New Legislator Orientation and Training: 2012-2013

2012-2013 Schedule

Phase I Orientation – November 28, 29, and 30 to be held in Carson City

Phase II Issue Briefs – December 6 and December 13 to be videoconferenced among Carson City, Elko, and Las Vegas

Phase III Academy – January 14, 15, 16, and 17 to be held in Carson City

Wednesday, November 28, 2012
9:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m.	Continental Breakfast—Room 3100
10:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m.	Welcome—Room 3100 Senate and Assembly Leadership
10:15 a.m.—10:45 a.m.	Overview of the Legislative Counsel Bureau—Room 3100 Rick Combs, Director Roger Wilkerson, Chief, Administrative Division Paul V. Townsend, Legislative Auditor, Audit Division Mark Krmpotic, Senate Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division Cindy Jones, Assembly Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division Brenda J. Erdoes, Legislative Counsel, Legal Division Donald O. Williams, Research Director, Research Division
10:45 a.m.—11:15 a.m.	Legislator Compensation, Benefits, and Travel—Room 3100 Chuck Mahoney, Chief Accountant, Accounting Unit, Administrative Division
11:15 a.m.—11:45 a.m.	Tour of the Legislative Building
11:45 a.m.—Noon	Break
Noon—1:45 p.m.	Senate Lunch—Office of the Secretary of the Senate David Byerman, Secretary of the Senate Assembly Lunch—Office of the Chief Clerk of the Assembly Susan Furlong, Chief Clerk of the Assembly
1:45 p.m.—2:00 p.m.	Break
2:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.	Individual Legislator Activities—First Floor Foyer, Legislative Building
5:30 p.m.	Group Dinner (bus leaves at this time)

Thursday, November 29, 2012
7:45 a.m.—8:30 a.m.	Breakfast—Room 3100
8:30 a.m.—8:45 a.m.	Break
8:45 a.m.—11:45 a.m.	Legislative Counsel Bureau: Presentations from Divisions—Room 4100 Legal Division: The Legislature's Lawyer Brenda J. Erdoes, Legislative Counsel Audit Division: Assessing Performance Paul V. Townsend, Legislative Auditor Handout Break Fiscal Analysis Division: Preparing the Budget and Forecasting Revenue Mark Krmpotic, Senate Fiscal Analyst Cindy Jones, Assembly Fiscal Analyst Research Division Donald O. Williams, Research Director Research Analysts: Linking Research to Policy Handout Research Library and Research Publications: Preserving the Record Handout Constituent Services Unit: Serving Your Constituents Handout
11:45 a.m.—12:15 p.m.	Break
12:15 p.m.—1:45 p.m.	Luncheon—Old Assembly Chamber Table Topic: What I Know Now That I Wish I Had Known Then Roundtable Discussion with Returning Legislators Program: Remembering Citizen Legislators: The Nevada Legislature Oral History Project Dana R. Bennett, Ph.D., Bennett Historical Research Services
2:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.	Individual Legislator Activities
(4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.)	Optional Tour of Carson City
5:00 p.m.	Dinner (individual responsibility)

Friday, November 30, 2012
7:30 a.m.—8:30 a.m.	Breakfast—Room 3100 Invited Guests from the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
8:30 a.m.— 8:45 a.m.	Break
8:45 a.m.—9:30 a.m.	Ethics Basic Training—Room 4100 Eileen O'Grady, Chief Deputy Legislative Counsel, Legal Division Handout
9:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m.	Annual Filings of Contribution and Expense Reports—Room 4100 Office of the Secretary of State Nicole Lamboley, Chief Deputy Secretary of State Scott Gilles, Deputy Secretary for Elections
10:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m..	Break
10:15 a.m.—11:15 a.m.	Introduction to the Legislature's Website and Electronic Legislative Tools—Room 4100 Teresa Wilt, Assistant Librarian, Research Library
11:15 a.m.—11:45 a.m.	Safety and Security Procedures—Room 4100 Bob Milby, Chief, Legislative Police
11:45 a.m.—Noon	Review and Preview of Issue Briefings and Academy—Room 4100 Rick Combs, Director, LCB
Noon—1:30 p.m.	Luncheon—Room 3100 Informal Discussion: Organizing Your Legislative Office for Session Returning Legislators and Staff
1:30 p.m.	Individual Legislator Activities (by appointment)

Presession Orientation Program for New Legislators 2012

Briefings on Selected Policy Issues

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Location: Room 4401, Grant Sawyer State Office Building, Las Vegas, Nevada; videoconferenced to Room 3137, Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada; and Great Basin College, Room 124, Greenhaw Technical Arts Building, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, Nevada.

