reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281 - General Provisions › NRS 281.641 - Violation, reprisal or retaliatory action against state officer or employee who discloses improper governmental action: Written appeal; hearing; order; negative ruling may not be based on identity of persons to whom disclosure was made; rules of procedure.

1. If any alleged violation of NRS 281.631 occurs or any alleged reprisal or retaliatory action is taken against a state officer or employee who discloses information concerning improper governmental action within 2 years after the information is disclosed, the state officer or employee may file a written appeal, not later than 60 working days after the date on which the alleged violation or reprisal or retaliatory action occurred, with a hearing officer of the Human Resources Commission for a determination of whether a violation of NRS 281.631 occurred or the action taken was a reprisal or retaliatory action, as applicable. The written appeal must be accompanied by a statement that sets forth with particularity, as applicable:
(a) The facts and circumstances relating to the alleged violation of NRS 281.631; or
(b) The facts and circumstances under which the disclosure of improper governmental action was made and the reprisal or retaliatory action that is alleged to have been taken against the state officer or employee.
The hearing must be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in NRS 284.390 to 284.405, inclusive, and the procedures adopted by the Human Resources Commission pursuant to subsection 5.
2. If the hearing officer determines that a violation of NRS 281.631 occurred or the action taken was a reprisal or retaliatory action, the hearing officer may issue an order directing the proper person to desist and refrain from engaging in such a violation or action.
3. The hearing officer shall file a copy of the decision with the Governor or any other elected state officer who is responsible for the actions of that person.
4. The hearing officer may not rule against the state officer or employee based on the person or persons to whom the improper governmental action was disclosed.
5. The Human Resources Commission may adopt rules of procedure for conducting a hearing pursuant to this section that are not inconsistent with the procedures set forth in NRS 284.390 to 284.405, inclusive.
6. As used in this section, "Human Resources Commission" means the Human Resources Commission created by NRS 284.030.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1993; A 1995, 347; 2001, 3050; 2011, 2952; 2019, 810; 2023, 327)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281 - General Provisions › NRS 281.645 - Violation, reprisal or retaliatory action against local governmental officer or employee who discloses improper governmental action: Procedures for hearing appeals established by ordinance; contents of ordinance.

1. A local government shall, by ordinance, establish procedures for hearing an appeal from a local governmental officer or employee who alleges a violation of NRS 281.631 occurred or who:
(a) Disclosed information concerning improper governmental action; and
(b) Believes that as a result of that disclosure, a reprisal or retaliatory action has been taken against the local governmental officer or employee,
to determine whether a violation of NRS 281.631 occurred or whether a reprisal or retaliatory action has been taken against the local governmental officer or employee. The procedures must allow a local governmental officer or employee to file an appeal not later than 2 years after the information is disclosed or the disclosure of which has been prevented or interfered with and require the local governmental officer or employee who desires to file an appeal to file the appeal within 60 days after the alleged violation of NRS 281.631 occurred or the alleged reprisal or retaliatory action was taken against the local governmental officer or employee.
2. An ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection 1 must:
(a) Prescribe the required contents of an appeal;
(b) Provide for the designation or appointment of hearing officers to hear such appeals; and
(c) Provide that if a hearing officer determines that a violation of NRS 281.631 occurred or the action taken was a reprisal or retaliatory action, the hearing officer may issue an order directing:
(1) The proper person to desist and refrain from engaging in such a violation or action; or
(2) The termination of the employment of the proper person.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 3048; A 2019, 811)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281 - General Provisions › NRS 281.651 - Use of provisions for harassment prohibited; disciplinary procedures authorized for disclosure of untruthful information.

1. A state officer or employee or a local governmental officer or employee shall not use the provisions of NRS 281.611 to 281.671, inclusive, to harass another state officer or employee or another local governmental officer or employee, as applicable.
2. The provisions of NRS 281.611 to 281.671, inclusive, do not prohibit a state officer or employee or a local governmental officer or employee from initiating proper disciplinary procedures against another state officer or employee or another local governmental officer or employee, as applicable, who discloses untruthful information concerning improper governmental action.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1993; A 2001, 3051)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281 - General Provisions › NRS 281.661 - Certain materials must be provided to state or local governmental officer or employee; confirmation of receipt required; development and revision of materials.

