Nevada Commission on Ethics v. Ballard

*863OPINION

In this appeal, we must decide whether the Nevada Commission on Ethics had the authority to (1) determine whether respondents’ “Notice[s] in lieu of Statement of Financial Disclosure” and related filings satisfied NRS 281.561’s requirement that a political candidate file a financial disclosure statement;2 and (2) seek civil penalties against respondents for violating NRS 281.561. Because we conclude that the Commission acted within its authority, we reverse.

BACKGROUND

Respondents were candidates for public office in Nevada’s 2002 general election.3 Under NRS 281.561(1), each respondent…