Last Friday, anti-gun group Nevadans for Background Checks, likely affiliated with New York City ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety, filed an initiative petition with the Secretary of State. The 2016 ballot initiative petition seeks to criminalize most private transfers and mandate background checks for nearly all gun transfers in Nevada, with very limited exceptions.

This incredibly overreaching proposal is substantially similar to legislation considered in 2013, which was staunchly opposed by a majority of Nevada citizens, Second Amendment supporters, as well as the Nevada Sheriff’s and Chief’s Association which testified against it. Ultimately, the 2013 legislation was vetoed by Governor Brian Sandoval (R). In order for this newly filed proposal to be included on the 2016 ballot, over 100,000 valid voter signatures will need to be collected and submitted before November 11, 2014.

This is just another attempt by anti-gun extremists to push their radical beliefs on law-abiding gun owners in Nevada. So-called “universal” background checks are ineffective and unenforceable. They turn traditional innocent conduct into a criminal offense, and are ignored and circumvented by criminals. Your NRA will be vigilant in monitoring the progress of this initiative and asks that you do the same.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.