1. The Administrator of the Division of Human Resource Management of the Department of Administration shall obtain written confirmation that each state officer and employee, not later than 30 days after commencing employment and annually thereafter, received a written summary or viewed a video recording that clearly explains the provisions of NRS 281.611 to 281.671, inclusive, including, without limitation, any action that a hearing officer is authorized to take if the hearing officer determines that reprisal or retaliatory action was taken.
2. The administrative head of a local government shall obtain written confirmation that each local governmental officer or employee, not later than 30 days after commencing employment and annually thereafter, received a written summary or viewed a video recording that clearly explains the provisions of NRS 281.611 to 281.671, inclusive, including, without limitation, any action that a hearing officer is authorized to take if the hearing officer determines reprisal or retaliatory action was taken.
3. The Division of Human Resource Management shall develop and revise as necessary the written summary and video recording described in subsections 1 and 2.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1993; A 2001, 3051; 2019, 811)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281 - General Provisions › NRS 281.671 - Effect of provisions upon criminal law.

NRS 281.611 to 281.671, inclusive, are intended to be directory and preventive rather than punitive, and do not abrogate or decrease the effect of any of the provisions of NRS which define crimes or prescribe punishments with respect to the conduct of state officers or employees or local governmental officers or employees.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1993; A 2001, 3052)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281 - General Provisions › NRS 281.800 - Duty of employer of police officer, firefighter or correctional officer to make available information and counseling relating to mental health issues.

1. The employer of a police officer, firefighter or correctional officer shall make available to the police officer, firefighter or correctional officer:
(a) During the course of employment, information relating to the awareness, prevention, mitigation and treatment of mental health issues, including, without limitation, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and acute stress.
(b) Within 3 months after the retirement of the police officer, firefighter or correctional officer, not more than 2 hours of counseling with a mental health professional to discuss the symptoms, prevention, mitigation and treatment of mental health issues, including, without limitation, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and acute stress.
2. As used in this section:
(a) "Correctional officer" means a person employed by a public employer who is filling a full-time position and whose primary responsibilities are:
(1) The supervision, custody, security, discipline, safety and transportation of a person convicted of a crime under the laws of this State and sentenced to imprisonment in a state prison or detention in a correctional facility of the State or its political subdivisions;
(2) The security and safety of the staff of a state prison or correctional facility of the State or its political subdivisions; and
(3) The security and safety of a state prison or correctional facility of the State or its political subdivisions.
(b) "Firefighter" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 286.042.
(c) "Police officer" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 286.061.
(d) "Public employer" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 286.070.
(Added to NRS by 2021, 2137)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.020 - Legislative findings and declarations.

1. It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this State that:
(a) A public office is a public trust and shall be held for the sole benefit of the people.
(b) A public officer or employee must commit himself or herself to avoid conflicts between the private interests of the public officer or employee and those of the general public whom the public officer or employee serves.
2. The Legislature finds and declares that:
(a) The increasing complexity of state and local government, more and more closely related to private life and enterprise, enlarges the potentiality for conflict of interests.
(b) To enhance the people’s faith in the integrity and impartiality of public officers and employees, adequate guidelines are required to show the appropriate separation between the roles of persons who are both public servants and private citizens.
(c) In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter that are applicable to State Legislators, the Commission must give appropriate weight and proper deference to the public policy of this State under which State Legislators serve as "citizen Legislators" who have other occupations and business interests, who are expected to have particular philosophies and perspectives that are necessarily influenced by the life experiences of the Legislator, including, without limitation, professional, family and business experiences, and who are expected to contribute those philosophies and perspectives to the debate over issues with which the Legislature is confronted.
(d) The provisions of this chapter do not, under any circumstances, allow the Commission to exercise jurisdiction or authority over or inquire into, intrude upon or interfere with the functions of a State Legislator that are protected by legislative privilege and immunity pursuant to the Constitution of the State of Nevada or NRS 41.071.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1103; A 1999, 2730; 2009, 1046)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.030 - Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 281A.032 to 281A.170, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1103; A 1985, 1216, 2122; 1987, 385; 1991, 1594; 1997, 256; 1999, 2731; 2003, 926, 3385; 2003, 20th Special Session, 263; 2005, 2556; 2009, 1047; 2013, 3765; 2017, 2488; 2019, 3419)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.040 - "Business entity" defined.

