• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Nevada Campus Carry Bill Gains Support

After the horrific events of Sandy Hook, it was only a matter of time before Nevada — one of the most liberal gun control states in the country — met to discuss concealed weapons on campuses. While K-12 schools are currently protected under federal law as “gun-free zones,” the Senate Judiciary Committee met this morning to discuss SB 223, a bill that proposes employees and faculty members be permitted to carry concealed weapons on higher education campuses.

Proponents of the bill suggest this is in sound conjunction with the second amendment right to bear arms. On the opposing side of the legislation, it is suggested that bringing concealed firearms to school campuses will bring dangerous consequences such as obstruction of campus police, and the instillation of fear in students and fellow faculty members.

Advocates for the bill claim that if passed, firearms permitted on campuses would create a deterrent effect and allow for safer school environments. And if denied, these campuses could remain a focus for violent crimes. As Duncan Rand Mackie, Vice President of the Nevada Firearms Coalition, stated, “Prohibiting firearms on school property by law abiding citizens makes the schools prime targets for those with mental or rage issues.”

Under current legislation in NRS 202.265, firearms are allowed on a NSHE campus only with the written permission of the president of that institution; the president addresses the request on a case-by-case basis and extends itself to special circumstances.

The acceptance of such an application is only granted after rigorous backgrounds checks, interviews, and a confirmed and pertinent risk of attack. This system has been carried out since 2008 and according to UNR President, Marc Johnson, is working just fine.

“The policy requires not presidential notification, but presidential permission,” Johnson said. “This difference allows the university to review each individual request to determine whether there is a legitimate reason to carry a weapon and allows the campus police department to review the background of the employee and verify the permit prior to providing presidential permission. The policy is in place, it is used currently, it is effective, and it is not cumbersome.”

Despite the stringent policies in obtaining permission to carry a firearm on higher education campuses, most university representatives agree that guns in schools will do more harm than good.

In a higher education environment that is meant to encourage the challenge and expression of ideas may be obstructed students from doing so because of the presence of firearms. Shannon Ellis, Vice President of Student Services at UNR, said, “More guns in the hands of faculty and staff create unhealthy dynamics toward our students.”

Adam Garcia, Director of University Police Services at UNR, said that in the event of an emergency, civilians with firearms on campus may lead to confusion as to who the offender is. According to Garcia, it could potentially hinder the campus police from successfully doing their job as trained officers in dangerous situations. “An essential element of our critical incident response plans is prohibiting firearms on the campus, except by trained police officers,” Garcia said. “This removes any grey area. These gun-free policies have helped to make out postsecondary education institutions some of the safest places in the country.”

The Senate of Judiciary Committee will follow up on the bill in the next upcoming weeks.


Top Stories

... or see all stories

Hello fellow anglers. We have a few things coming up soon. As we all know, the California opening day fishing season will start on April 27. The lakes in Mono and Inyo counties will open for the year.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of an ongoing telephone scam. In this scam, the original callers are claiming to be a family member who was involved in an accident.

MINDEN — Douglas County is excited to announce that Brook Adie has accepted the position of Community Services Director. Adie served as the Assistant Community Services Director from 2021-2023, and has held the role of Interim Community Services Director since July 2023.

A suspect sought by the Carson City Sheriff's Office for a battery that happened earlier this month at a local bar is in California law enforcement custody.

Carson Montessori students watch the egg drop competition

All students at Carson Montessori gathered this week around the scissor lift eagerly anticipating the start of the Engineering EGGstravaganza. Each grade created eight carefully engineered contraptions to house and protect their prized egg for the school-wide egg drop.

On April 9, Sierra Nevada Forums, in partnership with the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, will host “The truth about Carson City road funding: straight from the horse’s mouth.”

In July 2021, a dry lightning storm caused a number of fires throughout Carson City, the largest being the Prison Hill fire, burning roughly 175 acres in a matter of hours, and came dangerously close to homes.

Recently, a terrible incident in Eastern California left one man dead and another injured following a mountain lion attack. This has led to concern throughout mountain lion country on whether or not its safe to recreate. While mountain lion attacks are few and far between, there are a number of ways to stay safe and aware.

