Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Assembly Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui’s Assembly Bill 245

AB245 will now move to the Senate Floor for a vote in the coming weeks

NEVADA - Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Assembly Bill 245 (AB245), sponsored by Assembly Floor Leader Jauregui, by a 5-3 vote. AB245 prohibits anyone younger than 21 years old from purchasing or possessing semiautomatic shotguns and semiautomatic assault weapons. This bill was heard in a joint hearing of the Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees on March 27, 2025.

Assembly Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui issued the following statement:

"Raising the minimum age to purchase assault weapons is a commonsense measure to protect our communities and save lives. Again and again, we've seen devastating tragedies unfold when individuals gain access to assault-style weapons immediately after turning 18. AB245 is a step toward preventing these senseless acts of violence, and I'm grateful to the Senate Judiciary Committee for advancing this important legislation."

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“Thank you to the Senate Judiciary Committee for passing AB245, sponsored by Assembly Floor Leader Jauregui. This and other measures address key areas of gun violence that plague our communities. AB245 brings our gun laws in line with other reasonable age restrictions in society. Raising the purchase and possession age for assault-style weapons aligns with what we already know: maturity matters when it comes to lethal decision-making. We don’t let teens buy alcohol or handguns—there’s no reason they should be able to buy weapons of war.”

Agustin Cabrera, State Legislative Manager from GIFFORDS, issued the following statement:

“Today, Nevada followed in the footsteps of other states who recognize the importance of minimum age laws. We know that young adults between 18 and 20 years old are responsible for a disproportionate share of gun violence, including homicides and mass shootings. This new law, which is similar to the age limits we set on purchasing alcohol, tobacco, and even car rentals, is just common sense, and will undoubtedly save lives.”

Kris Brown, President of Brady, issued the following statement:

“Raising the age minimum to purchase or possess semiautomatic assault weapons is an important step towards ending the gun violence epidemic in Nevada. We have seen too often that mass shootings are increasingly carried out by young people with assault weapons. In fact, six of the nine deadliest mass shootings from 2018 to 2022 in our country were carried out by individuals under 21. We applaud Assembly Floor Leader Jauregui for introducing this common-sense, life-saving bill.”

Malcolm Greer, a student advocate with Students Demand Action in Nevada, issued the following statement:

“So many young people have grown up in the shadow of gun violence from losing classmates, friends, and family members far too soon. The advancement of AB 245 is a critical step toward protecting our generation. Raising the age to purchase weapons of war to 21 is a commonsense measure that reflects the urgency of this crisis and the voices of those most affected. This legislation sends a clear message: young lives are worth protecting, and action can’t wait.”

Jamie Bunnell, a volunteer with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action, issued the following statement:

“AB 245 is a life-saving measure, and its progress is a testament to what’s possible when lawmakers prioritize public safety. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in this country, and raising the age to purchase weapons of war to 21 is a commonsense step backed by data and driven by the urgent need to protect our kids. As a mom and an advocate, I’m proud to stand with the young people who have fought so hard for this legislation, and I hope to see it signed into law soon.”

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