Constitutional Carry Now The Law In Nebraska

      A number of new Nebraska laws take effect today. Bills that don’t have a specific date in them become effective 3 calendar months and 1 day after the end of the legislative session – and that’s today for the 2023 session.

      Among the new laws starting today is “constitutional carry,” which allows the concealed carry of handguns without a permit or training, a measure championed by State Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon since taking office 7 years ago. 

      Under the new law, persons over 21 can carry concealed firearms without a state permit or state-mandated gun safety training, joining 26 other states in doing so. 

     Brewer says the law gives back to gun owners Second Amendment rights that should never have been taken away from them in the first place. 

      The new law also sharply limits the ability of cities to restrict where guns are not allowed, and both Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird signed executive orders this week banning guns from city property.

       Under Stothert’s order, firearms are prohibited at all City of Omaha owned or leased and managed buildings, facilities, parks and public spaces. 

      The list includes community and recreation centers, pools, libraries, parks, fire stations and Public Works and Parks Department maintenance yards. The city will post a sign at each location

      The Lincoln order states that firearms remain prohibited on city property, including buildings, libraries and parks. It mirrors a resolution recently passed by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Public Building Commission. 

      While the law waives state-mandated safety training, the Lincoln Police Department is recommending those who plan to carry a concealed handgun to take a safety course anyway. 

      The police department says “An understanding of how various firearms operate and how to safely handle them is critical to safe operation and may reduce the risk of a mishap.”