Assembly Passes Senator Julie Pazina’s Senate Bill 89, Addressing Hate Crimes Laws in Nevada

After passage in the Assembly, SB89 moves to Governor Joe Lombardo’s desk

NEVADA - Today, the Nevada Assembly Floor passed Senate Bill 89 (SB89) in a 27-15 vote. This measure prohibits anyone convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime from possessing or purchasing firearms for up to ten years following their conviction. The bill will now head to Governor Lombardo’s desk for him to sign or veto. In 2023, Governor Lombardo vetoed the bill (previously Senate Bill 171). Senator Julie Pazina has been adamant that she wants to work with the Governor’s Office to get the bill signed.

Senator Julie Pazina issued the following statement:

“The tragic murder of two innocent young people in Washington, DC, this week underscores the importance of SB 89. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were murdered because of how they worship, and no one should face the tragic consequences of gun violence because of the color of their skin, who they love, or how they worship. Today’s Assembly vote sends a clear message: there is no place for hate-fueled violence in our communities, especially not when it’s armed. As a Jewish Nevadan, this fight is deeply personal, and I’m proud to see this commonsense measure advance. I’m grateful to my colleagues for standing up for public safety and the fundamental values of tolerance, justice, and community.”

André Wade, Executive Director of Silver State Equality, issued the following statement:

“The reality of hate-fueled crime is why it is essential for elected leaders to do everything they can to keep guns out of the hands of those who want to threaten and intimidate our communities, including LGBTQ+ persons. Thanks to the work of leaders like Nevada State Senator Julie Pazina and other supporters of sensible gun reform, Nevada has taken responsible steps that make it harder for hate crime offenders to access guns. Silver State Equality urges Governor Lombardo to sign SB89 into law.”

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

“Put simply, SB89 will protect our communities, put Nevada in step with other states, and send a powerful message that hate has no place here. We applaud Sen. Pazina for her leadership on this issue, as well as the Assembly members who voted to pass SB89 today and send this crucial piece of legislation to the governor’s desk. We hope the governor has the political wisdom to sign it.”

Eric Jeng, Executive Director of One APIA Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Nevada's Asian and Pacific Islander American communities have long been the targets of hate from harassment to deadly violence. The trauma from incidents like the Atlanta spa shootings and the rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic is still fresh for many of us. SB89 sends a clear message that Nevada is willing to put community safety first. By keeping firearms out of the hands of those convicted of hate crimes, this bill takes meaningful action to prevent future violence. We thank Senator Pazina for leading this effort and to lawmakers who stood on the side of safety and justice for all communities.”

Kris Brown, President, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued the following statement:

“For too long, we have seen the devastating consequences of what happens when hate is coupled with easy access to firearms. Each year, over 10,300 people are victims of hate crimes involving a firearm in the U.S. And some of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings have been driven by hate, including the 2022 shooting at a Buffalo, NY, grocery store; the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL, and the 2019 shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, TX. While we may not be able to legislate hearts or minds, we must take action to keep guns out of the hands of those who have shown they are prone to hateful violence. We applaud the Nevada assembly for taking action to disarm hate by passing SB 89.”

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