Last week Nebraska's Unicam started a 90 day session. It will end roughly in June. There are several hot topic issues, mainly the budget. But even with the budget fight to take up most of the time, there will always be a couple of bills that interest myself, especially since I am huge gun nut.

Please join the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association (NFOA) if you have not done so already. We are discussing these bills in our Member's Only section of our web forum. We are nearly 9,000 Nebraskans strong and are 100% free and 100% volunteers.

As of right now, these are the bills that are of interest. If you have a question, please ask I will try my best to talk about it. I am no lawyer.

LB81 - Change the application fee for handgun certificates, Sen Blood
Basically raises the Firearm Purchase Certificate from $5 to $25.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31462

LB39 - Prohibit the sale and trade of ivory, Sen Harr
Prevents the sale of ivory on everything including firearms and knives, but you have to read the bill for all the details.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30883

LB68 - Prohibit certain regulation of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories by counties, cities, and villages as prescribed, Sen Hilgers
This is the bill we need passed! This is this year's State Preemption law! No more registering your firearms in Omaha, no more over reaching from cities and towns to prevent your Right to Bear Arms! This is a HUGE NFOA priority! The NRA will also help try to get this passed. This bill has a few changes from last year's Preemption bill.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30678

That is all I saw right now, I will update this thread as time goes on.

I'll be watching the unicameral also. Hopefully I stay on top of most of the ongoing topics that concern me. Thanks RobertH for this post. Wonder on that ivory bill if there is a grandfather clause in it? I'll read the proposed bill.

Thank you for the update!

From reading my other forums, ivory has always been a Federal issue and controlled that way. For some reason, Senator Harr wants Nebraska to prosecute violators as well. If your ivory is from pre-1975, you're ok, but can you provide evidence that its legal? Do you have paperwork? A receipt? There's a lot of exceptions that I won't go into, but IMO, its kind of a worthless bill. My family doesn't own anything ivory that I know of, so I'm not too interested in this bill.

State Preemption, LB68 has been assigned a committee. The bill will be heard in the Government Affairs Committee. This is a very lucky break. The Judiciary, which usually hears guns bills, etc, is pretty Democratic this year even though it is chaired by Senator Ebke. The Government Affairs Committee has lots of strong 2A supporters. Also the NRA has joined the push for this bill. That state level rep is a friend of the NFOA! I see great things coming! We must make sure our voice is heard and we need to make sure all Senators know how we feel about LB68!

Finally, only a few more days with bill introductions.

Just sending along a quick note about LB39 - Prohibit the sale and trade of ivory introduced by Senator Harr.... from what I heard, rumor is, HSUS is involved with this bill.

LB68 - State Preemption has a couple of updates.... Senators Kintner, Halloran, and Bostelman added their names to the bill. The hearing is scheduled for Feb 10 in the Gov't Affairs Committee, but Sen Chambers has filed a motion to drag it back into the Judiciary Committee.

Here's an update!

LB68 - State Preemption has passed the first test from Sen Chambers. He made a few motions to send this bill to the Judiciary Committee, but they were all defeated. This bill has committee hearing on Fri Feb 10 at 130. The NFOA wants people to show up in force and testify. If you would like to testify in favor of the bill, please let us know. You can one of the Board of Directors and they will help you out. This is NFOA's bill and we are pushing very hard to get his to pass. The anti-gun voice will be there for sure.


LB394 - Change provisions relating to possession of a deadly weapon by person subject to a domestic violence protection order, Sen Morfeld. If I remember correctly, this bill would strip any person of their right to bear arms if convicted of a domestic violence protection order. Personally, I think this bill is directly related to State Preemption. They (Democrats, antigunners) see Preemption coming, so they want the state level to be more strict.... but that's my opinion.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30845


LB370 - Eliminate requirement to obtain certificate or complete background check to receive or transfer a handgun, Lowe. This bill was brought to Sen Lowe from the Nebraska Gun Owners (NGO). They have direct ties to NAGR. The NGO is a rather hostile group that attacks freshmen Senators. I would guess that NGO pressured Senator Lowe to introduce this bill. It will not go anywhere, especially with the Judiciary Committee makeup.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31570


LB 321 - Change provisions relating to unlawful possession of a firearm at a school, Lowe. It only strikes out the word "rifle" from University sports.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31574


LB350 - Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, McCollister. I have not read this bill yet.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31431

If you have any questions, send them my way.

