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AB 451

Provides immunity from civil liability to certain persons returning a firearm under certain circumstances. (BDR 3-1057)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sandra Jauregui

Immunity from civil liability is provided to licensed firearm dealers and local law enforcement for acts related to voluntary firearm hold agreements, with narrow exceptions.

Chapter 314.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 451

AB 451 — Summary (2025): Immunity for firearm hold agreements

Status: Enacted (chaptered 2025). Sponsors: Assemblymembers Sandra Jauregui and P.K. O’Neill.

Main purpose

To encourage voluntary, temporary out‑of‑home storage of firearms (often used as a suicide‑prevention measure) by reducing civil liability risk for entities that accept and later return firearms under a voluntary “firearm hold agreement.”

Key provisions

  • Establishes a new civil‑immunity rule in Chapter 41 of the Nevada Revised Statutes:
    • A licensed firearm dealer or a local law enforcement agency is immune from civil liability for acts or omissions arising from a firearm hold agreement, including injury or death that occurs after the firearm is returned pursuant to the agreement.
  • Immunity exceptions — immunity does NOT apply if:
    • The harm resulted from gross negligence, reckless, or unlawful conduct by the dealer or agency; or
    • At the time the person sought to retrieve the firearm the dealer or agency knew the person was:
    • Demonstrating behavior indicating they would unlawfully use the firearm,
    • Demonstrating behavior indicating they would cause harm to themselves or others, or
    • Legally prohibited from possessing firearms under NRS 202.360.
  • Definitions:
    • “Firearm hold agreement” — written or oral agreement in which a licensed firearm dealer or local law enforcement agency accepts possession of a firearm at the owner’s request and returns it according to the agreement’s terms.
    • “Licensed firearm dealer” — a person licensed under 18 U.S.C. § 923(a) (federal FFL).
    • “Local law enforcement agency” generally refers to sheriffs’ offices and municipal police departments (as used in committee materials).
  • Legislative intent language identifies suicide prevention and expansion of secure out‑of‑home storage as primary policy goals.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: licensed firearm dealers and local law enforcement agencies that agree to temporarily store firearms for owners.
  • Indirectly affects firearm owners who seek voluntary temporary storage and parties concerned about post‑return liability or public safety.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced in 2025, advanced through Judiciary and other committee actions, amended during the session (earlier drafts included a 21‑day minimum hold; later versions removed or altered that requirement), passed both houses, enrolled, and was chaptered (enacted) in 2025.

Potential impacts and issues

  • Expected to lower a key barrier (fear of lawsuits) for dealers/agencies considering voluntary storage programs, potentially increasing availability of out‑of‑home storage options for people in crisis.
  • Raised concerns among some opponents about risk assessment burdens on non‑clinicians, recordkeeping, and remaining liability exposure where misconduct or evident risk exists.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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