Local News

Actions

Domestic violence law up for review by Las Vegas City Council

Posted at 8:34 AM, Oct 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-14 11:41:19-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A controversial bill that would allow people accused of domestic violence to keep their weapons will soon be up for discussion.

Wednesday's item stems from a Nevada Supreme Court ruling.

RELATED: Domestic violence law considered by LV Council

According to current Nevada law, you've been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence; you can't own a gun, but the court has now ruled that law strips the person of a constitutional right.

As a result, Las Vegas wants to prosecute misdemeanor domestic violence as simple battery. So, the suspect can keep their weapon.

However, supporters of domestic violence victims have told 13 Action News that the city is making a mistake if this bill passes.

"They make it simpler for the municipality to continue doing domestic violence cases, but they are not making domestic violence victims safer," said Liz Ortenburger, of SafeNest.

The Las Vegas City Council will consider this bill on Wednesday, and the public will be allowed to comment.