"Business entity" means an organization or enterprise operated for economic gain, including, without limitation, a proprietorship, partnership, firm, business, company, trust, joint venture, syndicate, corporation or association.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 2120; A 2009, 1047)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.050 - "Candidate" defined.

"Candidate" means any person:
1. Who files a declaration of candidacy; or
2. Whose name appears on an official ballot at any election.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1591; A 1993, 265; 2001, 1955; 2019, 3419)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.065 - "Commitment in a private capacity" defined.

"Commitment in a private capacity," with respect to the interests of another person, means a commitment, interest or relationship of a public officer or employee to a person:
1. Who is the spouse or domestic partner of the public officer or employee;
2. Who is a member of the household of the public officer or employee;
3. Who is related to the public officer or employee, or to the spouse or domestic partner of the public officer or employee, by blood, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity;
4. Who employs the public officer or employee, the spouse or domestic partner of the public officer or employee or a member of the household of the public officer or employee;
5. With whom the public officer or employee has a substantial and continuing business relationship; or
6. With whom the public officer or employee has any other commitment, interest or relationship that is substantially similar to a commitment, interest or relationship described in subsections 1 to 5, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 2013, 3763)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.080 - "Decision" defined.

1. The making of a "decision" is the exercise of governmental power to adopt laws, regulations or standards, render quasi-judicial decisions, establish executive policy or determine questions involving substantial discretion.
2. The term does not include:
(a) The functions of the judiciary.
(b) The functions of a State Legislator that are protected by legislative privilege and immunity pursuant to the Constitution of the State of Nevada or NRS 41.071.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 2121; A 2009, 1047)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.088 - "Ethics complaint" defined.

"Ethics complaint" means a request for an opinion which is filed with the Commission or initiated by the Commission on its own motion pursuant to NRS 281A.710 regarding the propriety of the conduct of a public officer or employee under the statutory ethical standards set forth in this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 2017, 2478)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.115 - "Knowingly" defined.

"Knowingly" imports a knowledge that the facts exist which constitute the act or omission, and does not require knowledge of the prohibition against the act or omission. Knowledge of any particular fact may be inferred from the knowledge of such other facts as should put an ordinarily prudent person upon inquiry.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 1043)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.125 - "Member of a local legislative body" defined.

"Member of a local legislative body" means a member of a board of county commissioners, a governing body of a city or a governing body of any other political subdivision who performs any function that involves introducing, voting upon or otherwise acting upon any matter of a permanent or general character which may reflect public policy.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 1043; A 2013, 3765)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.135 - "Opinion" defined.

1. "Opinion" means an opinion rendered by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
2. The term includes, without limitation, the disposition of an ethics complaint by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default as authorized by NRS 233B.121.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 1043; 2017, 2488)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.139 - "Pecuniary interest" defined.

"Pecuniary interest" means any beneficial or detrimental interest in a matter that consists of or is measured in money or is otherwise related to money, including, without limitation:
1. Anything of economic value; and
2. Payments or other money which a person is owed or otherwise entitled to by virtue of any statute, regulation, code, ordinance or contract or other agreement.
(Added to NRS by 2013, 3764)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.150 - "Public employee" defined.

"Public employee" means any person who:
1. Performs public duties under the direction and control of a public officer for compensation paid by the State or any county, city or other political subdivision; or
2. Is designated as a public employee for the purposes of this chapter pursuant to NRS 281A.182.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 2121; A 2009, 1047; 2017, 2488)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.160 - "Public officer" defined.

