The Old Blog in the Desert

Nevada’s legislative body has long been exempt from open records requests, a practice solidified by a 2015 bill shielding lawmakers’ calendars, emails, and communications from public view.

The lack of transparency has stirred controversy, as ethical scandals forced three Democratic legislators to abandon their re-election campaigns. Yet, amid mounting calls for reform, Democratic leaders continue resisting legislation that would bring greater accountability.

In March, Republican Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama introduced a trio of bills to bolster transparency within Nevada’s legislature. Her proposed legislation includes measures to allow 72-hour reviews of bills before final votes, enforce compliance with open meeting laws, and introduce a line-item operations budget for public scrutiny.

Kasama’s final proposal would grant the governor a line-item veto on appropriations and restrict state funds to nonprofits without additional requirements. Democratic Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, who recently voted on a bill favoring his law firm without disclosing the conflict, has vigorously opposed Kasama’s efforts.

To counter her campaign, Yeager launched two political action committees (PACs) targeting Kasama and other Republican candidates. His “Nevada Strong” PAC has funneled $80,000 into a so-called “Ending Carson City Corruption” PAC, which has been running attack ads labeling Kasama as a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only). A second PAC, “Citizens for Balanced Leadership,” has directed another $100,000 toward ads against Republican Lisa Cole in Assembly District 4.

Critics argue Yeager’s PAC tactics underscore the urgent need for transparency reforms. Meanwhile, questions persist about whether the legislature should be subject to open meeting laws and public records acts.

When queried by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, no Democratic incumbent responded affirmatively. Further, Democratic candidates Ryan Hampton, Jennifer Atlas, Sharifa Wahab, and Joe Dalia declined to answer. Only Assemblywoman Shea Backus openly opposed the idea.