Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Senator Pazina’s Senate Bill 89, Seeking to Strengthen Hate Crimes Laws in Nevada

Advocates Celebrate Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of Senate Bill 89 Following Hearing Last Month

NEVADA - Today, Senate Bill 89 (SB89) passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 5-3. This measure prevents firearms from getting into the hands of individuals who have been convicted of committing a misdemeanor hate crime in Nevada. The bill was presented by bill sponsor Senator Julie Pazina on March 27th, 2025, in a Joint Assembly & Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Senator Julie Pazina issued the following statement:

“With hate crimes surging over 71% and clear evidence linking past offenders to future acts of violence involving firearms, SB89 is a common-sense measure to safeguard Nevadans who may be targeted for their faith, identity, or appearance. I look forward to a full Senate vote and to advancing this critical legislation in the Assembly.”

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

“Put simply, SB89 is a bill that will save lives and protect some of our most vulnerable communities. Other states have taken the important step of limiting access to firearms for those convicted of a hate crime, and it’s time Nevada follows suit. We thank Sen. Pazina for her work on ensuring this important legislation gets the consideration it deserves, and look forward to a vote on SB89 by the full Senate.”

SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

###

About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.