UNLV students advocate for SB 156 to establish gun violence prevention office

The Senate Committee on Government Affairs convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 156, aimed at establishing an Office for the Prevention of Gun Violence (OPGV) in Nevada. This meeting was particularly poignant as it followed the tragic shooting incident at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on December 6, 2023, which claimed the lives of three professors and left many students traumatized.

During the meeting, several UNLV students shared their harrowing experiences from that day. Emer Cepes Alvarado recounted the fear and desperation felt during the lockdown, while Madeline Krieger highlighted the ongoing impact of gun violence on the community. Both emphasized that gun violence transcends political divides and called for collaborative action to ensure safety in schools.

Krieger presented the details of SB 156, which aims to create the OPGV within the attorney general's office. The office would focus on research, education, and community outreach to prevent gun violence without infringing on Second Amendment rights. The bill proposes a resource bank for gun violence data and aims to support community initiatives aimed at reducing violence.

Supporters of the bill, including students and community leaders, argued that it is essential for addressing the rising gun violence rates in Nevada, which have seen a 24% increase in gun deaths from 2014 to 2023. They stressed the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses to tragedies.

However, the bill faced opposition from various groups, including the National Rifle Association and other gun rights advocates. Critics argued that the establishment of the OPGV could lead to increased government overreach and the potential for anti-gun policies. They emphasized the importance of focusing on education and responsible gun ownership rather than creating new bureaucracies.

The committee heard extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, reflecting the deep divisions on the issue of gun violence in the state. As the discussion continues, the fate of SB 156 remains uncertain, with advocates urging swift action to prevent further tragedies and opponents cautioning against potential infringements on gun rights. The committee's decision will be crucial in shaping Nevada's approach to gun violence prevention in the future.