Bill imposes cooling-off period for ex-lawmakers
CARSON CITY — There was no opposition Wednesday to a bill imposing a cooling-off period before Nevada lawmakers can return to the Legislature as a hired lobbyist.
Assembly Bill 273 “doesn’t close the so-called revolving door,” said Assemblyman Pat Hickey, R-Reno, the main sponsor of the bill. Instead it would only preclude a legislator who leaves office for one reason or another from returning the next legislative session to lobby former colleagues.
“Usually reforms like this are preceded by scandals,” Hickey told members of the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. “I’m proud to say there’s no scandal to speak of here in Nevada. However, it is the right thing to do.”
AB273 won unanimous support in the Assembly. A similar bill in 2013 was approved by the Assembly but died in the Senate.
The prohibition would not extend to former lawmakers who go to work for a public entity or private employer and are required to lobby as part of their job duties.
Additionally, it would not take effect until after the 2016 election, meaning current lawmakers could potentially return as lobbyists in 2017.
“It’s not my intention to cast aspersions on the lobbying business,” Hickey said, adding he also does not want to prohibit people from seeking gainful employment.
Roughly three dozen states have cooling-off periods for elected officials.
No immediate action was taken by the committee.
Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb.