The Active 20-30 Club of Carson City No. 140 will host a Battle of the Bands competition on Saturday, April 20 at Fuji Park in Carson City.

Nevada Humane Society, Carson City Pet of the Week is Laffy Taffy, who is as sweet as candy and will keep you “Laffying” with his goofy antics.

GreenUP!, an environmental education non-profit working with local businesses, asks the community to support sustainable dining by bringing their appetites to Carson City Green Dining Restaurants while the banner flies now through Sunday, March 31.

Mark Twain Days Festival is back this year, May 10-12, with some big changes. Visit Carson City approached the Brewery Arts Center and asked them to partner for the planning of the second year of the festival, which is held in honor of Mark Twain, our region’s most famous writer.

These two photos by Nancy Sawyer, taken early Tuesday night over the Carson City sky, shows a magnificent array of rolling waves, like they were taken from pallette to canvas.

Spotted three birds, possibly turkey vultures or golden eagles, behind Buzzy's Ranch Road in Carson City early Wednesday. This is possibly part of a spring mating ritual. Bring your small pets inside.

Celebrating its Spring Fling Bunco fundraiser, Soroptimist International of Carson City will begin with a stuffed baked potato bar including bacon, butter, sour cream, broccoli and a side salad at 5:30pm. A no-host bar will be available. At 6:30pm the fun begins including prizes for top Bunco achievers.

United Federal Credit Union is expanding its footprint in Nevada. United opened a new branch in Minden on Monday, March 18, 2024. United has been operating in Nevada since 2009. The Minden branch is United’s ninth location in the state.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around the capital city.

The Hangar Tavern is Carson City’s newest bar that offers casino gaming machines, which opened up shop about two months ago off Airport Road.

The airplane-themed business is split sectioned, with the tavern taking up space on one side, which includes several seating options and multiple flat screen televisions for watching sports, while gaming takes up the other half.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is granting local workforce boards $5 million to address barriers to employment.

The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox, presents a concert, "We Got Rhythm," on Sunday, April 28, at 4 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E William Street in Carson City.

Carson Middle School English Teacher Rhonda Holloway, Seeliger Elementary Fourth Grade Teacher Toni Nielson and Mark Twain Fourth Grade Teachers Kylie Jensen and Alyson Haas were recent recipients of the “Apple Award” from the Delta Kappa Gamma NU Chapter in the total amount of $500. There were more than 14 total applicants. Delta Kappa Gamma is an educational organization of teachers who support other teachers.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is investigating a battery which occurred at a Carson City bar on March 17, 2024. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has obtained surveillance footage of the incident and is attempting to identify the suspect in the pictures above.

On Tuesday, March 26, at approximately 7 a.m., the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and East Fork Fire responded to the 900 block of Arrowhead Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos for a report of an unconscious individual lying on the side of the road.

Another early spring storm system will move into the Carson City area and surrounding counties Wednesday bringing gusty winds, valley rain and mountain snow to the region, according to the National Weather Service.

A saturation event was organized last week by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Office of Traffic Safety, and Sheriff's Traffic Enforcement Team to improve traffic safety in the Mound House area.

Women's Drum Circles for all levels, or no experience, of drumming continue this Saturday, March 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at Dark Willow Emporium in Carson City. With fun, creativity and supportive community, the HealthRhythms protocol offers evidence-based improvement in well-being and empowerment.

According to Redfin, home prices in Nevada were up 9.7 percent year-over-year in February 2024. At the same time, the number of homes for sale in the state fell by 20.8 percent. While home prices are on the rise, the supply of homes for sale is not meeting demand, creating what is considered a “tight” housing market across the Silver State.

Each year, the Chamber’s Leadership Institute class embraces a class project to enhance the quality of life within our community. Some of the projects have supported the needs of our charitable nonprofits while others have benefitted the citizens-at-large through public enhancements within the cemetery, on public trails, senior center, library, children’s museum and more.

Shovels turned Monday in Carson City at a ceremony to launch the beginning of construction for a new $18.4 million fire station and emergency operations center.

Inde the Belgian Malinois dock diving dog of Carson City is ready to make a big splash again, this time in a national favorite pet competition.