This week’s column will discuss the current situation with the Second Amendment in both our nation and our state. Although LB 77, which authorized concealed carry without a permit in Nebraska, passed last year, our state needs legislation that will continue to protect our right to bear arms and the opportunity to defend ourselves in our homes, workplaces, and motor vehicles. Several bills have been introduced this session to protect the Second Amendment for Nebraskans. This includes Senator Brewer’s LB 1339 and Senator Hardin’s LB 1269.

Senator Brewer’s LB 1339 would broaden an exemption in state law regarding who can legally carry a firearm on Nebraska school property by adding off-duty and qualified retired law enforcement officers to the current exemption. Furthermore, school districts could voluntarily establish a written policy that authorizes security personnel to carry firearms, along with the required inclusion of qualifications and training.

Senator Hardin’s LB 1269 is a “Stand Your Ground” bill that would change Nebraska’s “Duty to Retreat” when it comes to using force in self-defense or defense of others. 11 states are duty to retreat states, and in Nebraska, the duty is required when in a public place or a vehicle, but it does not apply to your home or workplace. Thirty-eight states are considered stand-your-ground states; 30 by state statute, and eight by case law. Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming all have stand-your-ground laws in statute.

When the founding fathers wrote our nation’s constitution, one of the most important rights they thought to safeguard was the right to defend themselves with deadly force if necessary. Because of this, they wrote the 2nd amendment which instituted the right for Americans to bear arms. In our current culture, this right is being questioned and reinterpreted.

As a rural Nebraskan, I know how important it is to District 1 citizens to be able to defend themselves against those who wish them fatal harm whether they are in their homes, businesses or vehicles. With this in mind, I fully support both LB 1339 and LB 1269. Nebraskans everywhere deserve the right to defend themselves no matter where they are and they deserve to be protected from facing criminal charges for doing so.

I look forward to continuing to discuss these issues in the coming weeks on the legislative floor. 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.