[Rev. 6/29/2024 3:19:50 PM--2023]
GENERAL PROVISIONS
NRS 218H.010 Short title.
NRS 218H.020 Legislative findings and declarations.
NRS 218H.030 Definitions.
NRS 218H.033 “Client” defined.
NRS 218H.035 “Domestic partner” defined.
NRS 218H.036 “Domestic partnership” defined.
NRS 218H.045 “Educational or informational meeting, event or trip” defined.
NRS 218H.050 “Expenditure” defined.
NRS 218H.060 “Gift” defined.
NRS 218H.065 “Immediate family” defined.
NRS 218H.070 “Legislative action” defined.
NRS 218H.080 “Lobbyist” defined.
NRS 218H.090 “Member of the Legislative Branch” defined.
NRS 218H.092 “Member of the Legislator’s household” defined.
NRS 218H.100 “Person” defined.
NRS 218H.110 “Registrant” defined.
CONTINUING APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN LOBBYISTS
NRS 218H.180 Certain persons deemed to be lobbyists for purposes of continuing applicability; period of continuing applicability; exceptions.
REGISTRATION
NRS 218H.200 Registration statement required during session; filing with Director; exceptions.
NRS 218H.210 Contents of registration statement.
NRS 218H.220 Supplementary registration statement required upon change in registration information; exceptions.
NRS 218H.230 Notice required upon termination of session activities; continuing requirements after filing notice.
IDENTIFICATION BADGES
NRS 218H.300 Issuance by Director; different color for each classification; requirement to wear in Legislative Building.
REPORTS OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES
NRS 218H.400 Duty to file; form; contents; itemization of expenditures; audits and investigations.
NRS 218H.410 Fee for late filing; waivers and exemptions.
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
NRS 218H.500 Regulations; fees; classification of lobbyists; forms; accounting and reporting methods; filing system; public inspection; retention of records; list of registrants.
NRS 218H.505 Administration and interpretation of chapter; coordination with Secretary of State regarding Nevada Financial Disclosure Act.
NRS 218H.510 Inspection of registration statements and reports of lobbying activities; notice of noncompliance.
NRS 218H.520 Publication of reports regarding lobbying activities; release of name of noncomplying lobbyist; sanctions for noncompliance.
NRS 218H.530 Investigations of irregularities and noncompliance; grounds and procedure for suspension or revocation of registration; hearing and appeal; continuing requirements and renewal of registration after suspension or revocation.
NRS 218H.540 Injunctive relief.
UNLAWFUL ACTS; PENALTIES
NRS 218H.900 Unlawful for lobbyist to misrepresent Legislator’s authorization to request professional services from Legislative Counsel Bureau.
NRS 218H.930 Unlawful acts involving lobbyists and lobbying.
NRS 218H.950 Unlawful for former Legislator to act as lobbyist under certain circumstances; exceptions.
NRS 218H.960 Criminal penalties.
_________
GENERAL PROVISIONS
NRS 218H.010 Short title. This chapter may be cited as the Nevada Lobbying Disclosure and Regulation Act.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1170; A 1977, 1528; 2019, 2987)
NRS 218H.020 Legislative findings and declarations. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:
1. The operation of responsible representative government requires that the fullest opportunity be afforded to the people to petition or lobby their government for the redress of grievances and to exchange information and express their opinions freely with members of the Legislative Branch and legislative committees on matters relating to legislation or any other legislative action.
2. The primary public purpose of this chapter is to provide both disclosure and regulation of lobbying activities in order to promote and foster the people’s faith, trust and confidence in the honesty, integrity and fidelity of their representative government.
3. With regard to the provisions of this chapter regulating gift-giving by lobbyists, the additional public purpose of those provisions is to guard against any possible appearance of impropriety or potential for undue influence and favoritism that may arise from such gift-giving by lobbyists, which will thereby promote and foster the people’s faith, trust and confidence in the honesty, integrity and fidelity of their representative government.
4. To further the public purposes of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter must be liberally construed and broadly interpreted to achieve their intended public benefits, and if there is any uncertainty or doubt regarding the interpretation or application of those provisions, that uncertainty or doubt must be resolved in favor of carrying out the public purposes of this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1170; A 2011, 3251; 2019, 2987)
NRS 218H.030 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 218H.033 to 218H.110, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1170; A 1979, 1322; 2003, 2530; 2011, 3251; 2015, 1714; 2019, 2987)
NRS 218H.033 “Client” defined.
1. “Client” means a person who employs, retains, contracts for or otherwise uses or engages the services of a lobbyist to represent the interests of the person to one or more members of the Legislative Branch, whether or not any compensation is paid for the services.
2. The term includes, without limitation, a client that is a government, governmental agency or political subdivision of a government.
(Added to NRS by 2019, 2986)
NRS 218H.035 “Domestic partner” defined. “Domestic partner” means a person in a domestic partnership.
(Added to NRS by 2015, 1713)
NRS 218H.036 “Domestic partnership” defined. “Domestic partnership” means a domestic partnership as defined in NRS 122A.040.
(Added to NRS by 2015, 1713; A 2017, 295)
NRS 218H.045 “Educational or informational meeting, event or trip” defined.
1. “Educational or informational meeting, event or trip” means any meeting, event or trip undertaken or attended by a Legislator if, in connection with the meeting, event or trip:
(a) The Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household receives anything of value from a lobbyist to undertake or attend the meeting, event or trip; and
(b) The Legislator provides or receives any education or information on matters relating to the legislative, administrative or political action of the Legislator.
2. The term includes, without limitation, any reception, gathering, conference, convention, discussion, forum, roundtable, seminar, symposium, speaking engagement or other similar meeting, event or trip with an educational or informational component.
3. The term does not include:
(a) A meeting, event or trip undertaken or attended by a Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household for personal reasons or for reasons relating to any professional or occupational license held by the Legislator or the member of the Legislator’s household, unless the Legislator or the member of the Legislator’s household participates as one of the primary speakers, instructors or presenters at the meeting, event or trip.
(b) A meeting, event or trip undertaken or attended by a Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household if the meeting, event or trip is undertaken or attended as part of his or her bona fide employment or service as an employee or independent contractor and anything of value received by the Legislator or the member of the Legislator’s household for the meeting, event or trip or otherwise paid for or reimbursed to the Legislator or the member of the Legislator’s household as part of his or her bona fide employment or service as an employee or independent contractor.
(c) A party, meal, function or other social event to which every Legislator is invited where educational or informational displays or materials are available but no formal speech, presentation or other similar action to educate or inform the Legislators occurs.
4. For the purposes of this section, “anything of value” includes, without limitation, any actual expenses for food, beverages, registration fees, travel or lodging provided or given to or paid for the benefit of the Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household or reimbursement for any such actual expenses paid by the Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household, if the expenses are incurred on a day during which the Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household undertakes or attends the meeting, event or trip or during which the Legislator or a member of the Legislator’s household travels to or from the meeting, event or trip.
(Added to NRS by 2015, 1713; A 2019, 2988)
NRS 218H.050 “Expenditure” defined.
1. “Expenditure” means any of the following acts by a lobbyist while the Legislature is in a regular or special session:
(a) Any payment, conveyance, transfer, distribution, deposit, advance, loan, forbearance, subscription, pledge or rendering of money, services or anything else of value; or
(b) Any contract, agreement, promise or other obligation, whether or not legally enforceable, to make any such expenditure.
2. The term includes, without limitation:
(a) Anything of value provided for an educational or informational meeting, event or trip.
(b) The cost of a party, meal, function or other social event to which every Legislator is invited.
3. The term does not include:
(a) A prohibited gift.
(b) A lobbyist’s personal expenditures for his or her own food, beverages, lodging, travel expenses or membership fees or dues.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1170; A 2011, 3251; 2015, 1714)
1. “Gift” means any payment, conveyance, transfer, distribution, deposit, advance, loan, forbearance, subscription, pledge or rendering of money, services or anything else of value, unless consideration of equal or greater value is received.
2. The term does not include:
(a) Any political contribution of money or services related to a political campaign.
(b) Any commercially reasonable loan made in the ordinary course of business.
(c) Anything of value provided for an educational or informational meeting, event or trip.
(d) The cost of a party, meal, function or other social event to which every Legislator is invited, including, without limitation, the cost of food or beverages provided at the party, meal, function or other social event. For the purposes of this paragraph, there is a presumption that every Legislator is invited if the party, meal, function or other social event is held at any governmental building, facility or other property or the invitation for or notice of the party, meal, function or other social event indicates that it is a legislative event.
(e) Any ceremonial gifts received for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, holiday or other ceremonial occasion from a donor who is not a lobbyist.
(f) Anything of value received from a person who is:
(1) Related to the recipient, or to the spouse or domestic partner of the recipient, by blood, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity; or
(2) A member of the recipient’s household.
(g) Anything of value received by a person as part of his or her bona fide employment or service as an employee or independent contractor or otherwise paid for or reimbursed to the person as part of his or her bona fide employment or service as an employee or independent contractor.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 1993, 2587; 2015, 1714; 2019, 2988)
NRS 218H.065 “Immediate family” defined.
1. “Immediate family,” with regard to a specific person, means:
(a) The spouse or domestic partner of the person;
(b) A relative who lives in the same home or dwelling as the person; or
(c) A relative who does not live in the same home or dwelling as the person but who is dependent on and receiving substantial support from the person.
2. For the purposes of this section, “relative” means someone who is related to the person, or to the spouse or domestic partner of the person, by blood, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity.
(Added to NRS by 2019, 2986)
NRS 218H.070 “Legislative action” defined. “Legislative action” means introduction, sponsorship, debate, voting or any other official action on:
1. Any bill, resolution, amendment, nomination, appointment, report or other matter pending or proposed before any member of the Legislative Branch, a legislative committee or either House; or
2. Any other matter which may be the subject of action by any member of the Legislative Branch, a legislative committee or either House.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 2011, 3251; 2019, 2989)
NRS 218H.080 “Lobbyist” defined.
1. “Lobbyist” means, except as limited by subsection 2, a person who communicates directly with a member of the Legislative Branch on behalf of someone other than himself or herself to influence legislative action, whether or not any compensation is received for the communication.
2. “Lobbyist” does not include:
(a) Persons who confine their activities to formal appearances before legislative committees and who clearly identify themselves and the interest or interests for whom they are testifying.
(b) Employees of a bona fide news medium who meet the definition of “lobbyist” set forth in subsection 1 only in the course of their professional duties and who contact Legislators for the sole purpose of carrying out their news gathering function.
(c) Employees of departments, divisions or agencies of the state government who appear before legislative committees only to explain the effect of legislation or any other legislative action related to their departments, divisions or agencies.
(d) Members of the Legislative Branch who are exercising, performing or carrying out their powers, functions, duties or responsibilities on matters relating to legislation or any other legislative action.
(e) Elected officers of this State and its political subdivisions who confine their lobbying activities to issues directly related to the scope of the office to which they were elected.
(f) Persons who contact the Legislators who are elected from the district in which they reside.
(g) Persons who are clients of a lobbyist, unless those persons engage in any activities that independently meet the definition of “lobbyist” set forth in subsection 1.
(h) Persons who confine their lobbying activities to communicating directly with one or more members of the Legislative Branch only on an infrequent or irregular basis and who do not otherwise engage in any lobbying activities, unless those persons engage in a pattern of conduct that is substantially similar to engaging in lobbying activities on a recurrent or regular basis.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 1977, 1528; 1991, 2324; 2011, 3251; 2019, 2989; 2021, 4)
NRS 218H.090 “Member of the Legislative Branch” defined.
1. “Member of the Legislative Branch” means any Legislator, any member of the Legislator’s staff or any officer, employee, assistant or other person employed with reference to the legislative duties of the Legislator or the Legislative Branch, regardless of whether they are paid or otherwise compensated to serve in their positions.
2. The term includes, without limitation, any officers, employees, assistants, attaches, interns or other staff of:
(a) The Legislature or either House;
(b) Any legislative committee;
(c) Any legislative office or caucus;
(d) Any division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau; or
(e) Any other agency, body, office, organization or unit of the Legislative Branch.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 1981, 1204; 2011, 3252; 2019, 2990)
NRS 218H.092 “Member of the Legislator’s household” defined. “Member of the Legislator’s household” means a person who is a member of the Legislator’s household for the purposes of the Nevada Financial Disclosure Act in NRS 281.5555 to 281.581, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 2015, 1714; A 2019, 2990)
NRS 218H.100 “Person” defined. “Person” includes, without limitation, a group of persons acting in concert, whether or not formally organized.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 1981, 1204; 2019, 2990)
NRS 218H.110 “Registrant” defined. “Registrant” means a person who is registered as a lobbyist pursuant to this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 2015, 1714)
CONTINUING APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN LOBBYISTS
NRS 218H.180 Certain persons deemed to be lobbyists for purposes of continuing applicability; period of continuing applicability; exceptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person who is required to register as a lobbyist during a regular or special session shall be deemed to be a lobbyist for the purposes of this chapter from the date of the first activity that required registration until the commencement of the next regular session, whether or not the person:
(a) Properly registered as a lobbyist for the regular or special session pursuant to NRS 218H.200; or
(b) Filed a notice of termination of session activity for the regular or special session pursuant to NRS 218H.230.
2. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who:
(a) Ceases all lobbying activities and terminates all representation concerning the interests of all clients to all members of the Legislative Branch; and
(b) Thereafter, does not engage in or otherwise provide, or offer, promise, agree or attempt to engage in or otherwise provide, any lobbying activities or representation concerning the interests of any clients to any members of the Legislative Branch at any time before the commencement of the next regular session.
(Added to NRS by 2019, 2987)
REGISTRATION
NRS 218H.200 Registration statement required during session; filing with Director; exceptions.
1. Every person who acts as a lobbyist during a regular or special session shall, not later than 2 days after the beginning of that activity, file a registration statement with the Director in such form as the Director prescribes, unless the person qualifies for an exemption or exception from the requirements to register as a lobbyist pursuant to any regulations adopted in accordance with NRS 218H.500.
2. The Director shall not accept a registration statement from a former Legislator who was a member of the Legislature during the immediately preceding regular session in the classification set forth in NRS 218H.500 of a lobbyist who receives any compensation for his or her lobbying activities unless the former Legislator certifies in writing, under penalty of perjury, that he or she qualifies under the exception set forth in subsection 2 of NRS 218H.950.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 1979, 1322; 2015, 1012; 2019, 2990; 2021, 4)
NRS 218H.210 Contents of registration statement. The registration statement of a lobbyist must contain the following information:
1. The registrant’s full name, a recent photograph of the registrant and:
(a) The name of the registrant’s business or employer, if any, and the permanent business address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the business or employer;
(b) If different from paragraph (a), the registrant’s permanent business address, telephone number and electronic mail address; and
(c) The registrant’s temporary address, if any, while lobbying.
2. The full name and complete address of each client of the registrant, if any. If the registrant’s business or employer has more than one client, the registrant must identify each specific client that the registrant represents from among those clients.
3. A listing of any direct business associations or partnerships involving any current Legislator and the registrant or any client of the registrant. The listing must include any such association or partnership constituting a source of income or involving a debt or interest in real estate required to be disclosed in a financial disclosure statement made by a public officer or candidate pursuant to NRS 281.571.
4. The name of any current Legislator for whom:
(a) The registrant; or
(b) Any client of the registrant,
Ê has, in connection with a political campaign of the Legislator, provided consulting, advertising or other professional services since the beginning of the preceding regular session.
5. A description of the principal areas of interest on which the registrant expects to lobby.
6. If the registrant lobbies or purports to lobby on behalf of members, a statement of the number of members.
7. A declaration under penalty of perjury that none of the registrant’s compensation or reimbursement is contingent, in whole or in part, upon the production of any legislative action.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1171; A 1977, 1528; 1981, 1204; 1993, 2588; 2001, 1955; 2011, 3252; 2015, 1715; 2019, 2990)
NRS 218H.220 Supplementary registration statement required upon change in registration information; exceptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, a registrant shall file a supplementary registration statement with the Director after any change in the information in the registrant’s most recent registration statement, including, without limitation, any change in the information relating to:
(a) Any address, telephone number or electronic mail address; or
(b) The representation of a client.
2. The supplementary registration statement must be filed as soon as practicable and, if the change in the information occurs while the Legislature:
(a) Is in a regular or special session, within 24 hours after the change.
(b) Is not in regular or special session, within 14 days after the change.
3. The supplementary registration statement must include complete details concerning the changes that have occurred.
4. This section does not apply to a registrant who ceases all lobbying activities and complies with the provisions of subsection 2 of NRS 218H.180.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1172; A 1979, 1322; 2019, 2991)
NRS 218H.230 Notice required upon termination of session activities; continuing requirements after filing notice.
1. If, during a regular or special session, a registrant ceases the activity that required registration, the registrant shall, within 30 days after ceasing that activity, file with the Director a notice of termination of session activity.
2. If a registrant files a notice of termination of session activity, the filing of that notice does not relieve the registrant of:
(a) The reporting requirement for any reporting period during which the registrant engaged in any lobbying activities, including, without limitation, the reporting period during which the notice of termination of session activity is filed.
(b) The continuing duty to file a supplementary registration statement with the Director pursuant to NRS 218H.220 and to comply with NRS 218H.930 and any other requirement set forth in this chapter until the commencement of the next regular session, unless the registrant ceases all lobbying activities and complies with the provisions of subsection 2 of NRS 218H.180.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1172; A 2019, 2992)
IDENTIFICATION BADGES
NRS 218H.300 Issuance by Director; different color for each classification; requirement to wear in Legislative Building.
1. The Director shall furnish an appropriate identification badge to each lobbyist who files a registration statement under this chapter. The identification badge for each classification of lobbyist set forth in NRS 218H.500 must be a different color.
2. The identification badge must be worn by the lobbyist whenever the lobbyist appears in the Legislative Building.
(Added to NRS by 1977, 1527; A 1979, 1323; 2011, 3673)
REPORTS OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES
NRS 218H.400 Duty to file; form; contents; itemization of expenditures; audits and investigations.
1. Each registrant shall file with the Director:
(a) Within 30 days after the close of a regular or special session, a final report signed under penalty of perjury concerning the registrant’s lobbying activities; and
(b) Between the 1st and 10th day of the month after each month that the Legislature is in a regular or special session, a report concerning the registrant’s lobbying activities during the previous month, whether or not any expenditures were made.
2. Each report must:
(a) Be on a form prescribed by the Director; and
(b) Include the total of all expenditures, if any, made by the registrant on behalf of a Legislator or an organization whose primary purpose is to provide support for Legislators of a particular political party and House, including expenditures made by others on behalf of the registrant if the expenditures were made with the registrant’s express or implied consent or were ratified by the registrant.
3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, the report:
(a) Must identify each Legislator and each organization whose primary purpose is to provide support for Legislators of a particular political party and House on whose behalf expenditures were made;
(b) Must be itemized with respect to each such Legislator and organization; and
(c) Does not have to include any expenditure made on behalf of a person other than a Legislator or an organization whose primary purpose is to provide support for Legislators of a particular political party and House, unless the expenditure is made for the benefit of a Legislator or such an organization.
4. If expenditures made by or on behalf of a registrant during the previous month exceed $50, the report must include a compilation of expenditures, itemized in the manner required by the regulations of the Legislative Commission.
5. The Legislative Commission may authorize an audit or investigation by the Legislative Auditor that is proper and necessary to verify compliance with the provisions of this section. If the Legislative Commission authorizes such an audit or investigation:
(a) A lobbyist shall make available to the Legislative Auditor all books, accounts, claims, reports, vouchers and other records requested by the Legislative Auditor in connection with any such audit or investigation.
(b) The Legislative Auditor shall confine requests for such records to those which specifically relate to the lobbyist’s compliance with the reporting requirements of this section.
6. A report filed pursuant to this section must not itemize with respect to each Legislator an expenditure if the expenditure is the cost of a party, meal, function or other social event to which every Legislator was invited.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1172; A 1977, 1529; 1979, 1322; 1987, 831; 1989, 1974; 1991, 2325; 1993, 2588; 1997, 3072; 1999, 930; 2011, 3252; 2015, 1715)
NRS 218H.410 Fee for late filing; waivers and exemptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a registrant who files an activity report after the time provided in NRS 218H.400 shall pay to the Director a fee for late filing of $10 for each day that it was late, but the Director may reduce or waive this fee upon a finding of just cause.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Legislative Commission may by regulation exempt a classification of lobbyist from the fee for late filing. A veteran who does not receive compensation for the veteran’s lobbying activities is exempt from the fee for late filing if the veteran provides proof of the veteran’s discharge or release from the Armed Forces of the United States, a reserve component thereof or the National Guard under honorable conditions.
3. An activity report with respect to which a late filing fee has been paid by the registrant or waived by the Director shall be deemed timely filed, and the late filing is not a public offense.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1173; A 1979, 1324; 1989, 1976; 2003, 2093; 2009, 374)
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
NRS 218H.500 Regulations; fees; classification of lobbyists; forms; accounting and reporting methods; filing system; public inspection; retention of records; list of registrants.
1. The Legislative Commission:
(a) Shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b) May adopt regulations that provide for exemptions and exceptions from the provisions of this chapter in order to afford to the people the fullest opportunity to petition or lobby their government for the redress of grievances and to exchange information and express their opinions freely with members of the Legislative Branch and legislative committees on matters relating to legislation or any other legislative action.
2. The Legislative Commission may, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, require fees for registration, payable into the Legislative Fund. For the purposes of fees for registration, the Legislative Commission shall classify lobbyists as follows:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c), a lobbyist who receives any compensation for his or her lobbying activities.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) or (d), a lobbyist who does not receive any compensation for his or her lobbying activities.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d), a lobbyist whose lobbying activities are only on behalf of one or more nonprofit organizations that are recognized as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3). Such a lobbyist is not required to pay a fee of more than $100 for registration pursuant to this subsection.
(d) A veteran who does not receive compensation for the veteran’s lobbying activities and who provides proof of his or her discharge or release from the Armed Forces of the United States, a reserve component thereof or the National Guard under honorable conditions. Such a lobbyist is not required to pay any fee for registration pursuant to this subsection.
3. The Director shall:
(a) Prepare and furnish forms for the statements and reports required to be filed.
(b) Prepare and publish uniform methods of accounting and reporting to be used by persons required to file such statements and reports, including guidelines for complying with the reporting requirements of this chapter.
(c) Accept and file any information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this chapter.
(d) Develop a filing, coding and cross-indexing system consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
(e) Make the statements and reports available for public inspection during regular office hours.
(f) Preserve the statements and reports for a period of 5 years from the date of filing.
4. Based on the information that registrants file with the Director pursuant to this chapter, the Director shall compile and keep current an alphabetical list of registrants, which must include:
(a) Each registrant’s full name, a recent photograph of the registrant and:
(1) The name of the registrant’s business or employer, if any, and the permanent business address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the business or employer;
(2) If different from subparagraph (1), the registrant’s permanent business address, telephone number and electronic mail address; and
(3) The registrant’s temporary address, if any, while lobbying.
(b) The full name and complete address of each client of the registrant, if any. If the registrant’s business or employer has more than one client, the list must identify each specific client that the registrant represents from among those clients.
(c) The principal areas of interest on which the registrant expects to lobby.
5. The Director shall provide a copy of the list compiled pursuant to subsection 4 to:
(a) Each Legislator;
(b) The clerks of the respective counties for preservation and public inspection; and
(c) Any person who requests a copy and pays the cost of reproduction.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1173; A 1977, 1529; 1979, 1323; 1981, 1204; 1993, 2589; 2009, 373; 2010, 26th Special Session, 86; 2011, 3253, 3673; 2019, 2992)
NRS 218H.505 Administration and interpretation of chapter; coordination with Secretary of State regarding Nevada Financial Disclosure Act.
1. The Director shall:
(a) Administer the provisions of this chapter; and
(b) Provide interpretations and take any other actions necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
2. To the fullest extent practicable, the Director shall confer and coordinate with the Secretary of State to promote consistency and uniformity in the interpretation and application of the provisions of this chapter that are similar to the provisions of the Nevada Financial Disclosure Act in NRS 281.5555 to 281.581, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 2019, 2986)
NRS 218H.510 Inspection of registration statements and reports of lobbying activities; notice of noncompliance.
