Gun Bill Dies in Nebraska!

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LB958, sponsored by State Senator Brad Ashford (District 20), was defeated in the Nebraska legislature during the second round of debate during Select File.  As originally introduced, LB958 would have required Nebraska’s law-abiding gun-owners to report the loss or theft of a firearm to police within 48 hours of the discovery of the loss or face criminal prosecution. This bill would have also mandated that every firearm sold be accompanied with a gun lock or trigger lock and require retailers to post a sign and provide written notice to buyers that all firearms should be stored locked. LB958 would also have created a new "Gun Violence Commission," to investigate "gun violence and gun-related deaths in Nebraska" as well as any "factors that contribute to gun violence." 

After encountering significant opposition from Nebraska’s gun owners, State Senator Ashford revised his bill to require the creation of an “assault weapons” commission to make recommendations to the legislature regarding the types of firearms that could be sold in Nebraska.  However, this vastly watered down version of LB958 still proved unacceptable to Nebraska’s law-abiding gun owners.  State Senator Ashford again revised his bill, deleting all references to “assault weapons,” but requiring the creation of a commission to study crime and violence in Nebraska.  The amended bill would also have repealed Nebraska’s archaic permit-to-purchase system, making it easier for law-abiding citizens to purchase a handgun.  This version of the bill passed on first reading on March 12, but was voted down in the Nebraska legislature during the second round of debate.

NRA will continue to monitor the actions of the Nebraska Senate until the legislature adjourns on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for updates on this important legislation.