Nevada Governor Vetoes AB245, Protecting the Rights of Young Adults
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has once again stood up for the constitutional rights of young adults by vetoing Assembly Bill 245—a measure that would have made it illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to possess or purchase semiautomatic rifles and shotguns.
The bill passed both chambers of the Nevada Legislature but was ultimately rejected by the governor on June 2, 2025. His decision follows a similar veto from 2023, when he blocked AB355, a predecessor to this year’s legislation.
“AB245 goes even further by criminalizing lawful transfers and creating new felony penalties for conduct that is currently legal,” Lombardo said in his veto message.
The bill would have made it a felony to sell or even barter a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun to someone aged 18–20. The legislation carved out exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel but ignored the broader reality: these are legal adults, already entrusted with other serious responsibilities and rights, yet continually singled out for exclusion when it comes to the Second Amendment.
A Win in the Larger Fight
Lombardo’s veto is more than a state-level action—it’s a critical moment in the ongoing national fight to defend the rights of 18–20-year-old adults. Across the country, lawmakers have increasingly attempted to chip away at the rights of this age group under the guise of public safety.
As we’ve previously reported in Legal Adults, Limited Rights: The Second Amendment Fight for 18–20-Year-Olds, this age group is often caught in a legal gray area. While the Constitution makes no exception for age, many politicians attempt to create them—targeting young adults who are legally responsible for voting, signing contracts, and serving in the armed forces, yet treated as second-class citizens when it comes to firearm ownership.
Unfortunately, the courts have yet to deliver consistent rulings on this issue. Despite some recent victories, the U.S. Supreme Court has so far declined to take up several key cases that could bring national clarity. We covered this trend in Supreme Court Sidesteps Two Major Gun Rights Cases, where we expressed hope that the Court will eventually affirm that the rights of 18–20-year-olds are no less protected under the Second Amendment.
Standing Up for Principles
Governor Lombardo’s decision deserves recognition. Rather than bowing to political pressure or media narratives, he upheld a principled stance: rights are not negotiable based on age alone. His veto sends a clear message that arbitrary bans and backdoor gun control measures won’t go unchecked in Nevada.
We applaud Governor Lombardo and urge other leaders across the country to follow his example in protecting—not restricting—the rights of lawful citizens.