Nevada’s Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Created Government Gun Control Office
Governor Joe Lombardo made the right choice lastweek. He vetoed Senate Bill 156. This bill would create a new government office that would push anti-gun ideas.
He argued it politicizes the issue of gun violence because the attorney general is an elected position. The bill passed the Nevada legislature along party lines. But Governor Lombardo saw through the political games.
What This Office Would Have Done
SB156 would have created a “Special Counsel for the Prevention of Gun Violence.” Sounds innocent, right? But look deeper.
The Special Counsel will advise the Attorney General on gun violence prevention, collaborate with researchers to develop data and resources, assist with educational campaigns about firearm safety and suicide prevention, and collect data on gun law violations. The bill authorizes the Special Counsel to establish a grant program to fund community-based gun violence prevention initiatives
Here’s the real problem. The Special Counsel may also apply for and receive gifts, grants, and contributions to support their work. This means groups like Brady and Bloomberg’s anti-gun organizations could fund this office. They could push their agenda using taxpayer-funded positions.
Think about it. Private groups that hate the Second Amendment could basically buy influence in the state government. That’s not how our system should work.
Why This Matters to Gun Owners
This wasn’t about public safety. It was about creating another layer of government that would attack your gun rights.
The office would have collected data on gun law violations. But what kind of data? How would they use it? The bill doesn’t say. That’s scary when you know who might be funding the research.
These kinds of offices don’t reduce crime. They reduce freedom. They create studies that push for more gun laws. They lobby lawmakers from inside the government itself.
The Better Way to Fight Crime
Want to reduce gun violence? Here’s what actually works.
First, enforce the laws we already have. Too many criminals get plea deals or light sentences. When someone uses a gun in a crime, lock them up.
Second, encourage more law-abiding citizens to get concealed carry permits. The data is clear on this.
Ten of the sixteen states that adopted permitless carry before 2022 saw a decline in violent crime rates; only Alaska saw a notable increase.
Of the five states with the lowest violent crime rates, three allow concealed carry without a permit.
Despite gun control supporters’ predictions, murder and total violent crime have decreased by more than half since 1991. This happened while Americans bought more guns and more states passed concealed carry laws.
The facts are simple. More legal gun owners means less crime. Criminals think twice when they don’t know who might be armed.
Concealed handgun permit holders are extremely law-abiding. In Florida and Texas, permit holders are convicted of firearms related violations at one-twelfth of the rate at which police officers are convicted.
Governor’s Track Record
This isn’t Governor Lombardo’s first time standing up for gun rights. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed a trio of gun-control bills Wednesday back in 2023. He’s been consistent.
“I will not support legislation that infringes on the constitutional rights of Nevadans,” Lombardo said in a statement announcing his vetoes.
That’s the kind of leadership we need. Someone who won’t bow to pressure from anti-gun groups.
What Happens Next
The legislature could try to override the veto. But they don’t have enough votes. Democrats, who’s ranks include Nevada’s current crop of gun-grabbers, are still only two seats shy of a super-majority in both chambers, with which they can over-ride any veto Joe Lombardo writes.
For now, Nevada gun owners can breathe easier. But this fight isn’t over.
The anti-gun crowd will be back next session. They’ll try again with similar bills. Maybe they’ll call it something different. But the goal will be the same.
What You Can Do
First, thank Governor Lombardo. Let him know you support his veto. Good leaders deserve to hear when they do the right thing.
Second, stay involved. Join your local gun rights groups. The Nevada Firearms Coalition and others work hard to protect your rights.
Third, vote. If you care about your gun rights, you had best campaign and vote next time like your gun rights depend on it, because they will.
The 2026 elections will be crucial. Anti-gun politicians want to build a super-majority that can override any governor’s veto.
Fourth, consider getting your concealed carry permit if you don’t have one. The more law-abiding citizens who are armed, the safer we all are.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