A couple of bills introduced on Day 9.

LB448 - Eliminate provisions relating to the hunting of mountain lions, Senator Chambers. I am opposed to this bill. The G&P are researching Mt Lions and I would love to see another Mt Lion hunting season.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30935

LB449 - Repeal the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management Act, Sen Chambers. I remember being opposed to this bill last year. I will have to re-read it again.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30936

Ok, Wow. Day 10 is done. All bill submissions are done as well. There are roughly 21 bills that talk about guns, knives or hunting. That's a lot more than I thought.

First off LB370 - has a motion to withdraw. That was the bill that would have done away with the NE Purchase Permit. Sen Lowe got a lot of flack for it and withdrew it. I am ok with that.

New bills on Day 10:
LB502 - Adopt the Permitless Concealed Carry Act, Senator Brewer
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31693
YES! Permitless concealed carry. Here it is! Lots of language in this one. On a quick reading, it says if you are over 21 and can own a pistol, you can conceal it legally. This would be awesome.

LB501 - Change prohibition on locations where permitholder may carry a concealed weapon, Senator Brewer
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31694
This bill deals with signage and penalties. Basically it would be harder to be convicted of violating a no-CC business.

LB478 - Provide for possession of archery equipment and knives for recreational, Senator Groene
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31192
It seems to allow people to carry knives and archery equipment for hunting, etc. I'll have to read this one again later.

LB637 - Prohibit disclosure of information relating to firearm owners and concealed carry permitholders, Senator Bostleman
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31691
Really short bill... says any info the NSP or anyone else has on firearms or permits, etc cannot be released to public record. Only be released to law enforcement. One issue raised is that there is no penalties for doing so. I like this bill, but maybe add some penalties.

LB558 - Define the term knife for certain provisions of the criminal code, Senator Schumacher
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31575
Seems like he's trying to patch up the interpretation the NE Supreme Court had about knives. He's adding intent to it. I'll be keeping tabs on this one.

LB666 - Change provisions relating to carrying a concealed weapon, Senator Kintner
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31701
This bill is trying to fix what the storage and transport of firearms in NE. Its a good start.

LB520 - Require notification when persons prohibited by state or federal law obtain a handgun or concealed carry permit, Senator Hansen
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31597
Not sure about this one. Lots of language. I'll need to read it more later.

LB556 - Change provisions relating to firearms and create the offenses of use of a facsimile or nonfunctioning firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited juvenile offender, Senator Halloran
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31244
Basically a facsimile firearms bill. If I remember correctly, if you use a, say, a toy or paintball marker to rob a store, you can be charged with a weapons felony on top of everything else.

LB500 - Authorize the carrying of concealed handguns by qualified active and retired law enforcement officers, Senator Brewer
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31696
Lots of language, but basically any LEO (current or retired) can carry concealed.

LB100 - Change provisions relating to removal of firearm-related disabilities, Senator Stinner
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30672
Senator Stinner introduced this last year. I think it reads something like a person can get their firearm rights back after a mental illness. They have to petition and jump through a lot of hoops, but they can get their rights back.

LB82 - Require the Department of Motor Vehicles to include certain traffic stop safety information in the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Senator Blood
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31461
Senator Blood wants to update the driving manual in NE. It mentions firearms in Sect 2 e.

In other news: LB321 has a committee hearing on Feb 1.

Like I said earlier... WOW! Lots of bills and lots of upcoming committee hearings! I see some really good ones and a couple not so great. I encourage all of you to join in the conversation on the NFOA web forum. Thanks for reading and I hope you get involved!

Listing of current bills of interest (to me)... in numerical order.

