Legislator sees no need to amend weapons bill

Thursday, April 22, 1999 | 12:03 p.m.

While his AB166 would repeal a current law that prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons into "any facility of a public or private school," Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick said that really isn't the case.

Another section of Nevada law prohibits any person from carrying firearms into a school or college building without written permission from the person in charge of that building.

"My bill deals with law-abiding good citizens who have valid concealed weapons permits," said Hettrick, R-Gardnerville. "Right now there might be some teachers in Colorado who wished they had weapons."

Neither Hettrick nor Senate Judiciary Chairman Mark James, R-Las Vegas, said they see a need to change the bill in the wake of the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.

Under Hettrick's bill, Nevada's concealed weapons law would be liberalized in a way that anyone with a valid permit could carry a concealed weapon into any public building except airports or buildings with metal detectors. Administrators of other public buildings, however, could post signs to prohibit concealed weapons.

The Assembly already unanimously approved the bill, while James' committee added a minor amendment. A Senate vote could come in the next few days.

"We don't allow weapons in schools," James said. "There is no need to change the bill."

Hettrick has testified that studies show states with liberal concealed weapons laws have less crime. Of the 13,000 people with concealed weapons permits in Nevada, seven have lost their permits, six for brandishing weapons and one for a self-defense incident in which another man was killed.

Gun advocate John Riggs, who has been the chief supporter for liberal concealed weapons laws in Nevada, said the Littleton incident illustrates the need for more people to carry concealed weapons.

"I think it shows that teachers should carry in schools," he said. "Ninety five percent of the time police arrive too late. If some of the teachers had guns, there may be fewer students dead."

Riggs, however, said nothing is going to stop problem students from committing violent acts.

"If kids want to shoot the place up, they will," he said.