Nevada’s Security Guard Licensing Agency Allows Armed Guards To Carry Shotguns & Rifles-Despite No State Law Explicitly Permitting It

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The Nevada State Contractors Board has permitted armed security guards to carry shotguns and rifles for years despite state law prohibiting such weapons, according to a discovery reported by a Google Alert. The revelation has prompted questions about the agency’s enforcement of firearm regulations and raised concerns among lawmakers about potential legal and safety implications.

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Agency’s Role in Licensing
The Nevada State Contractors Board, which oversees the licensing of security professionals, has historically allowed guards to carry long-barreled firearms under a provision that permits “non-lethal” weapons. However, Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 202.345 explicitly bans the possession of shotguns and rifles by licensed security guards, except in cases where the weapons are used for specific, limited purposes such as protecting high-profile events.

According to internal records obtained by a local news outlet, the board has issued licenses to security firms that include provisions for shotguns and rifles since at least 2018. A spokesperson for the agency stated that the licenses “align with federal guidelines for security personnel,” though federal law does not explicitly address the use of such weapons by state-licensed guards.

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Lawmakers’ Response
The issue came to light after a legislative hearing on June 29, 2026, where Nevada Senator Maria Lopez (D) raised concerns about the discrepancy between state law and the board’s licensing practices. “This is a clear violation of Nevada’s statutes,” Lopez said during the session. “If the law prohibits these weapons, the agency has a duty to enforce it.”

The Nevada Senate Judiciary Committee has since launched an investigation into the board’s compliance with state firearm laws. Committee Chairperson David Chen (R) noted that the findings could lead to legislative changes. “If the board is operating outside the law, we need to address that immediately,” Chen said.

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Public Safety and Legal Concerns
Civil liberties groups have criticized the practice, arguing that the presence of shotguns and rifles in private security contexts increases the risk of accidental discharge or misuse. The Nevada Civil Rights Alliance released a statement calling the situation “a dangerous oversight.”

Legal experts have also weighed in. Professor Laura Kim, a constitutional law scholar