I’ve been vocal about the constitutionality of standing committees operating during off-seasons for the past three years. Now, as these committees are being reconvened quietly this January, it’s crucial we scrutinize their legality.

Strict Adherence to Constitutional Provisions

The Nevada Constitution clearly restricts the legislative session to 120 days every odd-numbered year. The creation and operation of interim committees, comprising legislators and engaging in legislative-like activities, potentially extend this session, violating this constitutional directive. This isn’t mere bureaucratic overreach; it’s a fundamental deviation from our constitutional framework, which warrants serious scrutiny and challenge.

Distinction Between Legislative and Non-Legislative Functions

Interim committees, ostensibly advisory, blur the line between legislative and non-legislative functions. Their recommendations shape legislative agendas, preempting formal debate. This infringes upon the constitutionally prescribed legislative process, transforming these committees into de facto extensions of the legislature, a clear overstep of their intended advisory role.

Potential Violation of Separation of Powers

By allowing legislators to persist in policy discussions through interim committees, there’s an encroachment on the executive branch’s prerogative. This continuous legislative influence during recess undermines the separation of powers, allowing the legislative branch undue sway over state affairs when it should be in recess.

Public Transparency and Accountability Issues

A cornerstone of our Constitutional Republic is transparency, ensuring government actions withstand public scrutiny. If interim committees operate without this transparency, it undermines public trust and the democratic process. Citizens have the right to be informed and participate in governmental processes; any deviation from this principle is unacceptable.

Need for Judicial Review

Given these constitutional ambiguities, a judicial review is imperative. The judiciary’s role in interpreting the Constitution is critical in resolving such matters, ensuring that legislative processes adhere to constitutional mandates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the operation of government requires flexibility, it must not contravene constitutional mandates and principles. The activities of these interim committees raise serious legal and constitutional concerns, necessitating a thorough judicial examination. As a community directly affected by the laws these individuals create, we must question, “Is this legal?” and actively seek a judicial review to ensure that Nevada’s legislative processes are in line with constitutional dictates.

It’s critical to remember that our founders never intended for political appointments to be lifelong careers. They envisioned individuals serving a term and then returning to their lives, not creating lifelong professions out of their political roles as we often see today. What’s more critical is realizing that the direction the legislature has taken us over the past two decades is increasingly diverging from what our founders envisioned and what made America an exceptional and powerful nation—a nation of the people, by the people, for the people. I argue that if we gave the legislature the rest of the CENTURY off, we’d be better off than following the current trajectory towards idiocracy. With elections approaching, it’s certain that more policies and laws will be discussed in these committees, which they intend to implement. We witnessed the significant changes in our election processes post-2020, where what was illegal before has now become legal.

We must challenge these committees and scrutinize their actions. This is a clear violation of the Nevada Constitution, yet it continues unchecked. Who among us will take this issue to the Supreme Court? It is imperative. I suspect that most of the public is unaware of these proceedings or their implications. It’s time to enlighten them. Do your part, share this message, and peacefully demand a judicial review by the Nevada Supreme Court as soon as possible. For the legislators reading this, remember who you serve. Do what’s right: share this message and demand a judicial review.

Beadles