State lawmakers in Nebraska have passed legislation that allows permitless carry of concealed firearms, bringing the number of states to 27 that will have what some people generically call “constitutional carry.”
The term refers to the early United States, when no permit or license was required to carry firearms.
Earlier this year, Florida became number 26 when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed similar legislation, which made the nation politically lopsided with the majority of states allowing the practice.
Legislative Bill 77 was passed on a 33-14 vote and was sent to Gov. Jim Pillen, who is expected to sign it into law.
According to the Omaha World Herald, the bill allows Nebraska citizens over age 21 to carry, and it invalidates “any local ordinances limiting that ability.” The mayors of Lincoln and Omaha both opposed the measure, as did their municipal police chiefs.
Among the opponents was State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, who told reporters “The majority of Nebraskans, the majority of Americans want commonsense gun regulations… This sets us back. This endangers children and families.”
The bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, worked on getting the measure through since 2017, according to the Associated Press. He reportedly declared satisfaction that all of his efforts were not in vain.
The 37-page bill covers lots of ground and under its parameters, Nebraskans can still get carry permits, which helps when they travel to other states which have reciprocal agreements that recognize Nebraska permits. The bill does not change where people can, or cannot, carry a concealed firearm.
Similar legislation died during last year’s session, but the November election provided a few more conservative senators and they were able to overcome the threat of filibusters, the Omaha newspaper noted. The bill will take effect 90 days after the session ends, which will be sometime in late August or early September.
The legislation attracted protesters to the Capitol earlier in the week, including one woman who yelled “Shame” from the balcony in the legislative chamber, the World Herald reported. She was finally escorted out of the chamber.
Under current law, citizens are required to take a firearms course that could run 8 to 16 hours and the license costs $100. Applicants must also pass a background check.
Nebraska is already an open carry state, so the bill isn’t truly a “constitutional carry” measure. The bill was passed on April 19, the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which ignited the American Revolution.