1. "Public officer" means a person who is:
(a) Elected or appointed to a position which:
(1) Is established by the Constitution of the State of Nevada, a statute of this State or a charter or ordinance of any county, city or other political subdivision; and
(2) Involves the exercise of a public power, trust or duty; or
(b) Designated as a public officer for the purposes of this chapter pursuant to NRS 281A.182.
2. As used in this section, "the exercise of a public power, trust or duty" means:
(a) Actions taken in an official capacity which involve a substantial and material exercise of administrative discretion in the formulation of public policy;
(b) The expenditure of public money; and
(c) The administration of laws and rules of the State or any county, city or other political subdivision.
3. "Public officer" does not include:
(a) Any justice, judge or other officer of the court system;
(b) Any member of a board, commission or other body whose function is advisory;
(c) Any member of a special district whose official duties do not include the formulation of a budget for the district or the authorization of the expenditure of the district’s money; or
(d) A county health officer appointed pursuant to NRS 439.290.
4. "Public office" does not include an office held by:
(a) Any justice, judge or other officer of the court system;
(b) Any member of a board, commission or other body whose function is advisory;
(c) Any member of a special district whose official duties do not include the formulation of a budget for the district or the authorization of the expenditure of the district’s money; or
(d) A county health officer appointed pursuant to NRS 439.290.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 2121; A 1987, 2093; 1999, 883; 2001, 658, 1955, 2288; 2003, 116; 2005, 2302; 2009, 1047; 2013, 3765)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.161 - "Request for an advisory opinion" defined.

"Request for an advisory opinion" means a request for an advisory opinion which is filed with the Commission pursuant to NRS 281A.675 by a public officer or employee who is:
1. Seeking guidance on matters which directly relate to the propriety of his or her own past, present or future conduct as a public officer or employee under the statutory ethical standards set forth in this chapter; or
2. Requesting relief pursuant to NRS 281A.410, 281A.430 or 281A.550.
(Added to NRS by 2017, 2478)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.170 - "Willful violation" defined.

"Willful violation" means a violation where the public officer or employee:
1. Acted intentionally and knowingly; or
2. Was in a situation where this chapter imposed a duty to act and the public officer or employee intentionally and knowingly failed to act in the manner required by this chapter,
unless the Commission determines, after applying the factors set forth in NRS 281A.775, that the public officer’s or employee’s act or failure to act has not resulted in a sanctionable violation of this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2728; A 2009, 1048; 2013, 3766; 2015, 917)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.180 - Terms "public officer" and "public employee" include former public officer or employee; exceptions.

In applying the provisions of this chapter to an alleged violation by a former public officer or employee, the use of the term "public officer" or "public employee" in this chapter must be interpreted to include the former public officer or employee, unless the commencement of proceedings against the former public officer or employee concerning the alleged violation is time-barred by the statute of limitations pursuant to NRS 281A.280.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 1044)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.185 - Abrogation of common-law privileges and immunities; exceptions.

1. In any proceeding commenced against a public officer or employee pursuant to the authority of this chapter, including any judicial review thereof, the public officer or employee who is the subject of the proceeding may not assert, claim or raise any common-law privilege or immunity as an affirmative defense, for testimonial or evidentiary purposes or for any other purpose.
2. The provisions of this chapter are intended to abrogate common-law privileges and immunities only in a proceeding commenced pursuant to the authority of this chapter and only for the public officer or employee who is the subject of the proceeding. This abrogation of common-law privileges and immunities does not apply to or affect:
(a) Any privilege or immunity granted by the Constitution of the United States or of the State of Nevada or by NRS 41.071, chapter 49 of NRS or any other statute;
(b) Any person who is not the subject of the proceeding; or
(c) Any other proceeding that is not commenced pursuant to the authority of this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 1044)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.190 - Computation of time.

In computing any period prescribed or allowed by this chapter:
1. If the period begins to run on the occurrence of an act or event, the day on which the act or event begins is excluded from the computation.
2. The last day of the period is included in the computation, except that if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or holiday proclaimed by the Governor or on a day on which the office of the Commission is not open for the conduct of business, the period is extended to the close of business on the next business day.
(Added to NRS by 2013, 3764)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.200 - Creation; appointment, terms and qualifications of members; prohibited activities by members; vacancies.

