FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2023
Contact: Amber Falgout, afalgout@battlebornprogress.
Assembly Floor Passes Senator Dallas Harris’ Senate Bill 171 Regarding Hate Crimes Laws in Nevada
After passage in the Assembly, this bill now moves to Governor Joe Lombardo’s Desk
CARSON CITY, NV – Today, the Assembly Floor voted to pass Senate Bill 171 (SB171), to prohibit the owning, purchasing, or possessing a firearm upon conviction of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor hate crime. The bill was passed 27 to 14.
Annette Magnus, Executive Director, of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:
“We thank the Assembly for passing Senate Bill 171 (SB171) today and Senator Dallas Harris for her hard work on this issue over the past few years. This measure updates current Nevada hate crime laws 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. We have been honored to work with Senator Harris on this legislation, and we look forward to working with her again. Hate crimes have been on the rise. While this might be a new phenomenon for some in our society, it is a standard issue for many people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We believe that if an individual targets a specific group or individual because of hatred due to their race, gender expression, or sexuality, they should not be able to purchase, own or possess a firearm for a period of time after they are convicted. The next step for this measure is to be signed by Governor Lombardo, who has said he supports common-sense gun violence prevention policies previously. We hope he will see this as a necessary step toward protecting individuals within Nevada. We look to him and his office as the final step in making sure SB171 becomes the law of the land in Nevada.”
Brady President Kris Brown stated:
“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 171 (SB-171) by the Assembly Floor is a critical step in the fight against hate crimes and gun violence in Nevada. We commend Senator Dallas Harris for championing this bill and the Assembly Floor for recognizing the urgent need to prevent those convicted of hate crimes from owning or possessing firearms. Brady has long advocated for common-sense gun violence prevention policies, and SB-171 is a necessary measure to protect the LGBTQ+ community and others at risk of hate-fueled gun violence.
“We know that hate crimes are all too prevalent in our society and that marginalized communities are too often the targets of this violence. That is why we must do everything in our power to keep guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm based on hate and prejudice. We are confident that Gov. Lombardo will recognize the importance of this bill and sign it into law. Let’s make Nevada a safer and more just place for all.”
Agustin Cabrera, GIFFORDS State Legislative Manager issued the following statement:
“We are delighted to celebrate another step forward for SB171 and applaud the courage and leadership of the Nevada Assembly for supporting this lifesaving legislation. Our country is unfortunately experiencing a surge in hate crimes and this bill will keep firearms out of the hands of those who pose a risk to public safety and protect communities throughout the state. GIFFORDS will remain steadfast in our commitment to working with state partners and bill sponsor Senator Dallas Harris to ensure the success of this bill.”
“There is nothing more deadly than hate armed with a gun. Prohibiting those convicted of hate crimes from possessing firearms is a common-sense and crucial measure that can save lives and protect marginalized communities from further harm,” said Nicole Solovey, a volunteer with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We commend our gun sense champion lawmakers for their unwavering leadership and swift action on this matter. We urge Governor Lombardo to recognize the importance of safeguarding our at-risk communities and all Nevada families from the threat of gun violence and we are eager to collaborate with his administration to ensure that this bill becomes law.”
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