Another call for annual legislative sessions emerges

By Cy Ryan

Monday, March 27, 2017 | 10:20 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Sen. Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, hopes that the third time is a charm.

A proposed constitutional amendment was introduced in the Senate Monday to switch the Legislature to annual sessions and to open the door for pay raises for lawmakers.

The Nevada Constitution now provides for 120-day biennial sessions — occurring during odd-number years — with the pay of lawmakers cut off after the 60th day, which is April 6. Legislators are paid $150 a day.

The measure, SJR11, calls for annual sessions with the regular session at 90 days in the odd number years and 45 days in the even years.

It would set up a commission to decide the lawmaker pay. Now the legislators get a raise every two years based on the Consumer Price Index. Lawmakers also receive a per diem allowance and a housing stipend for the full session.

Segerblom said he has bipartisan support this session to pass the legislation. To advance, it would have to be approved by the 2019 Legislature and then passed by the voters.

A similar resolution was introduced in 2013 and was approved by lawmakers. But it failed to get the passage in the 2015 Legislature. The process starts over again and if successful would be presented to voters in 2020.