9:00 a.m.—Public Employees: Benefits and Retirement

At this two-part briefing, legislators will receive information about the Public Employees' Retirement System and the Public Employees' Benefits Program.

The Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan that provides retirement and disability benefits to State and local government employees in Nevada, including nonprofessional staff of the Nevada System of Higher Education. The Legislature oversees PERS, but the day-to-day operations are handled by an independent board and its executive officer and staff. The Legislative Retirement System and the Judicial Retirement System are also within PERS. Both nationally and in Nevada, state legislatures and local governments are grappling with the issues associated with unfunded liabilities. The economic recession, baby boomers reaching retirement age, shrinking State and local government workforces, and more stringent accounting rules are some of the challenges currently faced by PERS.

The Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP) is the entity that offers health and other insurance benefits to State employees and employees of local governments who voluntarily elect to participate in the Program. In addition to providing insurance benefits to active State and participating local government employees, the Program also makes insurance available to non-Medicare-eligible retirees. In 2010, the PEBP Board took action to move Medicare-eligible retirees (generally those 65 years of age and older) to an Individual Market Medicare Exchange for the 2012 plan year—making Nevada the first state to do so. The Legislature oversees PEBP, but the day-to-day operations are handled by an independent board and its executive director and staff. State revenue constraints and budget issues are challenges for PEBP, along with continuing increases in the cost of health care and implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act. In the current biennium, in order to address a budget shortfall, the Board increased deductibles and gave active employees a subsidy on their monthly premiums in the form of a contribution to a Health Savings Account.

Presenters: James R. Wells, Executive Officer, PEBP; Dana K. Bilyeu, Executive Officer, PERS; and Susan E. Scholley, Chief Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

10:30 a.m.—Health and Human Services

In this session, legislators will briefly review major health and human services topics, including an update on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (federal health care reforms); Medicaid and Nevada Check Up; caseload growth for certain supportive services; funding hospitals for the care of indigent patients; juvenile justice system reforms; and county assessments for certain human services that were approved by the 2011 Legislature. Legislators will also receive information concerning the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reorganization plans.

Presenters: Michael J. Willden, Director, DHHS; Jane Gruner, Deputy Director, DHHS; Amber Howell, Administrator, Division of Child and Family Services, DHHS; Marsheilah D. Lyons, Supervising Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB; and Kirsten Bugenig, Senior Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

1:45 p.m.—Economic Development and Tourism

At this briefing, legislators will learn about efforts to expand Nevada businesses and attract new enterprise to the State. The session will cover the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, regional development authorities, and partners in such key areas as education and workforce development. Legislators will learn about recent efforts in the development of Nevada's economy in seven key industry sectors, as well as accomplishments in global business development. Legislators will also be briefed on strengths, weaknesses, and current issues in the economic development environment.

The second portion of this session will include a presentation highlighting Nevada's efforts to promote tourism in the State. Legislators will learn about key issues impacting the State's Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the primary functions of the Division of Tourism, and potential tourism related issues that may arise during the 2013 Legislative Session. Also included will be a brief overview of the Nevada Governor's Conference on Tourism, which was held in Sparks, Nevada, on December 4 and 5, 2012. Finally, Legislators will learn about interagency efforts to coordinate tourism and economic development activities.

Presenters: Doug van Aman, Regional Director, Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development; Claudia Vecchio, Director, Nevada's Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs; Michael J. Stewart, Chief Principal Policy Analyst, Research Division, LCB; and Kelly Richard, Senior Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

3:15 p.m.—Judiciary

During this session, legislators will receive an overview of the wide range of subjects that typically fall within the scope of the Judiciary committees. These topics include the corrections system; the court system; crimes and punishments; criminal procedure; domestic violence; family law; juvenile justice; and sex offenders as well as business and corporate law, gaming, and property rights. Legislators will also receive focused briefings on the statutory Advisory Commission on the Administration of Justice, common-interest communities (i.e., homeowners' associations) and Nevada's court system, and will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of interest.

