Bill could extend gun privileges, but not in airports

CARSON CITY -- A Senate panel has dropped airports from a bill to expand places where people can carry concealed guns in Nevada. But the measure still includes courthouses, police stations and other public buildings.

As amended, AB166 would apply to anyone with a weapons permit. To exclude weapons, building managers would have to post a sign or install a metal detector at the door.

Renny Ashleman, who represents McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, requested the amendment. He told a Senate Judiciary subcommittee that security at McCarran, with "dozens and dozens" of entrances, is a complex job.

Ashleman added that people would probably ignore signs warning against guns that might be posted in addition to existing metal detector points where, under federal law, no weapons may pass.

"If we post signs, they're not going to be very effective. Think of how often you see people obeying the 'stand to the right' signs on the walkways," Ashleman said.

The bill's author Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick, R-Gardnerville, objected to exempting airports from the bill.

"As far as safety's concerned, the signs are ineffective - don't post them. Allow people to carry concealed weapons. The building will be safer," he said.

Hettrick added that he couldn't find any evidence of problems involving concealed weapons permit holders at an airport in the states that allow people to carry guns as far as metal detectors.

The subcommittee also accepted amendments to two other concealed weapons bills.

SB420, by Sen. Maurice Washington, would extend concealed gun privileges to out-of-state permit holders. Visitors to Nevada could bring in a concealed weapon if they held a permit in another state with similar requirements.

The bill was changed to require permit holders to check in with a sheriff's office to get a sticker on their permit if their stay was longer than 72 hours.

SB449, by Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, would have required law enforcement to notify the spouse when a concealed weapons permit was issued or revoked or reissued. It was changed to require notice to a spouse or partner if the person with the permit has a history of domestic violence.

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