Opinion ID: 1245833
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether Chapter 403 violates equal protection.

Text: Appellant next argues that the statute as amended withdraws the power of electoral approval over bond issuance from the voters of Clark County, and as such unconstitutionally differentiates them from the class of voters in other counties. This argument is not persuasive. There is no constitutional right to vote on bond issues within this State. Pope v. Williams, 193 U.S. 621, 24 S.Ct. 573, 48 L.Ed. 817 (1904). It was not set forth in either the United States or the Nevada Constitutions. This claimed right was not preserved or retained by the people. A fortiori, only a reasonable basis for a classification which might differentiate between certain classes as to that voting right need be found. Board of Commissioners v. Board of Trustees, 325 N.E.2d 482 (Ind. App. 1975). Whatever right obtains is derived through the legislature, NRS 350.020, as bond elections are creatures of statute. The legislature, having once established the bond-issuance procedure, retains the right to subsequently modify that procedure subject, of course, to constitutional limitations. Here, only the largest county(s) in the state is relieved of holding a bond election. The findings of fact, matters of common knowledge, and/or facts which may be judicially noticed cause this Court to determine that Nevada's larger and more populous county(s) faces demands of rapid growth and encounters diversified kinds of problems and needs in fulfilling the obligation of county hospital services than a rural county. There exists greater needs for more sophisticated services and specialized equipment, a need for more emergency treatment facilities, and the like. Clearly, Clark County must be in a position to attract and retain competent medical staff, particularly since the Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital is the county's only non-proprietary institution. Further, the different authorizations for financing have a rational basis and thus are not arbitrary or unreasonable. Cf. City of Phoenix v. Kolodziesjki, 399 U.S. 204, 90 S.Ct. 1990, 26 L.Ed.2d 523 (1970) (where only real property taxpayers were allowed to vote on general obligation bonds); Cipriano v. City of Houma, 395 U.S. 701, 89 S.Ct. 1897, 23 L.Ed.2d 647 (1969) (only property taxpayers were allowed to vote on revenue bonds). Where a provision of law will serve to further the welfare of the citizens of the state, the court must make every intendment in favor of the validity of the act. State v. Payne, 53 Nev. 193, 295 P. 770 (1931). Furthermore, considering this in conjunction with the facts justifying the distinguishment cause us to conclude that the legislative objective is valid. See, McGowan v. Maryland, 366 U.S. 420, 81 S.Ct. 1101, 6 L.Ed.2d 393 (1961). There is no evidence that the legislature has acted arbitrarily or capriciously in attempting to permit a class of counties meeting specific, objective population qualifications the option of not obtaining electoral approval for a proposed bond issuance. The statute in question does not provide for differential voting rights on the same issue, nor allow voting rights' discrimination within the class. Appellant ignores the fact that all members of each county(s) within the class have equal rights under this statute. The voters in those counties now or hereafter qualifying are not denied equal protection should their county elect to circumvent electoral authorization. Cantwell v. Hudnut, 419 F. Supp. 1301 (S.D.Ind., 1976); Lindauer v. Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Auth., 496 P.2d 1174 (Okl. 1972). Finally, appellant contends that the General Obligation Bond Commission failed to comply with certain provisions of NRS 350.001, et seq., and its action was therefore void. The relevant section reads: NRS 350.0035. Each governing body of a political subdivision which has issued or contemplates issuing general obligation bonds shall submit to the commission, at least 30 days prior to its annual meeting in July, a complete statement of current and contemplated general obligation debt and a report of current and contemplated bond issuance and retirement schedules. Notwithstanding our Lindauer [2] concerns, because of the exigencies present here, we have determined to treat this issue. The reporting requirement was waived by the Bond Commission, and we understand this to have been a general practice followed by the Commission. Appellant suggests the report is jurisdictional and mandatory and that the failure invalidates the proceedings; however, in these circumstances, with the Bond Commission being fully informed concerning Clark County's fiscal condition and plans (this being the doubtless legislative intent), we determine this contention to be without merit. State ex rel. Springmeyer v. Brodigan, 35 Nev. 35, 126 P. 680 (1912). The judgment of the lower court is affirmed. BATJER, C.J., and MOWBRAY and THOMPSON, JJ., concur.