FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2023
Contact: Will Pregman, wpregman@battlebornprogress.
Assembly Judiciary Committee Votes to Pass Senator Dallas Harris’ Senate Bill 171 Addressing Nevada Hate Crimes Laws
Proponents Want to Prohibit the Purchase, Ownership, and Possession of Firearms After Conviction of a Hate Crime Under Nevada Law
CARSON CITY, NV – Today, the Assembly Committee on Judiciary held a work session on Senate Bill 171 (SB171), to prohibit the ownership, purchase, or possession of a firearm upon conviction of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor hate crime for up to 10 years. The bill moves to the Assembly Floor next.
Shelbie Swartz, Interim Executive Director, of Battle Born Progress issued the following statement:
“We thank the Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair for holding the work session on Senate Bill 171 (SB171) today. Additionally, we want to thank the Assembly Judiciary Committee for passing SB171 and Senator Dallas Harris for bringing this vital legislation forth. SB171 makes our communities safer by prohibiting the purchase, possession, and ownership of firearms for up to 10 years post-conviction of all hate crimes. This change requires individuals convicted of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor hate crimes to be subject to the same accountability level as individuals with felony convictions. It has been an honor working with Senator Harris, Brady, Giffords, and Everytown to move this bill forward. As we have seen rising hate crimes in the past few years, it is our position we must ensure individuals who are convicted of a hate crime are prohibited from owning a firearm post-conviction. SB171 is a step forward to treating these crimes with the seriousness they deserve. The next step will be the Assembly Floor, which we are excited about seeing in the coming days. Hate crimes have no place in our society but make no mistake; they are real. Individuals and groups are targeted daily because of their race, gender expression, sexuality, and religion. We know we have more work to do in this area to protect vulnerable communities, but we are excited that we are heading in the right direction.“
Brady President Kris Brown stated:
“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 171 (SB-171) in the Assembly Judiciary Committee is a significant step towards a safer Nevada. The surge of hate crimes across the country makes it urgent that we prevent individuals convicted of hate crimes from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms. We cannot afford to delay any longer in protecting our communities.
“We commend Sen. Harris for sponsoring this bill and the Assembly Judiciary Committee for passing it. We are proud to stand with our partners at Battle Born Progress, Giffords, and Everytown in supporting this critical legislation. Let’s keep pushing SB-171 forward and get it signed into law.”
Agustin Cabrera, GIFFORDS State Legislative Manager:
“Today, the Assembly Judiciary Committee took swift action to ensure the safety of Nevadans by advancing SB-171. Hate crimes are plaguing far too many communities. Barring those convicted of committing a hate crime from possessing a firearm is just common sense. We thank Senator Dallas Harris and Committee members for their hard work on this important issue.”
“These bills have a clear goal – to save lives,” said Jaime Bunnell, a volunteer with the Nevada Chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We’re grateful for our lawmakers’ commitment to the safety of Nevada families and for introducing measures that will protect our children from gun violence. We hope every lawmaker understands the urgency in passing these critical measures that will make every Nevada safer from the threat of gun violence.”
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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.
