Student achievement & gun safety among bills passed this weekend at Nevada legislature
CARSON CITY, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Lawmakers are working through the weekend to pass dozens of bills before Monday.
But one bill in particular, had protesters in an uproar outside the building this morning.
Earlier Saturday, protesters were lined up outside the legislature to voice their opposition to Assembly Bill 291, a bill they believe infringes on the Second Amendment.
The bill was introduced in response to the 2017 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip.
It was designed to make it easier for courts and law enforcement to seize guns from people deemed dangerous. The bill also makes it a misdemeanor to leave guns in a place where there is a substantial risk a child may use it.
Protesters were upset about how quickly the bill passed and don’t believe it addresses the root of the problem.
"I'm here because the Second Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. What this bill is doing is kind of taking away that right. It's slowly eroding my Second Amendment right," said Reno resident Scott Cooley.
After approving the Assembly-approved Senate’s amendment earlier today, the the bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
While that bill was a topic of controversy, another bill got resounding support from both houses.
Senate Bill 89 was designed to improve student achievement and safety. It was unanimously approved by those present in both the Senate and the Assembly.
The bill requires specialized personnel at public schools – like a school safety specialist – that’s on par with the number of students.
It also requires revising the plans public schools have in response to a crisis, emergency or suicide.
While this bill got resounding support, Assemblyman Glen Leavitt is focused on getting the rest of the legislation passed.
“I’ve tried to focus on this whole session to try and stick with that message of ‘Hey let’s improve our education system,”’ explained Assemblyman Leavitt, who represents District 23 in Southern Nevada. “Let’s get our workforce strong and straightened out and then let’s maintain a good, vibrant economy.’”
The 80th legislative session officially ends on Monday, June 3rd.
The legislature is planning on working late into Sunday evening to make sure they don't go into a special session.
