Nevada legislators hear emotional testimonies supporting gun violence prevention bill SB 156

High school students and community advocates gathered at the Nevada Senate Committee on Government Affairs meeting on April 4, 2025, to voice their support for Senate Bill 156, aimed at establishing an Office for the Prevention of Gun Violence. The bill seeks to address the urgent issue of gun violence, particularly in schools, where students have expressed deep fears for their safety.

Sarah Sharmick, a high school student, passionately articulated the anxiety felt by her peers, stating, "We deserve to grow up in a world where safety is not a privilege, but a right." Her testimony highlighted the emotional toll that the threat of violence takes on young people, emphasizing the need for legislative action to create a safer environment for all.

Riley Szendsen, a policy specialist with the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic Violence, reinforced the importance of the bill by citing alarming statistics: in 2024, 49 Nevadans were killed due to intimate partner violence, with 84% of those deaths involving firearms. Szendsen urged the committee to support SB 156 as a critical step toward enhancing public safety.

Leanne McAllister, Executive Director of the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, echoed these sentiments, noting that firearms have become the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens. She advocated for a comprehensive public health strategy to reduce firearm injuries and deaths, underscoring the need for improved data and research to inform effective policies.

The meeting also featured testimonies from survivors of gun violence, including Jenny Stepp, a licensed clinical professional counselor, who emphasized the necessity of a state office to support mental health providers in crisis situations. Stepp's experience as a survivor added a personal dimension to the discussion, illustrating the real-life impacts of gun violence on individuals and families.

The committee heard from various community members, including youth advocates and representatives from organizations like Planned Parenthood, all calling for the passage of SB 156. They argued that the establishment of this office would not only help in data collection but also facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective prevention strategies.

Senator Edgar Flores, who presented the bill, clarified that the proposed office would focus on research and data collection rather than creating legislation, aiming to foster transparency and collaboration among various groups involved in gun violence prevention.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing gun violence in Nevada was palpable. Advocates and lawmakers alike recognized that the time for action is now, with the safety of children and communities hanging in the balance. The committee's decision on SB 156 could pave the way for a significant shift in how Nevada approaches gun violence prevention, potentially making schools and neighborhoods safer for all residents.