Local News

Actions

Las Vegas City Council approves domestic violence ordinance

regional justice center google.JPG
Posted at 7:54 PM, Oct 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-17 03:24:11-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas City Council approved a new ordinance that allows people accused of domestic violence to keep their weapons.

Bill No. 2019-35 criminalizes domestic violence in city limits, making it a misdemeanor charge of Battery Which Constitutes Domestic Violence.

RELATED: Domestic violence law considered by Las Vegas City Council

Domestic violence is already illegal under Nevada state law.

The main difference between the two laws is the state law mandates gun owners turn over their firearms if convicted of domestic violence and the city's law doesn't contain that penalty.

Advocates of the bill say it will ensure cases are heard in a timely manner by a jury. Meanwhile, critics say the bill does not make domestic violence victims safer.

Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Fiore said it was the best option for the council right now.

"If you are truly about getting guns out of the hands of domestic violence offenders, this is the ordinance that's going to do that. Because on the third step their guns get taken away," said Fiore.

"If we don't pass this," she continued, "it's a simple battery and they can come back 10, 20 times and it's not taken way."

You can get help during any domestic violence situation.

SafeNest has a 24-hour text and call hotline at 702-646-4981. You can also chat online.

To learn more visit SafeNest.org.