Assembly Judiciary Committee Passes Senator Pazina’s Senate Bill 89, Prohibiting Firearms After Certain Hate Crimes Convictions

Proponents want to prohibit the Purchase and Possession of Firearms After Conviction of a Misdemeanor Hate Crime Under Nevada law

NEVADA - Today, the Assembly Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 89 (SB89) in a 9-3 vote. This bill prohibits firearm possession following a misdemeanor hate crime conviction for up to ten years.

Senator Julie Pazina issued the following statement:

“Thank you to my colleagues on the Assembly Judiciary Committee for advancing SB 89 today. This bill is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: individuals who have been convicted of hate-motivated crimes should not have easy access to firearms. Time and again, we’ve seen how bias-driven violence can escalate when weapons are involved, with devastating consequences for targeted communities. SB 89 is a commonsense, preventative measure that closes a dangerous loophole and helps ensure that those who have already demonstrated a willingness to act on hate are not given the tools to do even greater harm. This is about protecting lives, standing up for vulnerable communities, and making our state safer for everyone. I’m proud to carry this bill forward.”

Amber Falgout, Communications Director, Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“Thank you to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for passing SB89, sponsored by Senator Pazina. This policy is a step in the right direction, given the increasing division and hatred we see in our society aimed at vulnerable and marginalized groups. Individuals who commit hate crimes have already demonstrated a willingness to target others based on bias and hostility—arming them only increases the risk of future violence. Prohibiting firearm possession in these cases is a common-sense, preventive measure to protect communities and uphold public safety.”

André C. Wade, State Director, Silver State Equality, issued the following statement:

“In the same month that the federal government allowed devices that can convert semiautomatic rifles into weapons that can shoot as fast as machine guns, our Nevada legislators showed true leadership by enhancing public safety and protecting vulnerable communities by passing SB89 through the Nevada Senate and the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Silver State Equality thanks State Senator Julie Pazina for her efforts in championing this bill that will make it illegal for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime from owning or buying a gun for up to 10 years after their conviction. We know all too well the devastating impact that crimes motivated by hate can have on a community. Nevada lawmakers have the courage to stand up to save lives. We look forward to the Nevada Assembly passing SB89 and to Governor Lombardo signing it into law.”

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