State lawmakers took action Tuesday to ensure a debate on a so-called “constitutional carry” bill that would allow Nebraskans to carry a concealed handgun without a state permit or background check.
The Legislature voted 30-12 Tuesday to pull the bill from the Judiciary Committee for debate by the full Legislature, a debate already scheduled for Thursday.
State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, who sponsored LB 773, says his bill has plenty of support to pass, if it can overcome a filibuster, which would block it from coming to a vote to advance. Such bills are called “constitutional carry” because supporters believe the federal and state constitutions already permit carrying of concealed guns without a permit.
The amendment would also require a person carrying a concealed weapon to inform a police officer about the weapon if stopped by law enforcement. Current law requires those with state concealed carry permits to make that declaration.
At least 21 states currently have constitutional carry laws in place, including the neighboring states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota and Wyoming. Five other states are debating constitutional carry proposals.
Brewer says he knows of no other legislation that has as much popular support as LB 773.
(Source: Nebraska Examiner)