Governor Signs Bill into Law…

Governor Pillen signed LB77, Constitutional Carry into Nebraska law.  This bill allows LAW-ABIDING Nebraskans, 21 years or older, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.  The Governor says that “Signing this bill upholds the promise I made to voters to protect our constitutional rights and promote commonsense conservative values.”

Law Abiding Citizen

Even though state law will allow anyone, age 21 or older to conceal carry without a permit, it doesn’t end there.  There are also federal laws designating certain people as “restricted” or “prohibited” from owning a firearm.  These laws must also be adhered to.

“Restricted” or “Prohibited” Person

• Under indictment for any crime punishable by more than a year in prison. Usually a felony.
• Convicted felon.
• Is a fugitive.
• An unlawful user of any controlled substance.
• Been adjudicated as a mental defective.
• Committed to a mental institution.
• An illegal alien
• Dishonorable discharge from the military
• Renounced their U.S. citizenship.
• The subject of a restraining order restraining a person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or the child of an intimate partner.
• Who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Can Anyone Then Purchase a Handgun?

No.  To purchase a HANDGUN in the state of Nebraska, a person must possess a Nebraska Purchase Certificate, obtained through the local police or sheriff department.  Or a Concealed Carry Permit issued by the State Patrol.  The Conceal Carry Permit still requires attending an 8-hour class for a fee, then applying for the permit, also a fee.  The advantage of obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit is twofold.  It allows one to purchase a handgun, plus states outside of Nebraska who we reciprocate with, allow Nebraska residents to carry there as well.

Opinion

I am an ADVID SUPPORTER of the Second Amendment.  But I’m also a fan of one having a working knowledge of firearms and firearm safety before shoving a handgun into your waist band.  With a Conceal Carry Permit no longer required, there is no instruction on firearms, safety, or the laws on when one can use lethal force as self-defense.  That concerns me.  Especially when the state is going to require motorcyclists to attend a safety class before being allowed not to wear a helmet anymore.  Doesn’t seem to make much sense and makes me wonder if this law was really to support our constitutional rights or just a political campaign promise.

With That Said

It’s exciting to be able to carry a concealed weapon in Nebraska without a Conceal Carry Permit, although it does have its advantages to have one.  I foresee people taking advantage of this new law.  With that said, I do have one excellent conceal carry handgun in stock at dealer cost.  It can be seen in the Gun Store along with a video review of it.  Or if you’d like to shop around, visit our friends in the Gun Store.  I’d highly recommend Brownell’s.

Be Safe Out There