Watts Speaks in Support of Gun Background Checks

From the Nevada Independent:

A long-stalled proposal to require background checks on almost all private gun sales and transfers will finally be implemented next year after a marathon week of debate in the Legislature concluded with Gov. Steve Sisolak signing it into law on Friday.

Democratic Assemblyman Howard Watts, who described himself as a hunter and “responsible firearm owner,” continued to argue that the measure wouldn’t overly burden gun owners. He closed his remarks by listing the names of the 17 victims killed in a mass shooting at high school in Parkland, Florida — two years and one day ago.

“I am confident that closing this loophole will reduce gun violence in our community,” Watts said.

From the Las Vegas Sun:

Democratic Rep. Howard Watts of Las Vegas said that the existing background check laws have already stopped certain sales at licensed retailers. In a statement earlier this week, Attorney General Aaron Ford said that over 5,000 gun sales were stopped due to background checks between 2012 and 2014.

“With thousands already denied under our current system, I am confident that closing this loophole will reduce gun violence in our community,” Watts said.

From the Associated Press:

The bill’s signing comes the same week national attention shifted to the anniversary of a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Before the vote, Democratic Assemblyman Howard Watts read the names of the 17 victims killed in the shooting on the chamber floor.