One ballot question this year asks Nevada voters if background checks should be required for private gun sales and transfers, including those at gun shows.
But as Reno Public Radio’s Noah Glick reports, the measure, known as Question 1, also includes a handful of exceptions to the rule.
If passed, Question 1 would require all new private gun sales to go through background checks. But private transfers are a little trickier.
Under the measure, background checks would not be required when selling or transferring antique firearms, or in sales or transfers to any law enforcement agency, military personnel or immediate family member.
Temporary transfers can also be made to anyone without a background check if it’s meant to protect against imminent danger, or if the person borrowing the gun is using it to shoot at an established range, for a performance or competition, for hunting, or if the person loaning it is with them.
Opponents of Question 1, like Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen, say the exceptions are unclear.
“My hang up is with the transfer piece of it," he says. "I just find it very awkward, and it doesn’t do anything to address the crime in our area.”
Jennifer Crowe is with Nevadans for Background Checks, the group sponsoring the initiative. She says the exceptions include most everyday uses.
“It’s really to address Nevada’s gun owning culture," she says. "We are gun owners here; we support the 2nd Amendment. This is really aligned with that.”
If passed, the law would go into effect January 1.
Read the entire measure from Nevada Secretary of State's website >>
