State Senate Committee Passes Measure Banning Firearms in Casinos

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 06/05/2021

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State Senate Committee

In a bid to try and tackle violent crime in the state, Nevada lawmakers are looking to crack down on gun crime by banning firearms in some casinos across the state. As part of the measure, casino security staff would be able to call on law enforcement officers if visitors are openly carrying firearms without the need to first give them a verbal warning.

The new measure was passed by a State Senate Committee at the weekend and will now head to the State Assembly. It states that bringing guns into casinos and resorts where they are prohibited will become a felony. It will also result in enhanced penalties for those caught doing this. Those who do flout the law can be reported to law enforcement for trespassing by casino security officials.

Casinos Need to Opt-In

According to reports, the provisions will be made available to casinos and resorts that decide to opt-in. Once they do this, they will need to ensure that clear signs are posted at the property to advise patrons that firearms are not allowed on-site. This information must also be displayed on the websites of the casinos.

As things stand, security officials at casinos can call law enforcement if someone is carrying a firearm in a property where they are prohibited and refuse to leave when confronted. However, under the new terms, if the person is carrying the firearm openly, security will not have to give any verbal warning before calling in law enforcement officers.

If the person is only suspected of carrying a firearm but is not carrying one openly, a verbal warning must be given.

Officials have said that this is a sensible move to help protect casinos, which play a vital role in the state’s economy.

Las Vegas Democratic Senator Melanie Scheible, said:

We should be paying special attention to the resorts, the casinos, the hotels, and all of the places that people come from all over the world to see, and ensure that they can be safe while they are there.

She added that these facilities should be allowed to benefit from increased and improved safety at the venues. Scheible said that if casino security becomes aware that someone is flouting the rules with regard to firearms in casinos where they were prohibited, they should be able to effectively engage with law enforcement to get the person removed from the casino.

Opposition to the Bill

While some have claimed the rules are very sensible to help combat gun crime and keep casinos safe, there are also some who have opposed the bill. Some believe it could have a particular impact on ethnic minorities.

Some Democrats and Republicans have stated that law-abiding citizens could be harmed if people are accused of trespassing without first being warned. Others claim that it could result in many people of color being targeted.

Las Vegas Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong said she was concerned that many ‘black folks and brown folks’ would end up getting targeted with law enforcement being called on them without warning.