Pubdate: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 Source: Las Vegas Sun (NV) Copyright: 2004 Las Vegas Sun, Inc Contact: http://www.lasvegassun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/234 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/marijuana+initiative Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) STATUS OF PETITIONS Six of the nine initiatives or referendums that could appear on the November ballot are in court or being recounted. Qualified for Ballot # "Education First." This initiative would require the Legislature to pass the education budget before any other appropriations. # Funding schools to the national average. This initiative would require the Legislature to fund per-pupil spending at or above the national average starting in 2012. # Insurance rollbacks. This initiative would cut insurance rates by 20 percent, plus an extra 20 percent for good drivers. It also could limit tort reform proposed in the Keep Our Doctors in Nevada initiative. In the Courts # "Keep Our Doctors in Nevada." This petition would cap non-economic injuries at $350,000 in medical malpractice suits. A group on Wednesday asked the state Supreme Court to pull the initiative from the ballot, saying it violates several constitutional provisions. The court has not yet responded. # Regulation of marijuana. This initiative would allow adults 21 years and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana while increasing penalties for selling drugs to minors and driving under the influence. The petition has not yet qualified. A full verification of signatures must be completed by Aug. 31. Backers of this initiative won a separate lawsuit in federal court but it is still unclear if the issue will be appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Two petitions could be affected by a case in the state Supreme Court that will be heard Aug. 31. The court will hear arguments about whether petition gatherers followed the law and the court could invalidate some signatures and that could disqualify the following petitions: # Frivolous lawsuits. This initiative would penalize attorneys who pursue frivolous lawsuits. It has qualified for the ballot. # Minimum wage. This initiative would raise the minimum wage by $1 an hour. Undergoing Recount # "Axe the Tax." This referendum would repeal the $833 million in taxes passed in the last legislative session. A full verification of signatures must be completed by Aug. 26. Backers have promised to file suit if the initiative does not make the ballot. The Nevada Taxpayers Association has filed a suit in Carson City District Court to challenge the referendum. That challenge is to be heard Aug. 30. # Public employees. This initiative would prohibit public employees from holding elective office. A full verification of signatures must be completed by Aug. 26. Backers have promised to file suit if the initiative does not make the ballot. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake