Nevada § 281A.020 - Legislative findings and declarations

§ 281A.020. Legislative findings and declarations

1. It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this State that: (a) A public office is a public trust and shall be held for the sole benefit of the

people. (b) A public officer or employee must commit himself or herself to avoid conflicts

between the private interests of the public officer or employee and those of the general

public whom the public officer or employee serves. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that: (a) The increasing complexity of state and local government, more and more closely

related to private life and enterprise, enlarges the potentiality for conflict of

interests. (b) To enhance the people's faith in the integrity and impartiality of public officers

and employees, adequate guidelines are required to show the appropriate separation

between the roles of persons who are both public servants and private citizens. (c) In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter that are applicable

to State Legislators, the Commission must give appropriate weight and proper deference

to the public policy of this State under which State Legislators serve as “citizen

Legislators” who have other occupations and business interests, who are expected to

have particular philosophies and perspectives that are necessarily influenced by the

life experiences of the Legislator, including, without limitation, professional, family

and business experiences, and who are expected to contribute those philosophies and

perspectives to the debate over issues with which the Legislature is confronted. (d) The provisions of this chapter do not, under any circumstances, allow the Commission

to exercise jurisdiction or authority over or inquire into, intrude upon or interfere

with the functions of a State Legislator that are protected by legislative privilege

and immunity pursuant to the Constitution of the State of Nevada or NRS 41.071 .