The January 16, 2025, meeting of the Nevada Commission on Ethics focused on ongoing investigations and discussions surrounding ethical compliance within government practices. The meeting, held on July 18, 2025, addressed a specific case involving Mr. Reese, a law firm representative, and the implications of a deferral agreement related to alleged violations of ethics laws.

The session began with a review of the deferral agreement concerning Mr. Reese. Counsel noted that while certain processes were implemented at the law firm to comply with attorney ethical requirements, there was a lack of systems to ensure adherence to governmental ethics laws. This raised concerns about whether the deferral agreement should be vacated, allowing for further investigation into the matter.

Key discussions revolved around the nature of Mr. Reese's disclosures during closed-door meetings and public sessions. It was highlighted that he participated in discussions without proper disclosure regarding clients of his law firm, leading to questions about the adequacy of his disclosures. The commission debated whether these actions constituted a violation of the deferral agreement, which stipulates that any breach of ethics laws could lead to vacating the agreement.

Commissioner Shipman expressed confusion over the reasoning that a violation of ethics laws unrelated to disclosure and abstention issues did not breach the deferral agreement. The dialogue underscored differing perspectives on whether Mr. Reese had indeed violated ethics laws in other pending cases, with some members asserting that the allegations warranted further scrutiny.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that the matter remains unresolved, emphasizing the need for a thorough adjudicatory hearing to clarify the facts and determine the appropriate course of action. The commission plans to revisit the case as further developments unfold, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld within government operations.