Legislative Briefs for April 6

Coins commemorate 2011 Legislature

(Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau) - Silver and bronze medallions commemorating the 2011 Legislature are now on sale at the Legislative gift shop.

The numbered silver medallions minted by Assembly Speaker John Oceguera and Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, both D-Las Vegas, each contain an ounce of pure silver. They are on sale for $60 apiece.

The bronze medallions are unnumbered and available for $10 apiece.

The face of each medallion features the newest state emblem, the Vivid Dancer Damselfly - Nevada's official state insect. The reverse side features the state seal.

Bill seeks gambling on mobile devices

(AP) - Gamblers could take the games back to their hotel rooms if a new bill passes.

Nevada legislators are considering a bill to allow patrons to gamble on casino-issued mobile devices anywhere in a hotel-casino.

Bill proponents say mobile gambling would simply mirror the way people use smartphones to talk and text wherever they go. They describe it as an evolution that bridges traditional card games on a casino floor and Internet gambling.

No action was taken Tuesday.

SB303 fights misuse of handicap placards

(AP) - Wheelchair-bound Nevadans are backing a bill that would crack down on doctors liberally signing off on handicap placards.

SB303 is sponsored by Fallon Republican Sen. Mike McGinness and would require doctors to include medical evidence of a person's permanent disability along with a DMV application for a placard.

State law has strict eligibility requirements, but proponents say doctors can simply check a box and are not held accountable for enforcing rules.

Bill proponent Ed Gobel uses a mechanized wheelchair. He said being unable to find a parking spot that fits his wheelchair lift often keeps him isolated at home.

No action was taken.