Nebraska: Firearms Preemption Bill Passes First Floor Vote

Yesterday, April 12, Legislative Bill 68 passed its first floor vote with the 33 votes needed for cloture!  LB 68 would help protect the Second Amendment rights of all Nebraskans by ensuring that firearm and ammunition laws are consistent throughout the state.  LB 68 must pass the floor three times in order to be sent to the Governor.  This bill could receive its second floor vote as early as next week!  If your state Senator voted in favor of advancing LB 68, please thank them and urge them to continue their support!  If your state Senator did not vote in favor of advancing this bill, please ask them to reconsider their position on LB 68 and to support it when it is considered on the floor again.  Click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Senator!

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), would fix this problem by creating a preemption statute to eliminate this confusing patchwork of laws. 

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.  

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.