After three days of debate, Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit most weapons and certain substances from being brought into the State Capitol building.
Senator Ben Hansen of Blair – District 16 (Photo: Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)
LB1237, introduced and prioritized by the body’s 10-member Executive Board, would direct the Nebraska State Patrol—which oversee capitol security—to implement security screening procedures by Jan. 1, 2027. The bill includes exceptions for on-duty law enforcement officers, retired officers, individuals with a valid concealed handgun permit, and those with prior approval.
Under the measure, weapons would include guns, knives, brass or iron knuckles, pepper spray, tasers and stun guns. Prohibited substances would include explosives, incendiary or other combustible devices, hazardous materials and paint and spray paint.
The bill’s several hours of debate ironed out the technical details for implementation of the measure. An amendment adopted 36-6 added the concealed carry permit exception. Another amendment removed a proposed Class III misdemeanor penalty for violations.
Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln – District 46 (Photo: Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)
Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, Chair of the Exec. Board, called the bill “commonsense” and said the goal is to protect all the Capitol employees, as well as daily visitors, “while respecting the rights of individuals.”
Supporters also cited an apparent wave of recent political violence as justification for the update in policy.
Opponents, like Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, raised concerns about the bill’s impact on public access and participation in hearings, as well as how concealed carry allowances would function in practice.
Conrad said, at best, the proposal was “half-baked,” and argued the bill did not meaningfully address the root causes of the current political climate.
“In a free society, we need to think carefully about infringements on public participation and individual rights and liberties,” she said.
Lawmakers advanced LB1237 for a second round of debate on a 37-4 vote, with four lawmakers abstaining and four absent.