After years of one defeat after another, the lead lawmaker pushing to change one of Nebraska’s most controversial gun laws says he has the votes.

State Sen. Tom Brewer, a Republican from Gordon, wants 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.

The bill (LB 77) hit the full floor of the Legislature today, with both sides armed for a fight.

[View comments from both sides above]

It appears that in the last few days a compromise has been hammered out making the concealed carry bill acceptable to the Omaha Police Union, which had been fighting the bill worried it would put officers at greater risk.

Changes include increased jail time for people already prohibited from carrying a gun.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, who has a concealed carry permit, opposes Brewer’s bill arguing that the state’s largest city needs local laws to fight gun crimes.