Nevada students advocate for SB 156 to curb gun violence in schools

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 alarming rise in gun violence, particularly among youth, and to create a safer environment for all Nevadans.

Sarah Sharmick, a high school student, delivered a poignant testimony highlighting the pervasive fear of violence that students face daily. "We deserve to grow up in a world where safety is not a privilege, but a right," she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action to protect children from the threat of gun violence in schools and communities.

Riley Szendsen, a policy specialist with the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic Violence, reinforced the bill's importance by sharing statistics that reveal a direct correlation between gun access and domestic violence fatalities. "Establishing this office is critical to increasing public safety and keeping Nevadans safe," Szendsen urged.

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 for children and teens in the U.S. "Improved data infrastructure and research are essential to understand firearm violence risks and protective factors," she explained.

The bill has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders, including mental health professionals and community organizations. Jenny Stepp, a licensed clinical professional counselor, highlighted the need for a state office to support mental health providers in crisis situations related to gun violence. "This bill would assist the mental health community by serving as a hub for education, collaboration, and violence prevention resources," she stated.

The committee also heard from students who shared personal experiences with gun violence, underscoring the bill's urgency. One student recounted a lockdown incident at their school due to a nearby shooting, which left many students too frightened to return to class. "Schools should be a place of learning, not fear," they asserted.

Senator Edgar Flores, who presented the bill, clarified that the proposed office would focus on data collection and research rather than creating legislation. "This is about compiling data to identify gaps and where resources are needed," he explained, emphasizing transparency and collaboration among various stakeholders.

As the meeting concluded, advocates urged lawmakers to act swiftly on SB 156, stressing that every day without stronger gun violence prevention measures puts lives at risk. The establishment of the Office for the Prevention of Gun Violence represents a critical step toward ensuring safety and peace of mind for all Nevadans, particularly the youth who deserve to live without fear.