1. The Commission on Ethics, consisting of eight members, is hereby created.
2. The Legislative Commission shall appoint to the Commission four residents of the State, at least two of whom must be former public officers or employees, and at least one of whom must be an attorney licensed to practice law in this State.
3. The Governor shall appoint to the Commission four residents of the State, at least two of whom must be former public officers or employees, and at least one of whom must be an attorney licensed to practice law in this State.
4. Not more than four members of the Commission may be members of the same political party. Not more than four members of the Commission may be residents of the same county.
5. None of the members of the Commission may, while the member is serving on the Commission:
(a) Hold another public office;
(b) Be actively involved in the work of any political party or political campaign; or
(c) Communicate directly with a State Legislator or a member of a local legislative body on behalf of someone other than himself or herself or the Commission, for compensation, to influence:
(1) The State Legislator with regard to introducing or voting upon any matter or taking other legislative action; or
(2) The member of the local legislative body with regard to introducing or voting upon any ordinance or resolution, taking other legislative action or voting upon:
(I) The appropriation of public money;
(II) The issuance of a license or permit; or
(III) Any proposed subdivision of land or special exception or variance from zoning regulations.
6. After the initial terms, the terms of the members are 4 years. Any vacancy in the membership must be filled by the appropriate appointing authority for the unexpired term. Each member may serve no more than two consecutive full terms.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 2121; A 1991, 1594; 1999, 2731; 2009, 1048; 2013, 3766)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.210 - Chair; meetings; compensation; facilities.

1. The Commission shall:
(a) At its first meeting and annually thereafter elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.
(b) Meet regularly at least once in each calendar quarter, unless there are no ethics complaints or requests for advisory opinions pursuant to this chapter, and at other times upon the call of the Chair.
2. Members of the Commission are entitled to receive a salary of not more than $80 per day, as fixed by the Commission, while engaged in the business of the Commission.
3. While engaged in the business of the Commission, each member and employee of the Commission is entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally.
4. The Commission may, within the limits of legislative appropriation, maintain such facilities as are required to carry out its functions.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1105; A 1981, 1979; 1983, 1440; 1985, 391, 2123; 1987, 2094; 1989, 1709; 1991, 1594; 1997, 256; 1999, 2732; 2005, 2278; 2017, 2489)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.220 - Review panels: Appointment; composition; functions; disqualification of members from participation in further proceedings in matter.

1. The Chair shall appoint one or more review panels of three members of the Commission on a rotating basis to perform the functions assigned to such review panels pursuant to this chapter.
2. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission may not serve together on a review panel.
3. Not more than two members of a review panel may be members of the same political party.
4. If a review panel determines that there is just and sufficient cause for the Commission to render an opinion in a matter, the members of the review panel shall not participate in any further proceedings of the Commission relating to that matter.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2730; A 2009, 1049; 2017, 2489)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.230 - Executive Director: Appointment; qualifications; classification; prohibited activities and other employment.

1. The Commission shall appoint, within the limits of legislative appropriation, an Executive Director who shall perform the duties set forth in this chapter and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Commission.
2. The Executive Director must have experience in administration, investigations and law.
3. The Executive Director is in the unclassified service of the State.
4. The Executive Director shall devote the Executive Director’s entire time and attention to the business of the Commission and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit that detracts from the full and timely performance of the Executive Director’s duties.
5. The Executive Director may not:
(a) Be actively involved in the work of any political party or political campaign; or
(b) Except in pursuit of the business of the Commission, communicate directly or indirectly with a State Legislator or a member of a local legislative body on behalf of someone other than the Executive Director to influence:
(1) The State Legislator with regard to introducing or voting upon any matter or taking other legislative action; or
(2) The member of the local legislative body with regard to introducing or voting upon any ordinance or resolution, taking other legislative action or voting upon:
(I) The appropriation of public money;
(II) The issuance of a license or permit; or
(III) Any proposed subdivision of land or special exception or variance from zoning regulations.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2728; A 2009, 1049)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.240 - Executive Director: Duties; employment of staff; designation of qualified person to perform duties when Executive Director unable to act on matter.

