Revises provisions relating to the Legislative Department of the State Government. (BDR 17-880)

Under existing law, the Legislative Counsel Bureau of the Legislative Department of the State Government consists of a Legislative Commission, an Interim Finance Committee and several divisions that provide professional, technical and administrative support to the Nevada Legislature. (Chapter 218F of NRS) Section 1 of this bill creates the Office of Ombudsman for Legislative Employees in the Legislative Counsel Bureau and requires the Legislative Commission to appoint an Ombudsman. Section 1 prescribes the duties of the Office which include: (1) assisting legislative employees in knowing and understanding their rights and responsibilities; (2) assisting legislative employees in finding a satisfactory solution to conflicts in the workplace; (3) serving as a neutral mediator in resolving concerns or conflicts brought by or on behalf of a legislative employee; (4) providing information about available services and programs to interested legislative employees; and (5) performing any other duties as directed by the Legislative Commission. Section 1 also prohibits the Ombudsman from serving as a Deputy Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau and prohibits the Ombudsman or any staff of the Office from disclosing the identity or any identifying information of a legislative employee who seeks assistance or information from the Office without the express permission of the legislative employee. Section 2 of this bill places the Office in the Legislative Counsel Bureau and designates the Ombudsman as the head of the Office. Section 3 of this bill requires the Ombudsman to perform the duties assigned by law under the administrative supervision of the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau. Section 4 of this bill prohibits the Ombudsman from opposing or urging legislation except as required to make recommendations to the Legislature. Section 5 of this bill requires the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections to conduct a study during the 2025-2026 interim concerning certain issues relating to legislative employment.

• Cecelia GonzálezD
• Cinthia Zermeño MooreD
• Heather GouldingD
• Venicia ConsidineD