Nevada Supreme Court upholds state’s “ghost gun” ban

Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) -- The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously reversed a lower court’s decision, which blocked the state’s ban on ghost guns – firearms without serial numbers – to go into effect.

The decision reverses a Lyon County District Court judge’s determination that a state law passed in 2021 was vague. Assembly Bill 286, which former Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak signed that year, bans the possession, purchase and transfer of unserialized gun parts, which the law calls “unfinished frames or receivers.”

The law targeted Nevada-based Polymer80, a company that manufacturers gun-related kits that allow a person to build their own firearm in 20-40 minutes, according to the state court. The company filed suit against the governor and several other state leaders to appeal the law.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford hailed the court’s decision, saying

"The ban on ‘ghost guns’ is one of the most impactful pieces of legislation that we have seen come through Carson City,” said AG Ford. “Today’s decision by the Nevada Supreme Court is a win for public safety and creates sensible, practical measures to protect Nevadans from violent crime. I want to thank the members of my staff who worked so diligently on this case over the last few years — they are truly dedicated public servants who prioritize Nevadans in their work every day.”