Last week, Nevada’s Gov. Joe Lombardo made use of his veto power for the first time since taking office in January, refusing to sign three gun-control measures that state Democrats had pushed to his desk, arguing they were unconstitutional.
Lombardo defended his decision, stating, “I will not support legislation that infringes on the constitutional rights of Nevadans.”
He continued, “Much of the legislation I vetoed today is in direct conflict with legal precedent and established constitutional protections. Therefore, I cannot support them.”
Each of the three bills attempted to strip Nevadans of their 2A rights in different ways. Nevada Democrats claimed the infringements would make the state a safer place.
Gov. Lombardo articulated in letters to the legislature why these resolutions may not serve the best interests of their constituents.
The Goals of the Vetoed Bills
One portion of AB 354 would prohibit firearms within proximity to polling stations during elections. Lombardo commented the effort to make elections safer was “commendable.”
However, he explained the “scope of the bill is too broad.” Further, federal law effectively accomplishes the same task by outlawing intimidation and threat tactics against voters.
The other half of AB 354 covers the prohibition of unfinished firearm frames and receivers. Gov. Lombardo emphasized that the parts trying to be outlawed are protected under the Second Amendment.
The second bill, AB 355, proposed to increase the minimum age for ownership of semi-automatic shotguns and rifles from 18 to 21.
Gov. Lombardo, in response, referenced several recent Supreme Court decisions, arguing that implementing such a measure would be a significant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Nevada’s citizens.
The final bill, SB 171, calls for 2A rights to be stripped from persons convicted of a hate crime, regardless of if a firearm was used in the crime. Lombardo pointed out that under existing laws, penalties are usually more stringent when offenses are determined to be motivated by hate, such as those based on race, sex, religion, gender, and so on.
Lombardo stated in his response, “[the connection] between certain misdemeanor offenses and gun violence makes it untenable to pass a law that immediately puts the defendant’s Second Amendment rights in jeopardy.”
“This would effectively open the door to more laws restricting others convicted of gross misdemeanors from owning firearms to protect their homes and families,” he continued.
Additionally, the governor suggested,” Many of the more violent and egregious offenses under Nevada law that are commonly associated with hate crimes can and should be prosecuted as felonies in the first place, especially when there is a connection between the underlying crime and the use of guns.”
Where Do the Vetoed Bills Go from Here
Gov. Lombardo’s actions are an enormous win for the Second Amendment. Lately, the focus is how most of the country is turning its back on our constitutional rights. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of the legislative agenda, Governor Lombardo stood firm, prioritizing the interests of his constituents.
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However, these bills are not done and should not be forgotten. After the veto, the bills will return to the legislature for final votes. The governor’s veto will be overturned if both the Assembly and Senate approve the bills. As a result, the legislation will become law regardless of the veto.
Democrats hold a supermajority in the State Assembly. However, they will need all party members on board and one Republican vote to pass through the Senate. Stay tuned for updates.
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