Wednesday, April 15, 2015 | 6:20 p.m.
CARSON CITY — Nevada Republicans voted to approve several gun-focused bills on Wednesday despite Democratic worries about unintended consequences.
Assembly members voted to approve AB100, which requires the attorney general to take legal action if he or she determines a presidential executive order is infringing on 2nd Amendment rights. Several Republicans supporting the bill referenced former Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto's decision to not join the state to a 2010 lawsuit challenging the federal Affordable Care Act.
AB100 was passed on a 27-14 vote and now heads to the Senate. It was one of three gun bills that were approved by a similar vote on near party lines, with Republicans supporting the trio.
Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, opposed the measure, saying it was not needed. She argued the bill “has turned into a political act.”
Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, said the measure was important to ensure safety.
The Assembly also approved AB-139 to allow people who have concealed weapons permits in other states to carry the guns in Nevada.
Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Minden, said the bill also permits military personnel to carry concealed weapons.
Assembly Minority Leader Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, objected to the bill on grounds that other states may not have the standards that Nevada has for carrying a concealed weapon.
She said she has a gun permit and had to attend an eight hour class and clear other hurdles to get her permit.
Current law requires a state agency to analyze concealed-permit programs in other states and only accept state permits with equal or more stringent requirements than Nevada law.
The third bill prohibits a school from disciplining a student for simulating a gun or dangerous weapon while playing. It would also prohibit discipline for possessing a toy gun or talking about the right to bear arms.
But the school could punish a student if his behavior disrupts learning by other pupils.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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