Nevada Campaign Finance Bill Aims to Support Public Servants’ Personal Expenses
As part of an initiative to enhance accessibility to public office, Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is promoting a groundbreaking campaign finance measure. The proposed Assembly Bill 79 seeks to broaden the ways candidates and elected officials can utilize campaign contributions, particularly addressing personal expenses such as child care, elder care, and health insurance premiums.
Background on Current Legislation
Current Nevada law strictly prohibits candidates and officials from allocating campaign funds for personal expenditures. This restriction significantly limits participation in state legislature roles, which are often compensated at $130 a day for the first 60 days of a 120-day session, supplemented by per diem allowances for travel and other expenses.
Provisions of Assembly Bill 79
As outlined in Assembly Bill 79, candidates and elected officials could use campaign contributions for personal expenses that arise specifically due to their public service. This includes costs like:
- Child care services
- Elder care services
- Health insurance premiums
According to Gabriel Di Chiara, the chief deputy secretary of state, expenses that would not exist without holding public office qualify for the use of campaign funds. “If it’s a cost that would not exist without your public office, you can use campaign funds to pay for it,” he explained. This perspective aims to address the financial barriers that discourage individuals with dependents from pursuing legislative careers.
Alignment with Federal Standards
The bill aligns with federal guidelines set by the Federal Election Commission, which has permitted candidates to use campaign funds for child care since 2018. Di Chiara highlighted the discrepancies faced by public school teachers who lose their health insurance while serving in the legislature, indicating these costs directly influence their public service.
Regulatory Measures and Contribution Limits
AB 79 also seeks to implement stronger regulatory measures regarding campaign financing. It mandates that any candidate receiving contributions of $100 or more must file a notice of intent to run for office without having to specify the position sought. This measure aims to combat fraudulent fundraising practices.
A significant amendment to the bill addresses current loopholes regarding contribution limits in special elections. To prevent an excessive contribution of $10,000 per contributor—twice the intended limit—the bill clarifies that contributions should be capped at $5,000 regardless of the election type. This adjustment responds to issues experienced by candidates in recent special elections.
Provisions Affecting Political Action Committees
The measure also introduces new guidelines for Political Action Committees (PACs). It stipulates that PACs must establish a bank account within a week of receiving $1,000 or more and report their campaign account balances at the close of each reporting period. Additionally, it proposes excluding nonprofit organizations from being classified as PACs, a move that has raised transparency concerns regarding potential dark money influences in elections.
Looking Ahead
While the bill aims to enhance transparency, create clear regulations, and support public officers, it is currently awaiting further evaluation in the legislative process. Secretary Aguilar’s overarching goals for this biennium include modernization and transparency in Nevada’s campaign finance laws.
The discussions surrounding AB 79 highlight a critical shift in recognizing that the financial implications of public service can deter capable candidates, particularly those with families or personal care responsibilities. As Nevada moves forward, this legislation could redefine the landscape of public service eligibility and campaign financing in the state.