1. The Director shall:
(a) Inspect each statement and report filed within 10 days after its filing.
(b) Immediately notify the person who has filed:
(1) If the information filed does not conform to law.
(2) If a written complaint has been filed with the Director by any person alleging an irregularity or lack of truth as to the information filed.
2. The Director may notify any person of the filing requirement who the Director has reason to believe has failed to file any statement or report as required.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1172; A 1977, 1529; 1979, 1323; 1981, 1204)
NRS 218H.520 Publication of reports regarding lobbying activities; release of name of noncomplying lobbyist; sanctions for noncompliance. The Director may:
1. Prepare and publish such reports concerning lobbying activities as the Director deems appropriate.
2. Release to the public the name of any lobbyist who fails to file any activity report within 14 days after the date it is required to be filed.
3. Revoke the registration of any lobbyist who fails to file any activity report within 30 days after the date it is required to be filed or fails to file two or more activity reports within the time required.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1173; A 1979, 1324; 1989, 1975; 2003, 2092)
NRS 218H.530 Investigations of irregularities and noncompliance; grounds and procedure for suspension or revocation of registration; hearing and appeal; continuing requirements and renewal of registration after suspension or revocation.
1. The Director shall:
(a) Make investigations on the Director’s own initiative with respect to any irregularities which the Director discovers in the statements and reports filed and with respect to the failure of any person to file a required statement or report and shall make an investigation upon the written complaint of any person alleging a violation of any provision of this chapter.
(b) Report suspected violations of law to the:
(1) Legislative Commission; and
(2) Attorney General, who shall investigate and take any action necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
2. If an investigation by the Director reveals a violation of any provision of this chapter by a lobbyist, the Director may suspend the lobbyist’s registration for a specified period or revoke the lobbyist’s registration. The Director shall cause notice of such action to be given to each client of the lobbyist.
3. A lobbyist whose registration is suspended or revoked by the Director may:
(a) Request a hearing on the matter before the Director;
(b) Appeal to the Legislative Commission from any adverse decision of the Director; and
(c) If the lobbyist’s registration is suspended, renew the lobbyist’s registration if the Legislature is still in a regular or special session following the period of suspension.
4. A lobbyist whose registration is revoked may, with the consent of the Director, renew the lobbyist’s registration if the lobbyist:
(a) Files a registration statement in the form required by NRS 218H.200;
(b) Pays any fee for late filing owed pursuant to NRS 218H.410, plus the fee for registration prescribed by the Legislative Commission; and
(c) If the revocation occurred because of the lobbyist’s failure to file an activity report, files that report.
5. If a lobbyist’s registration is suspended, the suspension does not relieve the lobbyist of:
(a) The reporting requirement for any reporting period during which the lobbyist engaged in any lobbying activities.
(b) The continuing duty to file a supplementary registration statement with the Director pursuant to NRS 218H.220 and to comply with NRS 218H.930 and any other requirement set forth in this chapter, unless the lobbyist, following the period of suspension, ceases all lobbying activities and complies with the provisions of subsection 2 of NRS 218H.180.
6. If a lobbyist’s registration is revoked:
(a) The lobbyist shall cease all lobbying activities and terminate all representation concerning the interests of all clients to all members of the Legislative Branch and thereafter shall not engage in or otherwise provide, or offer, promise, agree or attempt to engage in or otherwise provide, any lobbying activities or representation concerning the interests of any clients to any members of the Legislative Branch at any time before the commencement of the next regular session, unless the lobbyist’s registration is renewed pursuant to subsection 4.
(b) The revocation does not relieve the lobbyist of:
(1) The reporting requirement for any reporting period during which the lobbyist engaged in any lobbying activities.
(2) The continuing duty to comply with NRS 218H.930, but as a lobbyist whose registration has been revoked, until the commencement of the next regular session or the lobbyist’s registration is renewed pursuant to subsection 4, whichever occurs first.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1173; A 1979, 1324; 1989, 1975; 2011, 3254; 2019, 2993)
NRS 218H.540 Injunctive relief. The district courts may issue injunctions to enforce the provisions of this chapter upon application by the Attorney General.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1173)
UNLAWFUL ACTS; PENALTIES
NRS 218H.900 Unlawful for lobbyist to misrepresent Legislator’s authorization to request professional services from Legislative Counsel Bureau.
