took effect this week.

Among the changes: More than 50,000 low-paid workers in Nevada are going to get a raise, and delinquent taxpayers will be able to settle up with the state without paying penalty and interest.

There are new laws on requirements for getting a mortgage broker license, on permitting foster children to go to school out of their zones and on tightening registration rules on sex offenders.

A state budget of an estimated $3.5 billion also goes into effect. It carries a 4 percent pay raise for the 16,000 state workers.

Here is a look at some of the new laws, which took effect Tuesday:

• Minimum wage — A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2004 and 2006 requires annual raises for minimum-wage workers. The wage for workers who are not covered by company health insurance goes from $6.33 to $6.85 an hour. For those who have health insurance, pay goes from $5.30 to $5.85 an hour.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Tanchek said the minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the cost of living, but it can’t go up more than 3 percent. The minimum wage, he said, is paid in a variety of occupations.

For instance, it may be paid to waiters and waitresses or casino dealers who make money from tips. Or it may be paid to salespeople who earn most of their income from commissions.

• Tax amnesty — In an effort to generate more tax revenue for the state in this difficult time, Gov. Jim Gibbons has called for a tax amnesty program. Right now about $76 million is owed in sales and use taxes, modified business taxes and business license fees.

Those who pay their back taxes will escape the penalty and interest due in the program, which runs through Sept. 30.

A similar amnesty in 2002 brought in more than $7.3 million from tardy taxpayers.

• Electronic filing — Businesses that make payments in excess of $10,000 to the state Taxation Department must do it electronically. Department Director Dino DiCianno said the system is being upgraded. But companies that can’t connect with the state may continue to file their returns the normal way.

• Budget — The state’s $3.5 billion budget, shaved by Gibbons and legislators, provides money to public schools. But there are increases. For instance, the average state basic support per student will go from $5,122 to $5,323. In Clark County, it will increase from $4,891 to $5,051.

In addition to the pay raise for state workers, the state’s contribution to the health insurance plan rises from $557 to $626 a month, and the subsidy for state retirees goes from $365 to $410.

• Mileage — The mileage rate paid to witnesses who appear for court proceedings is increased to coincide with the federal government’s standard, which is 58.5 cents per mile. The rate for witnesses in Nevada had been 19 cents per mile since 1981.

• Special property tax — Clark and Washoe counties will start transferring part of the proceeds from the special 5 cent property tax to the state. The percentage going to the state increases each year until it reaches 60 percent in 2012. Twelve percent of the state’s share will go to the Transportation Department for projects in Clark and Washoe counties, said Rudy Malfabon, deputy state transportation director.

• Mortgage brokers — Those who want a license as a mortgage broker will be required to take 30 hours of education or pass an examination. Regulations on content of the examination are being written, so those who want a license immediately will have to complete the 30 hours of education.

• Foster children — Foster children will have school choice. Their guardians may enroll them in a public school outside the attendance zones where they live.

• Cancer grant — A new law provides a $2.5 million grant to the Nevada Cancer Institute.

• Offenders — One new law doesn’t go into effect this week because it’s being challenged in court. It toughens the law on registration of sex offenders and offenders against children. It was adopted to comply with the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and requires certain ex-offenders to check in more often with authorities.

Two suits have been filed challenging the new law, which changes the way states classify sex offenders. On Monday, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that sides with the American Civil Liberties Union and blocks this law for now.