Lawmakers pass bill funding special session

As its first official order of business today, the 21st special session of the Nevada Legislature unanimously approved funding to cover costs of the session.

SB1 appropriates $250,000 to the Legislature Fund to cover staff, expenses and legislative salaries for the 63 members of the legislature who are convened to consider possible impeachment and removal of State Controller Kathy Augustine.

Lorne Malkiewich, director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, said the amount is an estimate based on how long the session can be expected to last. Some of the items normally approved at the beginning of the session - such as postage and telephone allowances for lawmakers, were left out of this special session budget.

But the biggest savings in taxpayer dollars are expected to come from the decision to only have Senators and Assembly members there and in session when they are needed. This means the Senate will be in recess until after the Assembly decides whether to issue articles of impeachment.

Then both houses will be in recess for at least 10 days while Augustine prepares her defense. After that, the Assembly will remain in recess while the Senate returns to conduct her trial.

Lawmakers do not receive either pay or per diem expenses during the recess periods.

The cost of the session is estimated at $12,000 to $15,000 a day.

Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at nevadaappeal@sbcglobal.net or at 687-8750.