1. A lobbyist shall not:
(a) Indicate that the lobbyist has authorization from a Legislator to request professional services from an employee of the Legislative Counsel Bureau unless the lobbyist has such authority; or
(b) Misrepresent the scope of the authorization that the lobbyist has from a Legislator to request professional services from an employee of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
2. As used in this section, “professional services” means conducting legal, fiscal or policy research or analysis, drafting a bill, resolution or amendment, or otherwise engaging in work for which an employee is professionally trained or qualified.
(Added to NRS by 2003, 2529)
NRS 218H.930 Unlawful acts involving lobbyists and lobbying.
1. A lobbyist shall not knowingly or willfully make any false statement or misrepresentation of facts:
(a) To any member of the Legislative Branch in an effort to persuade or influence the member in any legislative action.
(b) In a registration statement or report concerning lobbying activities filed with the Director.
2. A lobbyist shall not knowingly or willfully give any gift to a member of the Legislative Branch or a member of his or her immediate family or otherwise directly or indirectly arrange, facilitate or serve as a conduit for such a gift, whether or not the Legislature is in a regular or special session.
3. A member of the Legislative Branch or a member of his or her immediate family shall not knowingly or willfully solicit or accept any gift from a lobbyist, whether or not the Legislature is in a regular or special session.
4. A client of a lobbyist shall not make that lobbyist’s compensation or reimbursement contingent in any manner upon the outcome of any legislative action.
5. Except during the period permitted by NRS 218H.200, a person shall not knowingly act as a lobbyist during a regular or special session without being registered as required by that section, unless the person qualifies for an exemption or exception from the requirements to register as a lobbyist pursuant to any regulations adopted in accordance with NRS 218H.500.
6. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, a member of the Legislative or Executive Branch of the State Government and an elected officer or employee of a political subdivision shall not receive compensation or reimbursement other than from the State or the political subdivision for personally engaging in lobbying.
7. An elected officer or employee of a political subdivision may receive compensation or reimbursement from any organization whose membership consists of elected or appointed public officers.
8. A lobbyist shall not instigate the introduction of any legislation for the purpose of obtaining employment to lobby in opposition to that legislation.
9. A lobbyist shall not make, commit to make or offer to make a monetary contribution to a Legislator, the Lieutenant Governor, the Lieutenant Governor-elect, the Governor, the Governor-elect, the Secretary of State, the State Treasurer, the State Controller or the Attorney General during the period set forth in subsection 1 of NRS 294A.300 unless such act is otherwise authorized pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 294A.300.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1173; A 1977, 1530; 1979, 1324; 1989, 1976; 1995, 824; 2003, 1727; 2011, 3255; 2013, 3752; 2015, 1717; 2019, 1659, 2994; 2021, 5; 2023, 170)
NRS 218H.950 Unlawful for former Legislator to act as lobbyist under certain circumstances; exceptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a former Legislator shall not receive compensation or other consideration to act as a lobbyist for the period beginning on the date on which the former Legislator leaves office as a member of the Legislature and ending on the date of final adjournment of the next regular session during which the former Legislator is not a member of the Legislature.
2. The provisions of this section do not apply to a former Legislator if:
(a) The former Legislator is required, as part of his or her full-time employment, to act as a lobbyist for his or her employer;
(b) The former Legislator does not act as a lobbyist for any other employer, client or client of his or her employer; and
(c) The primary duties of the employment of the former Legislator include significant duties other than acting as a lobbyist.
3. As used in this section, “consideration” means a gift, salary, payment, distribution, loan, advance or deposit of money or anything of value and includes, without limitation, a contract, promise or agreement, whether or not legally enforceable.
(Added to NRS by 2015, 1012)
NRS 218H.960 Criminal penalties. A person who is subject to any provision in NRS 218H.900, 218H.930 or 218H.950 and who violates or otherwise refuses or fails to comply with the provision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 1174; A 1989, 1977; 2011, 3255; 2015, 1012)