Committee shoots down gun proposal

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003 | 9:33 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- After hearing opposition from gun owners Wednesday, the Senate Government Affairs Committee shot down a bill that would have allowed local governments to regulate carrying of unconcealed firearms on public property at special events.

Several law enforcement agencies had supported the bill that had its genesis from an incident in Laughlin in which motorcycle gangs fought each other, killing at least one person and injuring others.

Las Vegan Art Dixon of the Nevada State Rifle and Pistol Association, said Senate Bill 29 "could kill all gun shows" and Old West events such as fast draw contests.

Proponents of the bill said Dixon was wrong.

Metro Police Lt. Stan Olsen said the prohibitions were intended only for open public areas. A special event inside a hotel would be on private property and the business would then set the rules.

Motorcycle gang members hadn't been openly wearing guns prior to the deadly shooting in Laughlin, Olsen said. But after the Laughlin killing, the bikers headed for Elko where they openly wore guns and knives, Olsen said.

Elko passed an ordinance to try to prevent more violence from erupting there, and the bill came out of Reno.

State lawmakers said police already have the right to post a sign at any gathering on public property that weapons are prohibited.

Sen. Warren Hardy, R-Las Vegas, said any change in the gun laws should be handled by the state, not by local governments.

Answering Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, who asked what happens when the president comes to Las Vegas, Olsen said Secret Service takes care of that. And Dan Joseph, representing the Gun Owners of Nevada, said, "The president has nothing to fear from law abiding citizens."

Joseph said local officials already have enough authority to handle those types of security-intensive situations.