Concealed weapon permit holders concerned about making identity public

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 | 3:44 p.m.

CARSON CITY – Owners of guns with concealed weapons permits are upset their names are now open to public inspection and those enrolled in the medical marijuana program want to know if they can receive a permit.

The Nevada Supreme Court ruled in July that information about concealed weapons permits are public records.

And permit holders told a televised forum of the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Thursday that this decision could lead to burglars knowing the homes to invade and their need to carry weapons.

Douglas County Undersheriff Paul Howell said law enforcement was surprised and not happy with the ruling. Frank Adams, lobbyist for the Sheriffs and Chiefs, said the organization intended to sponsor a bill in the Legislature to close those records.

Adams said there would be a bill “to make everything confidential.” Howell said the only ones who have requested the information were the major newspapers in Reno and Las Vegas and gun salesmen.

The Reno Newspapers Inc. asked the sheriff’s office in Washoe County in 2008 whether the concealed weapons permit of Gov. Jim Gibbons had been suspended or revoked. The sheriff’s office refused to release the information and the newspaper carried its fight to the Supreme Court that ruled in its favor.

More than 400 people in Las Vegas, Elko and Carson City attended the forum sponsored by the sheriffs and chiefs association to hear concerns and suggestions from the gun owners. This is the fourth year the forum has been held.

One witness wanted to know if concealed weapons permits could be issued to those enrolled in the medical marijuana program. Nevada law holds that this marijuana program is legal. But there is a federal law barring weapons for those who use drugs.

Adams said he would consult with the legal counsel of the association. And Howell suggested the issue be taken up in the Legislature.

There was a plea from an Elko resident that the $60 fee charged for issuance of a weapons permit be waived for the aged and disabled.

The $60 fee goes to the local sheriff’s office for processing the application and there is an additional charge of $40 to $51 for fingerprint checks by the FBI.

Adams said the fee had not been raised since 2001 and there was not any way for local sheriff’s to give exemptions. The Legislature would have to decide that question.

There were complaints that those with concealed weapon permits could not carry their guns on school grounds. One witness said he had to leave his gun in the car when he went to pick up his eighth grade son.

Adams said this is a hot topic and the association has taken a neutral stance.

Howell said there were 97,000 concealed weapons permits statewide and only a few of those holders ever get in trouble.