The Nevada Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 245 with a 27-15 vote along party lines, sending the measure to the Senate for consideration. This bill would prohibit anyone under 21 years old from possessing semiautomatic shotguns and semiautomatic centerfire rifles.
What Does This Bill Actually Do?
If signed into law, AB245 would make it a gross misdemeanor for anyone under 21 to possess or control specific types of firearms. The restrictions focus on semiautomatic shotguns and semiautomatic centerfire rifles – weapons that many gun owners consider standard for home defense and sporting purposes.
The bill also creates penalties for adults who help younger individuals access these firearms. First-time offenders face misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders could be hit with a category B felony carrying 1-6 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Gun dealers would face similar harsh penalties for selling these firearms to people under 21 – potentially serving up to six years behind bars as a category B felony.
How Amendment 400 Changed the Bill
Amendment 400, proposed by the Assembly Committee on Judiciary, made several significant changes to the original bill. The amendment added language prohibiting the sale or barter of semiautomatic firearms to those under 21, not just possession. This expands the scope of the bill to directly affect gun dealers and private sellers.
The amendment also added limited exceptions for those 18-20 years old who temporarily handle these firearms in specific situations. These include:
- At established shooting ranges
- During lawful organized competitions
- While participating in public performances by groups using firearms
- During lawful hunting or trapping with proper licenses
- For those engaged in predatory animal or range control activities on rangeland
Additionally, the amendment added stricter storage requirements for firearms in homes with minors. Rifles and shotguns must now be unloaded and locked in secure containers when not in use, creating new obligations for gun-owning households.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For those who value limited government and constitutional rights, this bill represents a concerning expansion of government power. The Second Amendment doesn’t mention age restrictions, and this bill creates a new category of adults with diminished rights.
Many gun rights advocates point out that at 18, Americans are considered adults for nearly all other purposes, including voting and military service. This bill would create an unusual three-year gap where certain constitutional rights are limited.
The legislation also mandates specific storage requirements. Rifles and shotguns “must remain unloaded and stored in a securely locked container” when not in use – essentially dictating how citizens must store their property in their own homes.
What Critics Are Saying
Supporters claim these restrictions will improve public safety by preventing certain firearms from being accessed by younger adults. They point to incidents involving younger shooters as justification for these new limitations.
Critics note the inconsistency in our laws – 18-year-olds can vote, sign contracts, and serve in the military (military members are exempted in this bill), but would now have restricted Second Amendment rights.
What Might Happen Next
Governor Joe Lombardo’s position will be crucial if the bill passes the Senate. During his first year in office, Lombardo vetoed multiple gun control measures, suggesting he might reject this one as well.
Similar age restrictions in other states have faced lengthy court challenges, with Second Amendment advocates arguing these laws violate constitutional rights. If passed, legal battles would likely follow.
What You Can Do
For conservatives concerned about preserving gun rights:
- Contact your state senators before they vote
- Reach out to Governor Lombardo’s office
- Join and support Second Amendment advocacy groups
- Stay informed through local news sources
This legislation highlights the ongoing battle between government regulation and individual liberty. For those who believe in limited government, it’s a reminder that protecting constitutional rights requires constant vigilance.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
