For the Second Session in a Row, Lombardo Has Vetoed Legislature-Passed Measures to Prohibit Guns at and Around Polling Places, Prohibit Those Convicted of Hate Crimes from Possessing Firearms, and Legislation to Raise the Age to Possess Semiautomatic Firearms to 21
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement condemning Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo for vetoing AB 105, his third gun safety veto this session, and the second session in a row he’s blocked every single gun safety measure to reach his desk.
AB 105 would have prohibited guns at and around polling places. Lombardo vetoed AB 105, despite going on the record and saying in 2023 that he would sign the legislation if it didn’t include any provisions on ghost guns. And for the second session in a row, Lombardo also vetoed SB 89, legislation to prohibit those convicted of hate crimes from possessing firearms, and AB 245, a measure to raise the age to possess certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to 21.
“Governor Lombardo didn’t just break his promise—he sided with the gun lobby over Nevadans’ safety. Again,” said Jamie Bunnell, a volunteer with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Governor Lombardo vetoed bills that would’ve curbed intimidation, fought hate, and kept weapons of war out of dangerous hands. And he did it in defiance of widespread support for these policies by Nevada voters. That’s not leadership—it’s cowardice. Nevada deserves bold leaders who will stand up for our communities—not ones who fold when it matters most. We won’t forget this.”
Every gun safety bill Governor Lombardo vetoed was backed by data and supported by a majority of Nevadans.
- AB 105: In 2025, a majority of Nevada voters said hidden, loaded guns make communities more dangerous—not safer. Over 70% agree firearms have no place at polling places. Lombardo vetoed it anyway.
- AB 245: Under current Nevada law, anyone 18 or older can buy a semiautomatic shotgun or assault-style weapon—even though research shows 18- to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at three times the rate of adults 21 and over. AB 245 would’ve raised the purchase age to 21 for these deadly firearms, aligning policy with the data and public will. Polling shows 77% of Nevadans supported the change, including 69% of Republicans, 69% of concealed carry permit holders, and 68% of gun owners.
- SB 89: The FBI reported nearly 12,000 hate crimes in 2023—a 2% increase from the year before, continuing a years-long rise. Over 25,000 hate crimes a year involve a gun—about 69 a day.
In an average year, 581 people die by guns and 481 people are injured in Nevada. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Nevada. Gun violence costs Nevada $6.7 billion each year, of which $104.3 million is paid by taxpayers.