1. In addition to any other duties imposed upon the Executive Director, the Executive Director shall:
(a) Maintain complete and accurate records of all transactions and proceedings of the Commission.
(b) Receive ethics complaints and requests for advisory opinions pursuant to this chapter.
(c) Gather information and conduct investigations regarding ethics complaints and requests for advisory opinions pursuant to this chapter.
(d) Submit recommendations to the review panel regarding whether there is just and sufficient cause for the Commission to render an opinion in a matter.
(e) Recommend to the Commission any regulations or legislation that the Executive Director considers desirable or necessary to improve the operation of the Commission and maintain high standards of ethical conduct in government.
(f) Upon the request of any public officer or the employer of a public employee, conduct training on the requirements of this chapter, the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and previous opinions of the Commission. In any such training, the Executive Director shall emphasize that the Executive Director is not a member of the Commission and that only the Commission may issue opinions concerning the application of the statutory ethical standards to any given set of facts and circumstances. The Commission may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of training provided by the Executive Director pursuant to this paragraph.
(g) Perform such other duties, not inconsistent with law, as may be required by the Commission.
2. The Executive Director shall, within the limits of legislative appropriation, employ such persons as are necessary to carry out any of the Executive Director’s duties relating to:
(a) The administration of the affairs of the Commission; and
(b) The investigation of matters under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
3. If the Executive Director is prohibited from acting on a particular matter or is otherwise unable to act on a particular matter, the Chair of the Commission shall designate a qualified person to perform the duties of the Executive Director with regard to that particular matter.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2729; A 2003, 3385; 2005, 2278; 2009, 1050; 2011, 1726; 2013, 3767; 2017, 2490)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.250 - Commission Counsel: Appointment; qualifications; classification; prohibited activities and other employment.

1. The Commission shall appoint, within the limits of legislative appropriation, a Commission Counsel who shall perform the duties set forth in this chapter and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Commission.
2. The Commission Counsel must be an attorney who is licensed to practice law in this State.
3. The Commission Counsel is in the unclassified service of the State.
4. The Commission Counsel shall devote the Commission Counsel’s entire time and attention to the business of the Commission and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit that detracts from the full and timely performance of the Commission Counsel’s duties.
5. The Commission Counsel may not:
(a) Be actively involved in the work of any political party or political campaign; or
(b) Except in pursuit of the business of the Commission, communicate directly or indirectly with a State Legislator or a member of a local legislative body on behalf of someone other than the Commission Counsel to influence:
(1) The State Legislator with regard to introducing or voting upon any matter or taking other legislative action; or
(2) The member of the local legislative body with regard to introducing or voting upon any ordinance or resolution, taking other legislative action or voting upon:
(I) The appropriation of public money;
(II) The issuance of a license or permit; or
(III) Any proposed subdivision of land or special exception or variance from zoning regulations.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2729; A 2001, 568; 2009, 1050)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.260 - Commission Counsel: Duties; legal advice; appointment or employment of other counsel by Commission under certain circumstances.

1. The Commission Counsel is the legal adviser to the Commission. For each opinion of the Commission, the Commission Counsel shall prepare, at the direction of the Commission, the appropriate findings of fact and conclusions as to relevant standards and the propriety of particular conduct. The Commission Counsel shall not issue written opinions concerning the applicability of the statutory ethical standards to a given set of facts and circumstances except as directed by the Commission.
2. The Commission may rely upon the legal advice of the Commission Counsel in conducting its daily operations.
3. If the Commission Counsel is prohibited from acting on a particular matter or is otherwise unable to act on a particular matter, the Commission may:
(a) Request that the Attorney General appoint a deputy to act in the place of the Commission Counsel; or
(b) Employ outside legal counsel.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1107; A 1985, 2126; 1999, 2743; 2005, 1577; 2009, 1051; 2013, 3768)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.265 - Discretionary-function immunity for members and employees of Commission.

For the purposes of NRS 41.032, the members of the Commission and employees of the Commission shall be deemed to be exercising or performing a discretionary function or duty in taking any action pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 2017, 2487)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.275 - Authority to apply for and accept grants, contributions, services and money.

