When I was sworn in as a Nebraska state senator in January 2017, I said that “I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of Nebraska, and will faithfully discharge the duties of senator according to the best of my ability.”

That was not the first time I made the commitment to support the constitutions of the United States and Nebraska, but it was the first time I took that oath as a senator. Legislators are supposed to write laws that fulfill the promises in our founding documents. During our first week of legislative hearings, I was honored with the opportunity to speak out in support of protections for our First and Second Amendment rights.

On Wednesday, January 19th, the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee held our public hearing Legislative Bill 774, “The First Freedom Act.” This bill is about protecting the religious liberty of every person in Nebraska. I believe that it should be very hard for government to get in between people and their faith. I introduced LB 774 because it would give believers the opportunity to have a day in court when government gets in the way of worship. Whether for church gatherings or religious charity work — for people of faith, churches are “essential,” not optional.

The next day, January 20th, I introduced a bill in support of our Second Amendment rights in the Judiciary Committee. The committee heard LB 773, which would make Nebraska a “Constitutional Carry” state. That means that law-abiding gun owners would no longer be required to get a state permit to carry concealed for self defense. I support training. I support personal responsibility. I will never support the idea that people should have to pay a fee or take a test to use their God-given, constitutionally recognized rights. 

Over the last two weeks, we also advanced Legislative Resolution 14, a call from the Nebraska Legislature for an Article V Convention of States to propose amendments to the United States Constitution. I believe the states are going to have to act to rein in the runaway federal government. Seeing the Convention of States resolution move forward is a big morale boost after many years of hard work on this issue.

Not every bill that we discuss grabs headlines like these items. But the promise to support our constitutional rights is part of my job on every bill we look at. I am grateful for the continuing opportunity to stand watch for our rights as a Nebraska state senator.