Senate approves ban on semiautomatic centerfire rifles and shotguns for people under 21; debate exposes rural‑urban divide

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Senate on May 21 passed Assembly Bill 245, a measure that generally bars persons under age 21 from handling, possessing or controlling semiautomatic centerfire rifles and semiautomatic shotguns except in specified circumstances, and creates criminal penalties for violations.

Sponsor and scope: Senator Winn presented the bill on the floor; the bill was introduced in the Assembly and would make it a gross misdemeanor for a person under 21 to handle, possess or control a semiautomatic shotgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle, with a set of specified exceptions. The bill also prescribes aggravating penalties when a person aids or knowingly permits such possession and where there is substantial risk the firearm would be used to commit a violent act.

Debate: The measure prompted an extended and at times emotional floor debate. Senator Stone urged colleagues to oppose the bill, arguing it imposes restrictions that disproportionately affect rural communities where firearms are used for hunting and family recreation: “This legislation prohibits those 21 from… even in secure environments, undermining personal responsibility and parental oversight,” Stone said. Senator Titus — who identified herself as someone who has taken grandchildren shooting — also opposed the bill and described family firearm traditions in rural Nevada.

Supporters framed the bill as a targeted public‑safety policy. Senator Scheibel said the measure “is a very logical gun safety measure that ensures that we are entrusting people with lethal weapons who are mature enough to handle that responsibility.” Supporters pointed to existing age‑based purchases rules and said aligning possession standards would protect public safety.

Key provisions and exceptions: The bill includes exceptions for law enforcement officers, veterans or honorably discharged members of the U.S. armed forces and National Guard members engaged in certain activities; it exempts secured storage and certain supervised activities (for example, licensed hunting) under specified conditions. The text also contains provisions on negligent storage and penalties for sellers who transact with reckless disregard of age.

Vote and outcome: The roll call produced a divided vote: Yes 12, No 8. The clerk announced, “The yeses are 12, the noes are 8. AB 245 has received the constitutional majority; declared passed and ordered to the Assembly.”

What’s next: The bill now goes to the Assembly for further consideration. If enacted, enforcement and some exceptions will require implementing guidance from state agencies.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified by role and appear in the Senate transcript.