Court ruling should have little effect in Nevada

Friday, June 27, 1997 | 11:17 a.m.

The Supreme Court on Friday said the federal government could not compel states or local police to determine if buyers were fit to own handguns.

The ruling, however, left intact a required waiting period of up to five days before someone can buy a handgun. There would be no requirement for police to check a prospective purchaser's background during that period but they could do it voluntarily.

A national system for instant checks is to be completed by late next year.

In a five-to-four decision, the justices said the federal government cannot direct states to enforce a federal regulatory program.

Dennis DeBacco, manager of the criminal history records repository in Carson City, said he does not believe the ruling will change how handgun purchasers are screened in Nevada.

"Obviously, we're going to have to review the ruling and make a policy determination," he said.

But he added that Nevada voluntarily initiated its background check program, which is funded by fees charged for each check conducted.

The Nevada Legislature this week also gave final approval to a bill allowing private parties to request background checks when selling handguns on their own.

Previously, only licensed gun dealers were authorized to use the state's background check system.