Lombardo vetoes bill banning under 21s from owning certain guns

CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) – Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has vetoed a bill that would have prevented people under the age of 21 from owning semiautomatic shotguns and rifles.

The law would have stipulated that any person found in possession of such guns despite being under 21 would be guilty of a gross misdemeanor for a first offense.

For any second or second or subsequent offense, the offender would have been guilty of a category B felony.

Assembly Bill 245 was sponsored by Assembly Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui, who released this statement following the veto of the bill:

“It is disheartening that Governor Lombard chose to put politics above public safety by vetoing AB245. Raising the minimum age to purchase assault weapons is a straightforward, commonsense step to protect our communities and save lives. Time and again, we’ve seen the tragic consequences when individuals obtain assault-style weapons as soon as they turn 18. Despite today’s veto, my priority will continue to be putting forth policies that help end gun violence.”

Lombardo did not give a reason for the veto of the bill.