Nevada Restaurants

Civil Liability for Consumption of Alcohol

SB7, which establishes civil liability for certain acts involving the use of controlled substances and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, was originally heard on March 8, in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.  The bill was amended and do passed as amended out of the committee that day, with the amendment changing the word “unlawfully” to “knowingly” when establishing civil liability for an individual who knowingly serves or sells a controlled substance to another individual or minor in certain circumstances.  On Wednesday, April 18, the bill passed the full Senate as amended by a vote of 19 to 2.  The association is monitoring this bill with concern that it could be amended to include restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Workforce Development Grant Funding

             SB351, which would make an appropriation to fund industry sector grants for targeted workforce objectives, was heard in the Senate Committee on Finance on Friday, April 13. Sponsored by Senator Horsford and supported by Danny Thompson of the AFL-CIO and the Association, the debate centered on the need for strategic efforts to develop qualified employees, a new challenge in this tight labor market. The sponsor appreciated our support, as did the committee, which realized that these new workforce challenges need to be dealt with strategically with coordinated resources--both government and private. No formal action was taken on the bill because it is exempt as part of resolution of budget issues this session.

Governing the Possession of Weapons

On April 12, the Assembly Judiciary Committee held a work session on AB107 , which revises the provisions governing the possession of weapons at certain locations.  Existing law already prohibits the possession of certain weapons on the property of the Nevada System of Higher Education or a private or public school, and this bill adds a dangerous knife to the list of prohibited weapons.  The bill was amended to make an exception allowing students or staff members on school campuses to possess a knife for legitimate learning or educational purposes, and was do passed as amended out of the committee.  The bill will no go to the Assembly Floor for a vote by the full Assembly.