HUGE: Another Red State Passes Constitutional Carry Bill

Nebraska’s state senators have given the green light to Legislative Bill 77, which would allow residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit. The bill was passed with a 33-14 vote and is now on its way to Republican Governor Jim Pillen’s desk for final approval.

Nebraska currently requires individuals to obtain a $100 permit and complete a safety course that can cost over $200 in order to carry a concealed handgun. However, if Legislative Bill 77 is signed into law, Nebraska will join 25 other states in allowing concealed carry without a permit.

Supporters of the bill argue that requiring a permit and safety course to carry a concealed handgun infringes on Second Amendment rights and makes it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves.

“What we do in this body sometimes is trying to follow through with the will of the people and give them the rights that they have in the Constitution,” State Sen. Tom Brewer said. “And sometimes we go out of the way and twist those rights and keep people from having them, and I think this is a case of that.

Following three rounds of debate, the decision to sign the bill into state law now rests with Governor Pillen. If Pillen approves, Nebraska will join other states such as Alaska, Arizona, and Wyoming in allowing concealed carry without a permit.

Pillen expressed his support for LB 77 in a tweet on Wednesday, thanking the Legislature for passing the bill.

I am proud to support LB 77 and Nebraskans' constitutional rights. Thank you to the Nebraska Legislature for sending this bill to my desk. pic.twitter.com/25kn0oT0jC

— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) April 19, 2023