Presenters: John McCormick, Court Services Supervisor, Nevada Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts; Gail Anderson, Administrator, Real Estate Division, Department of Business and Industry; Dave Ziegler, Supervising Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB; Nicolas Anthony, Senior Principal Deputy Legislative Counsel, Legal Division, LCB; and Melinda Martini, Principal Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

Presession Orientation Program for New Legislators 2012

Briefings on Selected Policy Issues

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Location: Room 4401, Grant Sawyer State Office Building, Las Vegas, Nevada; and Room 3137, Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada; and videoconferenced to Great Basin College, Room 124, Greenhaw Technical Arts Building, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, Nevada.

9:00 a.m.—Education: Public K-12

As a topic, public education draws a significant amount of attention during the legislative session in both the policy committees and the budget committees. Legislative staff will provide a brief overview of key features of the elementary-secondary policy and program report. The Superintendent of Public Instruction will then provide a briefing about K-12 education in Nevada, including issues involving governance, school district personnel, graduation rates, selected state rankings, and state-funded categorical programs.

Presenters: James W. Guthrie, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction; Pepper Sturm, Chief Deputy Research Director, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

10:30 a.m.—Education: Higher Education

Higher education is increasingly viewed as a key factor in a state's overall health. College graduates provide the expertise that drives economic development, while they also tend to be less dependent on the social safety net. Legislative staff will provide a brief overview of higher education in Nevada. The Chancellor will then provide a briefing about the Nevada System of Higher Education, including structure and governance, strategic initiatives, and proposed changes to the State funding formula.

Presenters: Daniel J. Klaich, Chancellor, Nevada System of Higher Education; Todd Butterworth, Senior Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

1:15—Taxes

An overview of the functions and responsibilities of the Department of Taxation with respect to State and local taxation will be provided during this session. Legislators will also receive information on the Economic Forum's Forecast of General Fund Revenues for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, FY 2014, and FY 2015, approved by the Forum on November 30, 2012, with the focus on the State's major General Fund revenue sources. Legislators will learn about the tax changes approved by the 2011 Legislature (set to sunset in 2013), and their relation to the Economic Forum's Forecast for FY 2014 and FY 2015.

Presenters: Christopher G. Nielsen, Executive Director, Department of Taxation; Russell J. Guindon, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, LCB; Michael Nakamoto, Deputy Fiscal Analyst; Fiscal Analysis Division, LCB; Joe Reel, Deputy Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, LCB Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

2:45—Transportation

In this session, the Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Transportation (NDOT) will provide a brief overview of their Departments and review current transportation issues. Meet the new Director of DMV and his staff, as they discuss self-service kiosks, web-based service improvements, veteran's exemptions, the Nevada Live program, the fair share initiative, and the new off-highway vehicle program. Presenters from NDOT will discuss the Department's legislative outreach plan, toll roads, public-private partnerships, road relinquishments, transportation's role in economic development, the construction manager at risk (CMAR) program, federal funding update, and safety initiatives including the Zero Fatalities campaign.

Presenters: Troy L. Dillard, Director, DMV; Nancy Wojcik, Administrator, Field Services Division, DMV; Deborah Cook, Administrator, Administrative Services Division, DMV; Rudy Malfabon, Director, NDOT; Bill Hoffman, Deputy Director, NDOT; Jered McDonald, Senior Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB; and Jennifer Ruedy, Senior Research Analyst, Research Division, LCB Presenters' Biographies | Handouts

Monday, January 14, 2013
8:15 a.m.—8:45 a.m.	Breakfast—Welcome and Preview—Room 3100 Rick Combs, Director, Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB)
8:45 a.m.—9:00 a.m.	Break
9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.	Public Policy and the Legislature—Room 4100 Larry Gerston, Ph.D., San Jose State University Handout
11:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.	Break
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.	Luncheon and Panel Discussion: Being an Effective Legislator—Room 3100 Former Speaker of the Assembly Barbara E. Buckley Former Senator Randolph J. Townsend
1:00 p.m.—1:30 p.m.	Break
1:30 p.m.—5:30 p.m.	Negotiation and Consensus Building—Room 2144 David Landis, Former Nebraska State Senator Handout