LB39 - Prohibit the sale and trade of ivory, Sen Harr
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30883

LB68 - Prohibit certain regulation of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories by counties, cities, and villages as prescribed, Sen Hilgers
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30678

LB81 - Change the application fee for handgun certificates, Sen Blood
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31462

LB82 - Require the Department of Motor Vehicles to include certain traffic stop safety information in the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Senator Blood
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31461

LB100 - Change provisions relating to removal of firearm-related disabilities, Senator Stinner
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30672

LB321 - Change provisions relating to unlawful possession of a firearm at a school, Lowe.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31574

LB350 - Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, McCollister.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31431

LB394 - Change provisions relating to possession of a deadly weapon by person subject to a domestic violence protection order, Sen Morfeld.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30845

LB448 - Eliminate provisions relating to the hunting of mountain lions, Senator Chambers.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30935

LB449 - Repeal the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management Act, Sen Chambers.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=30936

LB478 - Provide for possession of archery equipment and knives for recreational, Senator Groene
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31192

LB500 - Authorize the carrying of concealed handguns by qualified active and retired law enforcement officers, Senator Brewer
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31696

LB501 - Change prohibition on locations where permitholder may carry a concealed weapon, Senator Brewer
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31694

LB502 - Adopt the Permitless Concealed Carry Act, Senator Brewer
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31693

LB520 - Require notification when persons prohibited by state or federal law obtain a handgun or concealed carry permit, Senator Hansen
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31597

LB556 - Change provisions relating to firearms and create the offenses of use of a facsimile or nonfunctioning firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited juvenile offender, Senator Halloran
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31244

LB558 - Define the term knife for certain provisions of the criminal code, Senator Schumacher
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31575

LB637 - Prohibit disclosure of information relating to firearm owners and concealed carry permitholders, Senator Bostleman
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31691

LB666 - Change provisions relating to carrying a concealed weapon, Senator Kintner
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31701


Bills withdrawn:
LB370 - Eliminate requirement to obtain certificate or complete background check to receive or transfer a handgun, Lowe.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31570



Upcoming hearings:
Jan 25:
LB350 - Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions

Feb 2:
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/hearings.php?day=2017-02-02
LB39 - Prohibit the sale and trade of ivory
LB81 - Change the application fee for handgun certificates
LB100 - Change provisions relating to removal of firearm-related disabilities under the Nebraska Mental Health Commitment Act
LB321 - Change provisions relating to unlawful possession of a firearm at a school

Feb 10:
LB68 - Prohibit certain regulation of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories by counties, cities, and villages as prescribed.... otherwise called State Preemption!

Thanks for the updates. Any of these bill have any chance of hurting the Legal sportsman or Firearm owner? Lots of people in the east like the lions and p dogs but most are satisfied to let the G & P handle it. I am trying to watch the bills that are introduced concerning wind farms as that is a big topic in Saline county and the general area.

Off the top of my head the worst bill might be, LB394. It is Senator Morfeld's bill that has some fairly bad language in it. From what i have read if you get slapped with a harassment protection order, you won't be able to own guns.

The best bill that has a chance of getting out is LB68 - State Preemption. Its a different committee and with much friendlier members. It might be a priority bill to Senator Hilgers or someone else. The Judiciary Committee is basically 2 pro-gunners and the rest are not. I'm not sure if we'll see many gun bills advanced from the Judiciary. But I hope I'm wrong.

As for the sportsman, just Senator Chambers LB448 and LB449, Mt Lion and Prairie Dog bills. I have not seen or heard of any other sportsmen type bills.

There's always a lot of stuff to look out for. I'm really interested in guns and hunting, so that's the bills I look for the most. I'm also interested in getting rid of Daylight Savings Time, but didn't bother to post it here.

Small update: LB350 was heard today in the Judiciary Committee. The NFOA was against the bill because it specifically spelled out that gun rights could not be restored. Well, Federally, those rights can be restored. Turns out the people who wrote the bill didn't know that! Looks like the bill will have to be amended.

I forgot to post a few hunting/trapping bills. So here they are:

LB566 - Adopt the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, introduced by the Natural Resources Committee
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31719
Hearing is set for Feb 8
Lots of language, will have to read it later.

LB635 - Change certain violations and penalties under the Game Law, Senator Bostelman
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31720
Hearing is set for Feb 8
This bill increases penalties for a few larger game animals.

