New Nebraska gun law took effect Saturday

LINCOLN - A state lawmaker's multi-year eort to allow the concealed carry of handguns without a permit or training took eect Saturday, with Ne braska’s largest cities issuing guidance just before the law was enacted.

State Sen. Tom Brewer advocated for years for a proposal such as LB 77, which supporters describe as a “constitutional carry” measure after the Second Amendment.

Under the law, persons over 21 can carry concealed firearms without a state permit or state-mandated gun safety training, joining 26 other states in doing so.

During the bill’s April 25 signing ceremony, Brewer thanked his colleagues for having his back during his seven years in oce.

“They knew what right was and they knew that we had to get the Constitution back to where it should be and give the rights back that should have never been taken away in the first place," Brewer said.

Firearm dealers will also be required to distribute information on suicide prevention, including evidence-based best practices in prevention and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or other similar resources. The change comes through a bill by State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha that was amended into LB 50.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert signed an executive order prohibiting firearms at all City owned or leased and managed buildings, facilities, parks and public spaces. This includes community and recreation centers, pools, libraries, parks, fire stations and Public Works faciliti es. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird signed a similar executive order Friday, stating firearms remain prohibited on city property, including buildings, libraries and parks. The order mirrors resolutions recently passed by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Public Building Commission and the West Haymarket JPA.

While LB 77 waives state-mandated safety training, the Lincoln Police De partment is recommending those who plan to carry a concealed handgun to take a safety course anyway.

"An understanding of how various firearms operate and how to safely handle them is critical to safe operation and may reduce the risk of a mishap,” a Friday news release states.

LB 77 is just one of a dozen laws that took eect last weekend. Laws passed by the Legislature that do not have an eective date automatically become law three calendar months and one day after the Legislature adjourns or, in this case, Sept. 2.

Several laws which took eect Saturday were included in legislative "pack ages” or “Christmas tree” bundles of multiple stand-alone bills.