Concealed Weapons Measure Wins First-Round Approval
More debate is certain
January 13, 2006
The Legislature will consider whether cities and towns should be able to bar the carrying of concealed handguns, even if a state law gives people that privilege.
Lawmakers overcame a filibuster and gave 33-11 first-round approval Thursday to a bill establishing a system allowing Nebraskans to qualify for a permit to carry concealed weapons.
During several days of debate, Senator DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln raised questions about whether local governments could prohibit or further regulate the carrying of such weapons.
The issue could lead to revisions of the measure at the second stage of debate. Legislation must be approved at three stages of consideration to be enacted.
Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha promised further efforts to block the bill’s passage.
He could resort to delaying other legislation that precedes the gun bill, thus requiring hours and hours of debate on those measures – and taking hours off the clock before lawmakers again get to the concealed-carry issue.
His filibuster thus far included charges that the measure was poorly drafted, dangerous and unnecessary. He argued that its supporters were kow-towing to pressure from interest groups led by the National Rifle Association.
On numerous occasions, Chambers chided and ridiculed rural Nebraskans who favor the bill.
Chambers said he envisioned cowardly men, shaking with fear and too scared to go from a barn to their houses without a firearm.
During the past 10 years a variety of bills to authorize the carrying of concealed weapons have been considered by the Unicameral. None made it to a final vote.
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