FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2023
Contact: Will Pregman, [email protected], 702.752.0656
Nevada Senate Votes to Pass Senator Harris’ Gun Violence Prevention Bill SB171, Adding Hate Crime Conviction to Firearm Prohibitions
Supporters are encouraged to see SB171 Pass the Senate Floor 13 to 8
CARSON CITY, NV – Today, the Senate Floor voted to pass SB171, to prohibit the owning, purchasing, or possessing a firearm upon conviction of a hate crime. Proponents of the bill argue this is a needed step toward making communities safer given the increased violence seen toward communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. SB171 was passed 13 to 8. The bill will now move over to the Assembly where it will be heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Annette Magnus, Executive Director, of Battle Born Progress said:
“We thank the Senators who voted to pass SB171 and Senator Dallas Harris for sponsoring this important bill. Nevadans know that hate crimes are unacceptable. We cannot allow people who target, harass, or abuse individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, or sexuality to own firearms. SB171 addresses this loophole that allows individuals who are convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes to own, purchase, and possess firearms after conviction. This bill is a reasonable, commonsense law to address gun violence that has skyrocketed over the past few years. Removing firearms from people who have been convicted of hate crimes is a needed step toward making our communities safer and protecting vulnerable populations. At the end of 2022, we saw a rise in antisemitic hate crimes in major cities across the United States. This level of hate cannot be tolerated and it is incumbent upon our lawmakers to ensure people who are convicted of hate crimes are prohibited from owning a firearm. We are thankful to Senator Harris for her diligent work to move this bill forward. Now as we look to the Assembly to take up this measure we are hopeful that it will make it out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee and onto the Assembly Floor.”
Agustin Cabrera, GIFFORDS State Legislative Manager said:
“We applaud the Senate for passing this critical legislation. Keeping firearms away from people who have been convicted of a hate crime will save people’s lives, increase public safety, and protect the state’s marginalized communities. Thank you to Senator Dallas Harris for her work and support on this issue. This is a great day in the Nevada Senate, and we are eager to continue working with them on the fight against gun violence.”
“Those convicted of a hate crime shouldn’t have access to a firearm; it’s that simple,” said Jessica Diss, a volunteer with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Hate turns deadly when armed with a gun; ensuring those who have caused harm to our communities don’t have access to a firearm will make us safer. Every community deserves to be safe from gun violence, and we must do more to protect families and communities that are at higher risk. We look forward to working with community partners and lawmakers to turn this bill into law and engage with leaders at all levels to protect Nevada families.”
Kris Brown, President, Brady said:
“Today’s vote to pass Senate Bill 171 (SB-171) is a significant step towards closing a dangerous loophole that allows individuals convicted of hate crimes to possess firearms, while also preventing gun violence in Nevada. We commend Sen. Harris for her leadership in championing this critical legislation, which will help make Nevada communities safer.
“This critical first step is a testament to the tireless efforts of advocates and survivors working towards creating a more just and equitable society. We stand in solidarity with Battle Born Progress, Giffords, Everytown, and all the advocates instrumental in passing this bill. This is just the beginning, and we will continue to work with legislators and advocates to create safer communities for all.”
“Those convicted of a hate crime shouldn’t have access to a firearm; it’s that simple,” said Jessica Diss, a volunteer with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Hate turns deadly when armed with a gun; ensuring those who have caused harm to our communities don’t have access to a firearm will make us safer. Every community deserves to be safe from gun violence, and we must do more to protect families and communities that are at higher risk. We look forward to working with community partners and lawmakers to turn this bill into law and engage with leaders at all levels to protect Nevada families.”
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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages, and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media. Learn more at https://battlebornprogress.org/.
