LINCOLN, NEBRASKA — The Nebraska State Legislature made significant progress on Legislative Bill 77, which would allow residents aged 21 and over to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
The bill moved to within one round of passage after a 31-10 vote ended a second-round filibuster, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
The legislation’s effect, dubbed “constitutional carry,” would override any local ordinances limiting concealed carry, but would not change firearm purchasing laws or where concealed weapons can be carried.
State Sen. Tom Brewer, the bill’s sponsor, has attempted to pass similar legislation since 2017.
This year, an amendment negotiated with law enforcement groups helped the bill gain support, earning the backing of the Nebraska Sheriffs’ Association and neutralizing opposition from police unions and the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska.
The amendment includes provisions for additional misdemeanor charges if a firearm is carried while committing certain “dangerous misdemeanors” and makes it a felony upon the third offense of not informing law enforcement officials about carrying a weapon.
Despite the amendment, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, and a majority of Omaha City Council members continue to oppose LB 77.