LB636 - Prohibit interference with hunting, trapping, or fishing by intimidation using a telephone or other communication device, Senator Bostelman
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31692
Hearing is set for Feb 8
Looks to protect those who are legally hunting. I remember this bill being introduced a year or two ago. It didn't go anywhere. I wonder if it will have traction this year.

LB448 - Eliminate provisions relating to the hunting of mountain lions has a Committee hearing on Feb 23

I'm not sure if I'm missing any other hunting/fishing/trapping/gun rights bills. If so, please let me know!

I recently reached out to the Nebraska Sportsman Foundation (NSF) and asked what bills they are watching/supporting/opposing. And I received this from Scott. These are a lot more important to sportsmen/women, so I figured many here would like to see more offerings of those kinds of bills, rather than my interest in gun bills.

The NSF is supporting:
LB566, LB541, LB584, LB 635, LB636, LB637, LB68, LB321, LB478, LB624, LB501, LB502.

They are opposing:
LB39, LB55, LB81, LB445, LB448, LB449, LB488

They are neutral on:
LB71, LB98, LB558, LB574, LB440

Sorry for the lack of updates... I have been extremely busy.

In the last week, the Govt Affairs Committee heard LB68, which is State Preemption. If you were not able to hear or see the testimony, you missed out. There was a great introduction and some great proponent testimony, however, the Mom's Demand and other Anti-gunners were out in force. There were roughly 10 or so proponents (testifiers and letters), around 35 opponents (testifiers and written) and 1 neutral letter. The opponents outnumbered the proponents by a wide margin. We cannot take our rights for granted. If this passes, Nebraska will become the 45th state with a Preemption law on the books. Some interesting points to me was the Omaha Police are against the bill as written, but they are open to listening to all points of view and working on the bill. Also, the testifier said he loved people who have a CHP, it makes their job easier and they know those are the good guys... essentially. But most of the opponent testifiers belonged to one antigun group.

LB39, the profit of ivory sale bill has not moved since its committee hearing.

LB81, which increases the firearm purchase certificate price to $25 has advanced to General File. This bill was supposed to have some amendments attached to it, but they were never submitted. Senator Blood, who introduced this, promised some amendments that would provide more support, but strangely the amendments were not submitted.

There's plenty more gun bills coming up soon....

Here's the NFOA newsletter that was released today.


February 24, 2017

Greetings NFOA 

This year is off to an odd start in the Unicameral. Some good, some bad, and some just odd. Between the first few days of session watching committee chair elections and committee assignments to going past day 30 without adopting permanent rules, it has been entertaining to watch.  I'd like to give you some updates on the firearms bills we are watching.

Our priority bill, Statewide Preemption of Firearms Laws (LB68) was heard in the Government Affairs Committee on February 10th. The supporting testimony from NFOA, both in person and additional written testimony covering a number of aspects on the bill went very well. The NRA testified in support of the bill along with several individuals. The surprise supporter of the bill was the Sheriffs' Association, represented by Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner. He discussed ongoing issues effecting the issuance of purchase certificates to otherwise legal citizens and then getting calls from the City of Lincoln when a citizen purchased a firearm in violation of the many prohibiting factors in City Statute.

The Anti's were certainly out in force that day. We listened to hours of the typical fear-mongering, name calling and threatening commentary which they believe establishes their position as credible, objective and reasonable. About 25 presented the typical anti-firearms rhetoric. Many if not all testifying against the bill were clearly Gun Haters who are part of Bloomberg's MDA and NAGV organizations. The League of Municipalities and the Omaha Police Officers Association also testified against the bill. OPOA maintains that the Omaha ordinances are only used to fight gang violence. We support their efforts to control gang activity and want to provide tools necessary to meet that task. In many aspects our groups are in agreement. The NFOA draws the line at registration of firearms and denying rights without due process. Senator Hilgers has been involved in conversations with OPOA hoping that some understanding may be reached. It is likely the bill will come out of committee in early March.

Also coming out of committee were Senator Blood's bill to raise permit fees (LB81), the Collegiate shooting teams bill (LB321), and LB100 which standardizes the restoration of rights for those recovered from mental health prohibitions.