The Commission may apply for and accept grants, contributions, services or money for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter only if the action is approved by a majority vote in an open public meeting of the Commission and the Commission complies with the provisions of the State Budget Act.
(Added to NRS by 2013, 3764)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.280 - Jurisdiction; statute of limitations.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Commission has jurisdiction to investigate and take appropriate action regarding an alleged violation of this chapter by a public officer or employee or former public officer or employee in any proceeding commenced by an ethics complaint, which is filed with the Commission or initiated by the Commission on its own motion, within 2 years after the alleged violation or reasonable discovery of the alleged violation.
2. The Commission does not have jurisdiction regarding alleged conduct by a public officer or employee or former public officer or employee for which:
(a) A complaint may be filed or, if the applicable limitations period has expired, could have been filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Nevada Equal Rights Commission; or
(b) A complaint or employment-related grievance may be filed or, if the applicable limitations period has expired, could have been filed with another appropriate agency with jurisdiction to redress alleged discrimination or harassment, including, without limitation, a state or local employee-management relations board or similar state or local agency,
but any bar on the Commission’s jurisdiction imposed by this subsection applies only to the extent that it pertains to the alleged discrimination or harassment, and this subsection does not deprive the Commission of jurisdiction regarding the alleged conduct if such conduct is sanctionable separately or concurrently under the provisions of this chapter, irrespective of the alleged discrimination or harassment.
3. For the purposes of this section, a proceeding is commenced:
(a) On the date on which an ethics complaint is filed in the proper form with the Commission in accordance with the regulations of the Commission; or
(b) If the ethics complaint is initiated by the Commission on its own motion, on the date on which the Commission serves the public officer or employee or former public officer or employee with notice of the ethics complaint in accordance with the regulations of the Commission.
(Added to NRS by 1995, 2443; A 1997, 256; 1999, 2732; 2005, 2279; 2009, 1051; 2017, 2490)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.290 - Duties of Commission; inclusion of annotations of opinions of Commission in Nevada Revised Statutes.

The Commission shall:
1. Adopt procedural regulations that are necessary and proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including, without limitation:
(a) To facilitate the receipt of inquiries by the Commission;
(b) For the filing of an ethics complaint or a request for an advisory opinion with the Commission;
(c) For the withdrawal of an ethics complaint or a request for an advisory opinion by the person who filed the ethics complaint or request;
(d) To facilitate the prompt rendition of opinions by the Commission; and
(e) For proceedings concerning an ethics complaint, to facilitate written discovery requests submitted pursuant to NRS 281A.750 and 281A.755 and the disclosure of evidence in the manner required by those sections, including, without limitation, the disclosure of evidence obtained by or on behalf of the Executive Director during the course of the investigation that affirmatively and substantively disproves any alleged violation of this chapter that is related to the ethics complaint and has been referred to the Commission for an adjudicatory hearing.
2. Prescribe, by regulation, forms and procedures for the submission of statements of acknowledgment filed by public officers pursuant to NRS 281A.500, maintain files of such statements and make the statements available for public inspection.
3. Cause the making of such investigations as are reasonable and necessary for the rendition of its opinions pursuant to this chapter.
4. Inform the Attorney General or district attorney of all cases of noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter.
5. Recommend to the Legislature such further legislation as the Commission considers desirable or necessary to promote and maintain high standards of ethical conduct in government.
6. Publish a manual for the use of public officers and employees that explains the requirements of this chapter.
The Legislative Counsel shall prepare annotations to this chapter for inclusion in the Nevada Revised Statutes based on the published opinions of the Commission.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1105; A 1985, 2124; 1991, 1595; 1999, 2732; 2003, 3019, 3386; 2003, 20th Special Session, 265; 2011, 1726; 2013, 3769; 2017, 2491)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.350 - Establishment; functions; limitations on powers; confidentiality.

1. Any state agency or the governing body of a county or an incorporated city may establish a specialized or local ethics committee to complement the functions of the Commission. A specialized or local ethics committee may:
(a) Establish a code of ethical standards suitable for the particular ethical problems encountered in its sphere of activity. The standards may not be less restrictive than the statutory ethical standards.
(b) Render an opinion upon the request of any public officer or employee of its own organization or level seeking an interpretation of its ethical standards on questions directly related to the propriety of the public officer’s or employee’s own future official conduct or refer the request to the Commission. Any public officer or employee subject to the jurisdiction of the committee shall direct the public officer’s or employee’s inquiry to that committee instead of the Commission.
(c) Require the filing of financial disclosure statements by public officers on forms prescribed by the committee or the city clerk if the form has been:
(1) Submitted, at least 60 days before its anticipated distribution, to the Secretary of State for review; and
(2) Upon review, approved by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall not approve the form unless the form contains all the information required to be included in a financial disclosure statement pursuant to NRS 281.571.
2. The Secretary of State is not responsible for the costs of producing or distributing a form for filing a financial disclosure statement pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1.
3. A specialized or local ethics committee shall not attempt to interpret or render an opinion regarding the statutory ethical standards.
4. Each request for an opinion submitted to a specialized or local ethics committee, each hearing held to obtain information on which to base an opinion, all deliberations relating to an opinion, each opinion rendered by a committee and any motion relating to the opinion are confidential unless:
(a) The public officer or employee acts in contravention of the opinion; or
(b) The requester discloses the content of the opinion.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1107; A 1985, 2126; 1991, 105; 1995, 2198, 2445; 1997, 640, 641; 2011, 1727; 2013, 3781; 2015, 1726)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.410 - Limitations on representing or counseling private persons before public agencies; request for relief from strict application of certain provisions.

