Gabriel de Cara presents Nevada campaign finance reforms to assembly committee

In a recent meeting of the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections, key discussions centered around proposed changes to campaign finance regulations in Nevada. The meeting, held on April 8, 2025, featured Gabriel de Cara, the chief deputy secretary of state, who represented Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar. Aguilar was unable to attend due to his presentation of an elections omnibus bill to another committee.

De Cara emphasized the importance of transparency in campaign finance, stating that the proposed measures aim to clarify existing laws and provide a more level playing field for candidates. He noted that the current legal framework often leads to complicated interpretations, which can hinder effective oversight by the Secretary of State's office. The proposed bill seeks to address these ambiguities, making it easier for candidates to understand how they can use campaign funds.

Assembly members expressed their support for the bill, with Assemblymember Dickman sharing personal experiences of confusion regarding campaign finance rules. The committee discussed specific provisions of the bill, including restrictions on how Political Action Committees (PACs) can spend their funds. Questions arose about the implications of these rules for candidates transitioning between different political offices and the handling of leftover campaign funds.

One significant point of discussion was the four-year period during which candidates can hold onto campaign funds after losing an election. The committee clarified that if a candidate decides to run again within this timeframe, they would essentially "restart the clock," allowing them to retain their funds for future campaigns. This provision aims to provide candidates with flexibility while ensuring that campaign finances are managed responsibly.

The committee also confirmed that the proposed regulations would apply uniformly to all PACs, without distinction between different types of political committees. This uniformity is intended to simplify the regulatory landscape and ensure consistent application of the law.

As the committee moves forward, the discussions highlight a growing recognition of the need for clearer campaign finance regulations in Nevada. The anticipated changes could significantly impact how candidates manage their finances and engage with voters, ultimately shaping the political landscape in the state. The committee is expected to continue refining the bill and addressing any unresolved issues in future meetings.