How can county gun law supersede state laws?

"Alaska anti-gun control law takes effect this week," an article published by the Lahontan Valley News, brings to mind problems that are happening here in Nevada. Nevada is a "pre-emption state" and has been for quite a few years. This law was voted in by the citizens of Nevada.

In other words, the law forbids municipalities from passing gun laws that are more restrictive than state laws. Clark County, i.e., Las Vegas and all cities in Clark County have taken it upon themselves to require all handguns to be registered within 24 hours of being carried into Clark County. The registration has to be done in person at the nearest sheriff's office or other law enforcement office. To not do so will cause you to be arrested and charged with a crime and possible confiscation of your handgun, a fine, and possible imprisonment. This ordinance does not exclude people with a legal concealed weapons permit issued by the state of Nevada, which entitles a C.C.W. holder to carry a handgun anywhere within the state of Nevada.

If you are traveling from Reno through Las Vegas to a shooting sports event in New Mexico or Arizona and decide to spend the night in Las Vegas, or any other town in Clark County, and have a handgun for your sport or just for self defense, you will be arrested, unless you have your handgun registered with the proper authorities.

It makes no difference if it is locked in a gun case in the trunk of your car! If you are traveling through Clark County and have a flat tire, you will be arrested if you stay there more than 25 hours without registering your handgun. This Clark County ordinance goes way beyond the legal parameters of the state law. As a pre-emption state, why does Clark County have the right to supersede Nevada state law? This information was supplied to me by Larry Rhodes, President of Stillwater Firearms Association, and e-mails from Sgt. Tom Johnson, Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Vic Williams

Fallon