Nebraska state senators pass permitless concealed carry bill

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - It’s all but a done deal - that Nebraska will allow legal gun owners to carry concealed without a permit by the end of this summer.

It’s the most controversial bill so far to pass the final round of voting this legislative session.

It’s an issue that has many Nebraskans divided - getting rid of the requirement for a concealed carry permit.

Wednesday at the state capitol, one protestor was removed from the legislative chamber for an outburst after the vote. A woman yelled ‘shame’ from the balcony, and was banned from the capitol.

The hurdle of a cloture vote just passed with the 33 required votes, and the bill passed with 33-14.

The bill now heads to Governor Jim Pillen’s desk for his signature and he said he intends to sign it.

“I am proud to support LB 77 and Nebraskans’ constitutional rights,” the governor tweeted. “Thank you to the Nebraska Legislature for sending this bill to my desk.”

State Senator Tom Brewer said Governor Pillen plans to hold a special event this Tuesday to sign this bill into law, which will make LB 77 the first bill signed by the governor this legislative session.

After it’s signed, the bill would take effect three months after the legislative session ends in June.

Even after it becomes law, a federal background check is still required to buy a gun in Nebraska.

But the measure will allow people 21 and older to carry their guns hidden in their clothing or car without having to pay $100 for a concealed carry permit or take a gun safety course.

The Lincoln Police Department expressed its disappointment regarding the passage of LB 77 on Wednesday with the following statement: “The chief is disappointed in the legislature’s decision because the most important factor in making these decisions should be public safety and the men and women who serve our community.”

The Nebraska chapter of the group Moms Demand Action said lawmakers are stripping away safety measures by passing this bill.

“Nebraska lawmakers have chosen to put politics over protecting our families,” said Jen Hodge, Nebraska Chapter Lead, Moms Demand Action. “Over the past few weeks, tens of thousands of young people across the country, and here in Nebraska, walked out of school to demand action on gun safety by their representatives, but instead, Nebraska lawmakers are actively stripping away safety measures.”

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