I hope you are having a lovely spring so far, District 1. Temperatures are warming up and planting season is in full swing. This week’s column will discuss the current situation with the Second Amendment in both our nation and our state.

On April 7, in response to the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, the Biden-Harris Administration announced several anti-gun measures. These actions include proposing rules to limit the sale of “ghost guns” and the publication of model red flag legislation for states among other gun control measures. There should be no excuse for any illicit action that takes an innocent life, but these actions should be seen for what they are– a gross violation of our Second Amendment rights. 

Governor Ricketts has responded to this proposed infringement of the Second Amendment by making the State of Nebraska a Second Amendment sanctuary state. This means that, if the federal government creates laws that attack our right to bear arms, our state will not recognize or enforce them. This way, Nebraskans can practice their freedoms granted to them through the Second Amendment without fear of breaking the law. However, these orders will expire at the end of the Governor’s term.

To make a more permanent change, our state needs legislation that will continue to protect our right to bear arms. Several bills have been introduced this session to protect the Second Amendment for Nebraskans. This includes Senator Halloran’s LB 188 and my LB 300. LB 188 would adopt the Second Amendment Preservation Act, which, in simple terms, would put in statute what Governor Ricketts’s proclamation sets out to do. LB 300 would clarify the Castle Doctrine Statutes in our state. Currently, you can defend yourself in your home, and still be criminally charged by the courts. LB 300 would work to combat that and would give Nebraskans the opportunity to defend themselves in their homes, workplaces, or motor vehicles.

Both LB 188 and LB 300 had their public hearings are being held by split committees. For the full Legislature to debate these bills and pass them into law, they need to be voted on and advanced to the floor. LB 188 is being held by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and LB 300 is being held in the Judiciary Committee. You can do your part to get these bills passed by reaching out to the members of the committees and sharing your support. The committee list and contact information for senators can be found at nebraskalegislature.gov.

In our country, we have the unique ability to reach out to our public officials and share our opinion. This makes private citizens some of the most important protectors of our rights. I encourage you to reach out to your representatives, both on the state and federal level, to share your thoughts on preserving the Second Amendment.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.