The Nevada Commission on Ethics convened on July 5, 2025, to discuss various initiatives and updates regarding public service ethics and transparency. The meeting focused on the ongoing development of tools and resources aimed at enhancing accessibility for public servants and the general public.
The first item on the agenda addressed the funding and effectiveness of a new tool designed to provide access to public servants. It was noted that this tool would eventually be financed through the general fund. The Commission is also exploring the possibility of charging future users, depending on the outcomes of ongoing agreements related to the project.
Next, the Commission highlighted the recent refresh of the "cooling off" guide, which serves as a resource for individuals transitioning out of public service. The guide aims to clarify the concept of "cooling off," making it more accessible to those unfamiliar with the term. This updated guide is now available on the Commission's website and has been promoted through social media channels.
The Commission reported the distribution of its second newsletter, reaching approximately 1,500 users. Additionally, they are developing an "ethics ambassador toolkit" for agency representatives, including training and leadership personnel, to help disseminate ethical education within their respective agencies.
In terms of public records requests, the Commission reported a total of 78 requests for the fiscal year. The response rate showed that 60% of these requests yielded responsive records, while 40% did not. Furthermore, the Commission has been able to provide substantive responses to over 87% of information requests, demonstrating a commitment to transparency within statutory limitations.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and comments regarding the report presented by Oscar Harvey, indicating an openness to feedback on the training and resources provided by the Commission. Overall, the discussions underscored the Commission's ongoing efforts to improve ethical standards and public access to information in Nevada.