Assemblywoman Jauregui Introduces Bill Raising Age Limit For Gun Possession

Today, Democratic Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui introduced Assembly Bill 355 which raises the age limit from 18 to 21 for semi-automatic gun possession and handling. The bill, in its current form, also bans hunting for persons under the age of 21. Her Democratic colleagues Speaker Steve Yeager and Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno are sponsoring this legislation.

Per the Legislative Counsel’s digest: (emphasis added)

Existing law prohibits a child under the age of 18 years from handling, possessing or controlling a firearm under certain circumstances. (NRS 202.300) Section 1 of this bill makes it a gross misdemeanor for a person who is less than 21 years of age to possess or control a: (1) semiautomatic shotgun; or (2) semiautomatic centerfire rifle….

Existing law authorizes a child who is 14 years of age or older and who, among other requirements, has a valid hunting license, to handle, possess or control a: (1) rifle or shotgun; or (2) firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. However, existing law provides that the rifle or shotgun must not be a fully automatic firearm. (NRS 202.300) Section 3 of this bill prohibits a child who is 14 years of age or older from handling, possessing or controlling a semiautomatic shotgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle.

In a statement to Channel 5 last week, Assm. Jauregui explained her reasoning behind the proposed legislation:

“It’s important to know that since 2018, six of the deadliest mass shootings have been committed by people under the age of 21,” she said.

Jauregui is herself the survivor of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. That shooting–committed by a 64-year-old man–left 61 people dead. Since then, she’s pushed for changes in gun laws.

She noted that current Nevada law requires anyone buying a handgun or getting a concealed carry permit to be 21 but allows an 18-year-old to purchase a semi-automatic weapon. “And do what we’re trying to do is make that consistent.”

The Globe has reached out to her office for comment and clarification and will update the story if and when a reply is received.