In a recent meeting held by the Nevada Commission on Ethics, members gathered to discuss significant improvements in language access services, aiming to enhance inclusivity for non-English speakers. The meeting, which took place on July 18, 2025, highlighted the commission's commitment to ensuring that all residents can engage with its services effectively.

As the discussion unfolded, Executive Director Armstrong emphasized the importance of providing closed captions in various languages for their YouTube meetings. This initiative aims to make the commission's proceedings more accessible to individuals who may not be fluent in English. "If somebody wants to review a meeting and have closed captions in the language that they're more familiar with, that is available," Armstrong noted, pointing to the potential for broader community engagement.

The commission also recognized the need for improvement in their outreach efforts. Currently, assistance is offered in English, which poses a barrier for non-English speakers. To address this, the commission has allocated funding for training its outreach and education officer in American Sign Language and Spanish. Armstrong expressed a desire to explore additional resources to enhance language access, including translating vital forms and the ethics manual into the top three languages spoken in the community.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming legislative session, where the commission plans to establish a legislative committee to streamline communication and decision-making regarding bills that may impact their operations. This proactive approach aims to avoid emergency meetings and ensure that the commission can respond swiftly to legislative developments.

As the meeting concluded, the commission unanimously adopted a proposed language access plan, marking a significant step toward inclusivity. The plan will be reviewed annually, allowing the commission to adapt and improve its services continually. With these initiatives, the Nevada Commission on Ethics is poised to foster a more inclusive environment, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.