A public commenter at the Nevada Commission on Ethics’ meeting criticized the commission’s enforcement record and urged stronger penalties for unethical officials, saying, “It’s time to grow some teeth.” Commissioners and staff discussed those remarks while reviewing a newly completed reputational survey and outreach metrics tied to the commission’s strategic plan.

Commission counsel and staff presented survey results that showed internal and staff perceptions that the commission is relatively unknown and seen as weak on enforcement. Respondents ranked the commission’s desired reputation as “aggressive, consistent and fair,” while many also indicated the commission should use enforcement to educate respondents in some cases rather than primarily to punish. Staff reported that advisory opinions should be written in plain language, be narrowly tailored to requesters’ questions and be provided more promptly.

Outreach and education officer Oscar Harvey reported increased engagement: about 1,747 public officers and employees trained so far this fiscal year, roughly 739 completed courses on Nevada Ethics Online, and roughly 242 new newsletter subscribers since the start of the year. Harvey said targeted outreach to agency leadership and boards and commissions — for example, coordination with Department of Motor Vehicles communications — had boosted registrations for live and online training.

Several commissioners said the survey and the public comment are useful prompts to measure public perception and to refine the commission’s balance between education and enforcement. One commissioner noted the commission must consider statutory and jurisdictional limits when evaluating perceived leniency.

Staff proposed further public outreach, including a public‑facing survey and potential social media and media partner outreach, and noted plans to report back with implementation suggestions at the April meeting. Outreach staff and commissioners discussed tailoring training for appointed boards, local administrators and agency staff as a strategy to reach officials who most often need guidance on disclosure and abstention rules.

The commission agreed to incorporate survey feedback into implementing its strategic plan and to return with proposals for public and targeted customer surveys and outreach approaches.