The Nevada Commission on Ethics voted Jan. 16 to delegate to the commission chair the authority to provide direction to Executive Director Ross Armstrong on legislative matters during the 2025 legislative session.

Armstrong explained the delegation would reduce the need to call emergency meetings when the commission needs to respond to bill language or amendments. He said the chair and vice chair have discussed the arrangement and that he will provide weekly informational updates to all commissioners during the session. "If the chair is unavailable to do a duty, the vice chair may do it," Armstrong noted, describing Nevada’s commission procedures.

Commissioner Reynolds moved the delegation; the commission voted in favor with no opposition recorded. Commissioners said they expected the chair and vice chair to consult one another and to include commissioners in updates when substantive issues arise.

Why it matters: The 2025 legislative session may present bills affecting the commission’s rules, budget, or operations. Delegating a single point of contact for day-to-day direction aims to allow staff to respond quickly while preserving full-commission oversight through regular updates and the option for full meetings if needed.

Implementation: Armstrong said he will send weekly updates on bills and will consult with the chair (and the vice chair when available) before taking directed actions. Commissioners emphasized they expect to be kept informed and available for consultation if a matter requires broader commission input.

No specific legislative proposals were presented or adopted by the commission at the Jan. 16 meeting; the delegation addresses how the commission will manage potential legislative developments during the session.