Nevada Commission on Ethics

A Guide

to

Nevada’s Financial Disclosure Law
 

NRS 281.559; NRS 281.561; NRS 281.571; NRS 281.574; NRS 281.581
 
 

Purpose

Provide accountability

Disclose potential conflicts of interest
 

Who Files

Elected public officers, candidates for public office who will be entitled to receive annual compensation of $6,000 or more if elected, and appointed public officers who are entitled to receive annual compensation of $6,000 or more for serving in the office in question must file a Financial Disclosure Statement.

“Entitled to receive compensation” means all remuneration (whether or nor accepted), except reimbursement for meals, lodging and/or travel.

“Public officer” includes elected and appointed officials; excludes those serving in a purely advisory capacity.  For specific requirements, see NRS 281.4635.


What is Filed

NRS 281.571 defines the information required to be disclosed. The Financial Disclosure Statement form is available from the Commission’s office and on the forms page of its website (http://ethics.nv.gov).


When to File

Candidate for public office:  Within 10 days after the last day to qualify for the ballot

Initial appointment to public office:  Within 30 days after initial appointment to office

Election to office:  On the January 15 after your election to office

Annual filing date:  No later than January 15 of each year for all elected and appointed public officers who are required to file the financial disclosure statement


Where to File

All Financial Disclosure Statements must be timely filed with:
   (1) for appointed public officers, the Nevada Commission on Ethics; and
   (2) for candidates for public office and elected public officers, with the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office.


Public Record

Financial Disclosure Statements are public record and are retained for 6 years from date of filing.


Multiple Filings

If you are serving in more than one office for which you are required to file a Financial Disclosure Statement, you may use one form for all offices held.  However, if you hold both elective and appointive offices, you should file the form with both the Commission on Ethics and the Elections Division.
 

What Must Be Disclosed

Length of residence in Nevada and district registered to vote

For you and each member of your household 18 years of age and over:

Each source of income

Real estate other than principal residence

Each creditor owed $5,000 or more—except residence mortgage

Gifts in excess of aggregate of $200

Business entity relationships

Public offices held

“Member of household” includes:

Spouse

Dependent not residing in home

Anyone who lived in your home for 6 months or more during year preceding filing

“Business entity” means any organization or enterprise operated for economic gain

IMPORTANT:  Refer to NRS 281.559; NRS 281.561; NRS 281.571; NRS 281.574; NRS 281.581 for specific requirements.


Late Penalties

A candidate for public office or public officer who fails to timely file a Financial Disclosure Statement is subject to a civil penalty and payment of court costs and attorneys fees.  Enforcement is the responsibility of the Secretary of State Elections Division.

The civil penalties for late filing are:

$25  for up to 10 days late;

$50 for between 11 and 20 days late;

$100 for between 21 and 30 days late;

$250 for between 31 and 45 days late; or

$2,000 for more than 45 days late or for a public officer who is required to file but who fails to file the form.

The Secretary of State may, for good cause, waive the civil penalty.

A request for waiver must be in writing and is a public record.


Training

Commission on Ethics staff are available to conduct training on Nevada’s financial disclosure law and ethics laws for state, county and local government officers, employees, boards, and commissions. Contact the Commission office to arrange training.
 
 
 

Nevada Commission on Ethics
3476 Executive Pointe Way, Suite 10
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: 775-687-5469  •  Fax: 775-687-1279
E-mail: Ethics Commission
http://ethics.nv.gov

rev. 7/29/2005