Nebraska: Important Firearms Preemption Bill Passes Committee

Today, Legislative Bill 68 advanced to the floor of the legislature from the Government, Military, and Veteran Affairs Committee with a 6-0-2 vote.  Nebraskans are currently at risk for inadvertently violating the law as they travel through the state due to local gun ordinances that are more restrictive than state law.  LB 68, sponsored by state Senator Mike Hilgers (LD 21), is an important bill that would 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. 

Each senator is allowed to designate one bill each year as their personal priority.  Senator Hilgers has made LB 68 his priority bill, ensuring that it will be heard in the Legislature.  Please contact your state Senator and urge them to SUPPORT LB 68!  Also, please take the time to thank Senator Hilgers and the co-sponsors of this bill for their support of the Second Amendment.  Click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Senator!

Facts on Legislative Bill 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.

Stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates on this bill.