On February 10 at 1:00 p.m, the Government, Military, and Veteran Affairs Committee is scheduled to hear Legislative Bill 68. Currently, Nebraskans may inadvertently violate the law as they travel through the state due to the problem of local gun ordinances that are more restrictive than state laws and those of neighboring communities. LB 68, sponsored by state Senator Mike Hilgers (LD 21), is an important bill that will help protect the Second Amendment rights of all Nebraskans by creating a preemption statute to eliminate this confusing patchwork of laws and ensure that firearm and ammunition laws are consistent throughout The Cornhusker State. Please contact the members of the Government, Military, and Veteran Affairs Committee and politely urge them to support LB 68!
Facts on LB 68:
- A preemption bill would not alter state-wide firearm regulations, just those at the local level.
- It would remove the ability of cities and villages to regulate, prevent, and punish the carrying of concealed weapons (except the carrying of a concealed handgun in compliance with the Concealed Handgun Permit Act).
- It would amend state statute so that cities and villages do not have power to regulate the carrying, registration, transfer, and storage of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories.
- It would create a remedy for those whose rights have been violated through the enforcement of improper ordinances.
- It provides exceptions for: (1) law enforcement agencies to regulate firearms used by a peace officer in the course of their employment, (2) zoning ordinances to regulate firearms businesses unless the purpose conflicts with this section, (3) city and village employees to be regulated during their official duties, and (4) the ability of a court or hearing officer to resolve matters within their jurisdiction.
Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on this critical legislation.