Campus carry gun bill sent to Nevada Assembly floor

CARSON CITY — A bill that would allow those with concealed weapons permits to take their weapons onto the state’s college campuses won approval Wednesday in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

If it becomes law, Assembly Bill 148, sought by Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, would also allow those with concealed weapons permits to carry their weapons in public buildings with some exceptions and in unsecured areas of airports.

Child care facilities and public schools were deleted from the provisions of the bill.

Most officials with the Nevada System of Higher Education, and many students, opposed the measure.

Supporters said the measure will make campuses safer.

Concealed carry permits are only available to those age 21 or older, meaning many students would not be able to carry weapons on campus.

The committee also approved Assembly Bill 167, which would allow people with concealed carry permits who want to be foster parents to carry their loaded weapons around children.

Brian and Valerie Wilson of Las Vegas asked the committee to pass the measure, saying their attempts to get a variance from a state regulation prohibiting the carrying of loaded weapons with foster children was denied.

Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Gardnerville, said it was “reprehensible” that qualified foster parents could be denied based on their Second Amendment rights.

The measures now go to the full Assembly and, if successful, on to the Senate.

Both bills received four “no” votes in committee from Democrats but are expected to win passage in the Assembly.

Assemblyman Nelson Araujo, D-Las Vegas, said he opposed the campus carry measure because of the strong opposition from students.

Assemblywoman Olivia Diaz, D-Las Vegas, said her opposition stemmed in part from the provisions allowing permit holders to take their weapons into unsecured areas of airports.

Concealed weapons permit holders can take their weapons on campus now with the permission of the college’s president, but testimony indicated that such permission is rarely granted.

There is another campus carry bill waiting in the wings that might resolve at least some concerns by university officials. Senate Bill 350 by Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, was introduced Monday. It would allow weapons on campus but prohibit them at major sporting events on campus.

Second Amendment bills have been a major focus of the Legislature this session, sparking strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

Another major measure, Senate Bill 175, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday. The bill would expand legal protections for justifiable homicides involving occupied vehicles, as well as making it illegal for anyone convicted of domestic violence, even a misdemeanor offense, to own a gun.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.