Nevada Legislature Blocks Transparency Bill, Maintains Secrecy

In a move that underscores the persistent resistance to transparency within Nevada’s political sphere, Assemblymember Heidi Kasama’s initiative to subject the state Legislature to the same public records laws that govern other governmental entities has been effectively quashed. Despite the Legislature’s role in crafting public records legislation, it continues to shield itself from the very scrutiny it mandates for others.

Kasama’s proposed Assembly Joint Resolution 3 aimed to amend the state Constitution, compelling legislators to disclose any relationships with entities that could benefit from pending legislation and to identify personal interests that might pose conflicts. The resolution also sought to ensure that bills would be publicly available for at least 72 hours before a vote, promoting informed decision-making. However, the resolution stalled in the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, never reaching the floor for a vote.

The Legislative Counsel Bureau has long maintained that the Legislature is exempt from the Nevada Public Records Act, citing constitutional doctrines of separation of powers and legislative privilege. This stance effectively places legislators beyond the reach of public scrutiny, allowing them to operate without the transparency expected of other public officials.

Kasama, expressing frustration, suggested that partisan politics played a role in the resolution’s demise, noting that Democratic leadership may have been unwilling to advance a bill associated with her and Governor Joe Lombardo. She emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “The people are looking for transparency, accountability. Let’s put sunshine on all of this, let’s not have anything to hide.”

Speaker Steve Yeager, D-Las Vegas, dismissed the resolution as a political maneuver, arguing that it failed to address transparency comprehensively across all branches of government. He contended that Kasama did not engage in meaningful collaboration to amend the bill, a claim she disputes.

This episode highlights a troubling trend where those in power craft laws that they themselves are not obligated to follow, raising questions about accountability and the equitable application of transparency standards. As the Legislature continues to exempt itself from public records laws, the public remains in the dark about the inner workings of their elected representatives.

Source: Las Vegas Review Journal