Today, the Nebraska Legislature passed Senator Tyson Larson’s (40) bill, Legislative Bill 699, unanimously. It will now go to Governor Dave Heineman (R) for his expected signature. In its original form, LB 699 changed provisions relating to hunting permits and hunter education programs, however, additional pro-gun reforms were added during the legislative process.
Language from Legislative Bill 392, sponsored by state Senator Steve Lathrop (12), and from Legislative Bill 1035, sponsored by state Senator Amanda McGill (26), was amended into LB 699.
As passed by the Legislature, LB 699 now contains provisions that repeal an outdated state firearms statute and brings state law into conformity with federal law by allowing Nebraska residents to purchase long guns in non-contiguous states. This long-overdue reform will align Nebraska with forty other states that already allow their residents to purchase rifles and shotguns in non-contiguous states, provided that the purchase or transfer complies with state and federal law. LB 699 repeals an outdated restriction, allowing Nebraska residents the freedom to purchase long guns in states beyond their immediate borders.
LB 699 also requires the reporting of the total number of persons unable to purchase or possess handguns due to a disqualification via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Please thank bill sponsor Senator Tyson Larson (40) and Senators Steve Lathrop (12) and Amanda McGill (26) for offering up their amendments. Please also e-mail Governor Heineman and politely ask him to sign LB 699 into law.