On Wednesday, March 3^rd, I testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of my bill LB 173 which amends state statute concerning our conceal carry laws. This bill is important because it addresses a grey area in our state’s gun laws. Back in 2016, there was a situation that made it to the Nebraska State Supreme Court regarding a gentleman who was arrested for simply transporting a weapon without a concealed carry permit. Currently under state statue, a Nebraska citizen could be arrested for buying a gun at Cabela’s and transporting it safely from the store to their vehicle. Essentially, my bill addresses this issue and updates the outdated statute so it now becomes legal.

The Speaker of the Legislature, Senator Mike Hilgers, continues to prepare the senators for full floor debate as we are into our third month of the 2021 session. The first two months of session is more the “listening phase” as testifiers from around the state speak on bills that were introduced. Hearings in all fourteen committees are now winding down though and certain bills are brought to a vote. If voted out of committee, legislative bills then move to the floor for full debate. The next few months will be the “debating phase” as senators discuss the bills on the floor to see which will eventually become law.