Agreement in works to reinstate concealed weapons exemption

If approved, an agreement between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nevada Department of Public Safety will reinstate an exemption for Nevada concealed weapons permits from the National Instant Criminal Background System

If the agreement is approved by federal authorities, those in possession of a valid concealed weapon permit will again be able to bypass the usual background checks and fees associated with firearm purchases.

In September 2005, the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association was notified by the Nevada Department of Public Safety that a survey conducted by the association had found deficiencies in Nevada's law.

Those holding concealed weapon permits were no longer eligible for a background check system exemption when the permit holder purchased a firearm.

Originally, it was determined that the discovered deficiencies could not be easily corrected. Based on information at the time, the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association decided not to seek an extension in an effort to remedy the audit concerns.

Subsequent to that decision, the association discovered that the original information was inaccurate and the deficiencies could, in fact, be corrected.

Association president and Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini initiated the development of an agreement between the sheriffs and the Nevada Department of Public Safety that would rectify the audit discrepancies. This agreement was presented to the association in early December. The sheriffs unanimously adopted the agreement.

On Dec. 30, Nevada's sheriffs and the Nevada Department of Public Safety submitted their final draft of the memo.