A dangerous new bill is making its way through the Nevada legislature, and it should worry anyone who cares about limited government and personal liberty. Assembly Bill 119 (AB119) would hand sweeping powers to the state Attorney General to investigate what they’re calling “paramilitary activity.”
What’s Hidden in the Fine Print
The bill creates a broad definition of a “private paramilitary organization” as any group of three or more people who have some kind of command structure and function (or train to function) in public as a unit for combat, combat support, law enforcement, or security services.
The exact wording from the bill states:
“‘Private paramilitary organization’ means an organized body consisting of three or more persons who associate under a structure of command for the purpose of functioning or training to function in a public place as a unit of combat, combat support, law enforcement or security services.”
That might sound reasonable at first glance. But look closer, and you’ll see the troubling reality.
Under this bill, the Attorney General could investigate anyone they suspect might be involved in “paramilitary activity,” force them to appear under oath, make them answer written questions, and demand they hand over documents and other evidence.
Even worse, the bill allows private citizens to sue groups they claim have caused them harm through “paramilitary activity.” This opens the door to harassment through expensive legal battles.
Why Every Conservative Should Be Worried
This bill strikes at the heart of values conservatives hold dear.
The power given to the Attorney General goes far beyond what should exist in a free society. They could launch investigations based on mere allegations, without the normal protections we expect in our justice system.
What about our Second Amendment rights? Our freedom to assemble peacefully? This bill creates a shadow over these fundamental freedoms.
During committee hearings, something shocking came to light: church security teams could be labeled as “paramilitary” under this bill. Imagine your church’s volunteer security team being investigated or sued just for trying to keep worshippers safe!
The Real Agenda Behind the Bill
Supporters claim this bill is needed to prevent violence and intimidation. But many see it as a political weapon waiting to be used against those with the “wrong” views.
During testimony, one lawmaker suggested that people who gathered to support rancher Cliven Bundy against federal overreach would be considered “paramilitary” under this bill.
Others pointed out that veterans and former police officers who protected monuments in Carson City during the 2020 riots might be labeled a “paramilitary organization” just for trying to protect public property from destruction.
The organization pushing this bill is the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection from Georgetown Law, a left-wing advocacy group. They began this project after the problems at Charlottesville, which were often used to attack President Trump unfairly.
There’s Still Time to Act
The bill is still in committee, which means there’s time to speak up. If it passes, it could open the door to what some call “lawfare” – using the legal system to harass and financially drain political opponents, similar to what many believe happened to January 6th protesters.
If you’re concerned about this bill, you can still make your voice heard. Contact members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee directly. Submit your opinion through the Nevada Legislature website. Tell friends and family about what this bill could mean for our freedoms.
The time to act is now, before this bill moves forward. Once government power expands, it rarely shrinks back.
Our system of government works best when everyday citizens stay informed and speak up when they see potential threats to our freedoms. This bill represents exactly the kind of government overreach our founding fathers warned against.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
