Big city police chiefs battle push to loosen restrictions on hidden guns
Once again, the police chiefs of the state’s two largest cities are working to shut down attempts to loosen one of Nebraska’s most controversial gun laws.
State Sen. Tom Brewer, a Republican from Gordon, is once again pushing to make it easier for those who want to carry a gun and hide it.
Currently in order to carry a concealed weapon, you have to complete a handgun training and safety class and pay $100 for a state permit.
Brewer’s legislation would end both those requirements.
According to Brewer every state bordering Nebraska, other than Colorado, allows law abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon no questions asked.
[View comments above from Brewer and Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer]
In the past Brewer’s bill would have allowed urban areas, such as Omaha and Lincoln, to opt out of a concealed carry law, but this year's bill eliminates that carve out.
The crime of carrying a concealed weapon would still exist for minors and for persons who are prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons.