71°F
weather icon Clear

Campus carry bill could be sent to Assembly floor this week

CARSON CITY — A controversial bill that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns on Nevada college campuses was given a brief hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and could soon move to the full Assembly for a vote.

Assembly Bill 487, an emergency measure authorized by Speaker John Hambrick, R-Las Vegas, did not see any testimony from supporters or opponents.

Judiciary Chairman Ira Hansen, R-Sparks, said he would not entertain any testimony on the measure because it has been debated at length in a previous hearing.

The bill is scheduled for a work session on Wednesday where it will likely move to the full Assembly for a vote.

Assemblyman James Oscarson, R-Pahrump, answered a few brief questions on the bill that is the newest incarnation of Assembly Bill 148, which passed the Assembly earlier this session but did not get a hearing in the Senate.

The new bill was introduced last week after an attempt to amend the campus carry language into a separate Second Amendment bill failed in the Assembly. That measure, Senate Bill 175, was approved by the Assembly and is on its way to Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Oscarson said no promises have been made that the new campus carry bill will get a hearing in the Senate or ultimately win approval.

Assemblyman Nelson Araujo, D-Las Vegas, expressed disappointment that the many people who signed in to testify on the measure were not allowed to speak.

The bill has seen strong opposition from many, but not all, students at the state’s colleges. Most faculty and other officials oppose the measure as well. But supporters argue that concealed weapons permit holders are well trained and should be able to carry their firearms on campuses.

The original measure was introduced by Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, on behalf of Amanda Collins, a concealed weapons permit holder who was unarmed when she was raped by James Biela in a parking garage on the University of Nevada, Reno campus in 2007.

It is the third attempt to get the so called campus carry bill through the Nevada Legislature to allow those with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns on the campuses of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Currently, concealed weapons are prohibited on campuses unless an individual obtains permission from the college president. Permission is rarely granted. Concealed weapons permits can only be obtained by those age 21 or older.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
USO Benefit Show nets thousands for local causes

B.J. Hetrick-Irwin, founder of the Nevada Silver Tappers and Ms. Senior Golden Years, continues to dance at the age of 99.

No more squatting – new law targets homeless on vacant, private property

Nye County McGill said the purpose of the new code is to authorize the sheriff’s office to make contact with people occupying vacant private property or a property with a vacant building and demand to see a lease agreement.

VEA names new CEO

Hamlin will return to Pahrump for his first day as CEO of the co-op on Dec. 9.

Jury finds Michele Fiore guilty on federal wire fraud charges

Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore was accused of using donations meant for a statue of a fallen police officer on her personal expenses.

Empty the Shelters!

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fall National Empty the Shelters offers a chance for the community to save lives through adoption while creating space for shelters to help more pets.

Offload your hazardous waste next weekend

Readers looking for a chance to toss out this type of junk safely and properly should mark their calendars for next weekend’s Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event.

Nye deputies eradicate large pot growing operation

“We cut down approximately 2,000 plants,” Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill said. “Some were as big as over six-feet tall.”

Firewood permit program underway

On a first-come, first-serve basis, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is offering firewood permits this month, via its annual Firewood Permit Program.

Big Brother, Big Sisters returns to Pahrump

The 120 year old non-profit organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of American (BBBSOA) is making its return to Pahrump this Fall.