In addition to the requirements of the code of ethical standards and the other provisions of this chapter:
1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 678A.360, if a public officer or employee serves in a state agency of the Executive Department or an agency of any county, city or other political subdivision, the public officer or employee:
(a) Shall not accept compensation from any private person to represent or counsel the private person on any issue pending before the agency in which that public officer or employee serves, if the agency makes decisions; and
(b) If the public officer or employee leaves the service of the agency, shall not, for 1 year after leaving the service of the agency, represent or counsel for compensation a private person upon any issue which was under consideration by the agency during the public officer’s or employee’s service. As used in this paragraph, "issue" includes a case, proceeding, application, contract or determination, but does not include the proposal or consideration of legislative measures or administrative regulations.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a State Legislator or a member of a local legislative body, or a public officer or employee whose public service requires less than half of his or her time, may represent or counsel a private person before an agency in which he or she does not serve.
3. A member of a local legislative body shall not represent or counsel a private person for compensation before another local agency if the territorial jurisdiction of the other local agency includes any part of the county in which the member serves. The Commission may relieve the member from the strict application of the provisions of this subsection if:
(a) The member files a request for an advisory opinion from the Commission pursuant to NRS 281A.675; and
(b) The Commission determines that such relief is not contrary to:
(1) The best interests of the public;
(2) The continued ethical integrity of each local agency affected by the matter; and
(3) The provisions of this chapter.
4. For the purposes of subsection 3, the request for an advisory opinion, the advisory opinion and all meetings, hearings and proceedings of the Commission in such a matter are governed by the provisions of NRS 281A.670 to 281A.690, inclusive.
5. Unless permitted by this section, a public officer or employee shall not represent or counsel a private person for compensation before any state agency of the Executive or Legislative Department.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1106; A 1991, 1597; 2001, 2289; 2007, 638; 2009, 1054; 2013, 3772; 2017, 2495; 2023, 2535)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 281A - Ethics in Government › NRS 281A.510 - Public officer or employee prohibited from accepting or receiving honorarium; penalty.

1. A public officer or public employee shall not accept or receive an honorarium.
2. An honorarium paid on behalf of a public officer or public employee to a charitable organization from which the officer or employee does not derive any financial benefit is deemed not to be accepted or received by the officer or employee for the purposes of this section.
3. This section does not prohibit:
(a) The receipt of payment for work performed outside the normal course of a person’s public office or employment if the performance of that work is consistent with the applicable policies of the person’s public employer regarding supplemental employment.
(b) The receipt of an honorarium by the spouse of a public officer or public employee if it is related to the spouse’s profession or occupation.
4. As used in this section, "honorarium" means the payment of money or anything of value for an appearance or speech by the public officer or public employee in the officer’s or employee’s capacity as a public officer or public employee. The term does not include the payment of:
(a) The actual and necessary costs incurred by the public officer or public employee, the officer’s or employee’s spouse or the officer’s or employee’s aid for transportation and for lodging and meals while the public officer or public employee is away from the officer’s or employee’s residence.
(b) Compensation which would otherwise have been earned by the public officer or public employee in the normal course of the officer’s or employee’s public office or employment.
(c) A fee for a speech related to the officer’s or employee’s profession or occupation outside of the officer’s or employee’s public office or employment if:
(1) Other members of the profession or occupation are ordinarily compensated for such a speech; and
(2) The fee paid to the public officer or public employee is approximately the same as the fee that would be paid to a member of the private sector whose qualifications are similar to those of the officer or employee for a comparable speech.
(d) A fee for a speech delivered to an organization of legislatures, legislators or other elected officers.
5. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a public officer or public employee who violates the provisions of this section shall forfeit the amount of the honorarium.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1592; A 1999, 2745; 2007, 640; 2017, 2505)