Tuesday, January 15, 2013
8:00 a.m.—8:30 a.m.	Breakfast—Room 3100
8:30 a.m.—8:45 a.m.	Break
8:45 a.m.—9:00 a.m.	120-Day Calendar—Room 4100 Rick Combs, Director, Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB)
9:00 a.m.—10:30 a.m.	The Paper Chase: How a Bill Becomes a Law, Process and Content—Room 4100 Rick Combs, Director, LCB Research Division, LCB Susan Scholley, Chief Principal Research Analyst Handout Michael Stewart, Chief Principal Research Analyst Handout
10:30 a.m.—10:45 a.m.	Break
10:45 a.m.—11:30 a.m.	Beyond Google: Quality Research for Policy Decisions—Room 4100 Research Division, LCB H. Pepper Sturm, Chief Deputy Research Handout
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.	Luncheon and Program: Practical Advice on Legislating—Room 4100 Returning Legislators and Former Legislators
1:00 p.m.—1:15 p.m.	Break
1:15 p.m.—2:00 p.m.	Budget Process and Revenue Forecasts—Room 4100 Fiscal Analysis Division, LCB Handout Mark Krmpotic, Senate Fiscal Analyst Cindy Jones, Assembly Fiscal Analyst Russell J. Guindon, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
2:00 p.m.—2:30 p.m.	Fiscal Notes—Room 4100 Fiscal Analysis Division, LCB Michael Nakamoto, Deputy Fiscal Analyst Handout
2:30 p.m.—2:45 p.m.	Break
2:45 p.m.—3:30 p.m.	Working with Constituents—Room 4100—Room 4100 Research Division, LCB Paul Mouritsen, Manager, Constituent Services Unit (CSU) Beverly Mobley, Assistant Manager, CSU Kay Graves, Research Analyst, CSU Handout
3:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m.	Working with the Media—Room 4100 Robert D. Fisher, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nevada Broadcasters Association Barry Smith, Executive Director, Nevada Press Association
4:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.	Working with Lobbyists—Room 4100 Michael Hillerby, Director of Legislative Affairs, Kaempfer Crowell Renshaw Groanauer & Fiorentino Randy Robison, Director of State Legislative Affairs, CenturyLink
4:30 p.m.—4:45 p.m.	Announcements
5:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m.	Reception, Plaza Event Center 211 East Ninth Street, Carson City

Wednesday, January 16, 2013
7:30 a.m.—8:00 a.m.	Breakfast—Foyer, State Printing Office—301 South Stewart Street
8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m.	NELIS Training for New Legislators—Training Room, State Printing Office Information Technology Services Unit Staff, Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB)
9:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m.	Break
10:00 a.m.—12:00 noon	*Time Management—Room 1214 Introduction—Senator Kelvin Atkinson, 2012-2013 Chair, Council of State Governments-West Kevin Stacey, TrainRight Inc., WESTRAIN Speakers Bureau, Council of State Governments-West Handout
12:00 noon—1:00 p.m.	Lunch (Individual Responsibility)
1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.	*Acting Ethically in the Legislative Environment—Room 1214 Introduction—Senator Debbie Smith, 2012-2013 Vice President, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Peggy Kerns, Director, Center for Ethics in Government, NCSL Handouts
6:00 p.m.	State of the State Address—Assembly Chamber Governor Brian Sandoval
* open to all legislators

Thursday, January 17, 2013
8:00 a.m.—8:30 a.m.	Breakfast—Room 3100
Mock Committee Hearings and Mock Floor Sessions—Part I
8:30 a.m.—12:00 noon	Assembly Rules and Procedures—Assembly Chamber Assembly Mock Committee Hearings—Room 4100 Mock Floor Session—Assembly Chamber Susan Furlong, Chief Clerk of the Assembly Invited Returning Legislators
10:00 a.m.—12:00 noon	Senate Rules and Procedures—Senate Chamber Senate Mock Committee Hearings—Room 1214 Mock Floor Session—Senate Chamber David Byerman, Secretary of the Senate Invited Returning Legislators
12:00 noon—1:00 p.m.	Lunch Senate Caucus Room Assembly Caucus Room
Mock Committee Hearings and Mock Floor Session—Part II
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.	Assembly Mock Committee Hearings—Room 4100 Mock Floor Session—Assembly Chamber Susan Furlong, Chief Clerk of the Assembly Invited Returning Legislators
1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.	Senate Mock Committee Hearings—Room 1214 David Byerman, Secretary of the Senate Invited Returning Legislators