We spoke against a bill that would affect a legal process known as set-asides because of a firearms provision. After the hearing, NFOA and ACLU attorneys worked together with Senator McCollister to draft an amendment to bill to address our concerns. The amendment was offered to the Judiciary Committee but was not discussed by the committee before the Bill was advanced to General File. We expect the amendment will be adopted during the first round debate.

Most of the remaining bills we are watching will be heard in Judiciary Committee on March 1st and March 8th. The permitless concealed carry bill will be heard on the last day of hearings for the Judiciary Committee, March 23rd. That alone says the bill won't be going anywhere. The majority of members of the Judiciary Committee are predominantly against any advancement of firearms rights.

What can you do right now to help? Share your story! Have you been effected by any of the Lincoln, Omaha or Blair city ordinances? We respect your privacy, and Senators need to know how these bills are impacting law abiding citizens. We can help them to understand the need for State Preemption and the other bills we support isn't what could happen, but what is happening - infringing on the rights of law abiding citizens! We'd like to share your story as an example of how Nebraskans are effected by this minefield of ordinances. This is one of the most powerful things you can do to help with advancing some of these bills.

We really would like to find people that have had their firearms confiscated due to Lincoln or Omaha ordinances. If you or someone you know have had that happen get in contact with us immediately.

Do you have a story that would tie into:

- Statewide Preemption 
- Concealed Carry prohibited places and poorly posted signage 
- Collegiate Trap teams 
- Impact of paying $25 to apply for a firearms purchase certificate

or any of the other bills that were introduced this year?

Your personal stories can have a great impact! Tell us your story and let's discuss the best way to share that. Maybe in a letter or perhaps in person testimony during a committee hearing. We can find the best way to share your story. Contact me at rod.moeller@nebraskafirearms.org and let's talk. 

In Liberty, 

Rod Moeller 

Nebraska Firearms Owners Association 

Thanks for the update. I have been watching some of the bills too. This week, (Thur) the Natural Resources committee took testimony on Ernie Chamber's bill LB448, the bill to ban mountain lion hunting totally here in Nebr. He has brought forth this bill every year he has been senator lately. I feel the Game and Parks should have that right to decide if we need a season or if the population needs a correction and if that correction can be absorbed into the population with out hurting the future of that renewable natural resource. Call or e-mail the committee members and tell them you want this bill killed in committee. That's what I am doing today!!

this is a good time to send your Senators a note about your feelings on the LB448 bill.

also, today, LB68 - State Preemption has been declared a Priority Bill by Sen Hilgers! This is awesome news, but the battle will begin in a week or two when its hits the floor. I would urge your Senators to vote for this bill as written. i assume the anti-gun Senators will filibuster and try to add amendments that will keep Omaha's gun registration.

Today the Judiciary Committee heard 3 bills.

LB500 - Authorize the carrying of concealed handguns by qualified active and retired law enforcement officers. There were two proponent testifiers and no opponent testifiers. The NFOA submitted a letter of support.

LB478 - Provide for possession of archery equipment and knives for recreational purposes. The Game & Parks testified in a Neutral capacity. The Nebraska Bowhunters Association submitted a letter of support. There were a couple opponents.

LB558 - Define the term knife for certain provisions of the criminal code. A couple of proponents, no opponents.

Last week the Judiciary Committee heard 5 bills.

LB501 - Change prohibition on locations where permitholder may carry a concealed weapon

LB520 - Require notification when persons prohibited by state or federal law obtain a handgun or concealed carry permit

LB556 - Change provisions relating to firearms and create the offenses of use of a facsimile or nonfunctioning firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited juvenile offender

LB637 - Prohibit disclosure of information relating to firearm owners and concealed carry permitholders

LB666 - Change provisions relating to carrying a concealed weapon

i was not able to see the hearing, but the anti gunners really fought against a couple of bills. I doubt many bills will advance. LB520 is not a good bill, it adds a lot of bureaucracy and really doesn't improve on anything. Also, i'd like to see LB637 have an amendment that would punish those that do publish CHP information.