AB 79: Revises provisions relating to governmental administration. (BDR 24-483) - Nevada

Reprint 3 → As Enrolled · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Nevada's campaign finance laws to clarify contribution limits for special elections, redefine who counts as a political action committee, and streamline enforcement procedures. It removes exceptions that previously allowed labor unions and certain corporations to avoid being classified as political committees, requiring them to report larger expenditures. Additionally, it shifts enforcement power from the Attorney General and courts to the Secretary of State, who can now impose administrative fines and conduct investigations directly.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of entities subject to campaign finance reporting requirements by removing exemptions for labor unions and specific corporations, while also clarifying rules for special elections and candidate account management.

DEFINITION

Removed exemptions for labor unions and certain corporations/business organizations from the definition of a 'committee for political action,' meaning they must now comply with campaign finance rules.

REQUIREMENT

Requires entities previously excluded from being political committees to report independent expenditures exceeding $1,000.

Requires candidates to file a notice of intent to run for candidacy with the Secretary of State, except for public officers seeking reelection.

Allowed candidates to use campaign funds for ordinary and necessary campaign expenses, clarifying that personal use remains prohibited.

ENFORCEMENT

Transfers authority to investigate campaign finance violations and impose penalties from the Attorney General and courts to the Secretary of State, allowing for administrative fines.

SCOPE

Clarified that contribution limits apply to special elections regardless of the number of candidates running for the office.

As Introduced → Reprint 1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reprinted to reflect amendments that significantly shift its focus from campaign finance to broader governmental administration. Key changes include establishing a new $5,000 contribution limit for special elections, clarifying rules on using campaign funds for personal expenses, and replacing court-based enforcement with administrative fines managed by the Secretary of State.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from strictly campaign finance to include governmental administration, specifically adding limits on special election contributions and clarifying the use of unspent funds for personal needs like childcare.

SCOPE

The bill's title and summary were changed from 'campaign finance' to 'governmental administration' to reflect the addition of special election contribution limits.

REQUIREMENT

A new provision establishes a $5,000 contribution limit for special elections that are not recall elections.

ELIGIBILITY

Rules regarding the use of unspent campaign contributions were revised to allow elected officials to use funds for childcare, elderly parent care, or health insurance premiums if they cannot afford these costs.

ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement mechanisms were changed to remove the requirement for First Judicial District Court proceedings and instead authorize the Secretary of State to impose administrative fines.

DEFINITION

The definition of a 'committee for political action' was updated to exclude nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4).

Reprint 2 → Reprint 3 · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was reprinted with amendments adopted on May 23, 2025, updating the reprint version from Second to Third. A substantive change was made to the enforcement process regarding campaign finance violations, adding a 'subject to certain exceptions' clause to the requirement that respondents submit responses within 15 calendar days after receiving a notice of alleged violation.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on campaign finance regulations, but the enforcement mechanism now includes exceptions to the response deadline requirement.

ENFORCEMENT

Added 'subject to certain exceptions' to the requirement that persons must submit responses to campaign finance violation notices within 15 calendar days, allowing for specific circumstances where this deadline may not apply.

TECHNICAL

Updated reprint version from Second Reprint (May 22, 2025) to Third Reprint (May 23, 2025) to reflect amendments adopted on the new date.

Reprint 1 → Reprint 2 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill update revises campaign finance rules in Nevada, expanding reporting requirements for certain corporations and labor unions, clarifying when candidates must file candidacy notices, and shifting enforcement authority from the courts to the Secretary of State's office.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly excludes certain corporations, business organizations, and labor unions from being classified as 'committees for political action,' requiring them to report expenditures over $1,000 instead of being exempt from reporting.

DEFINITION

Revised definition of 'committee for political action' to exclude certain corporations, business organizations, and labor unions from the classification.

REQUIREMENT

Requires excluded entities that make expenditures over $1,000 to report those expenditures to the Secretary of State.

Changed candidacy notice filing requirement to apply to candidates except public officers running for reelection.

ENFORCEMENT

Transferred enforcement authority from First Judicial District Court to the Secretary of State's Office, adding administrative fines and requiring written responses to violation notices.

TIMELINE

Extended response deadline for alleged violation notices from unspecified time to 15 calendar days.

Revises provisions relating to governmental administration. (BDR 24-483)

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