Omaha officials to hold public sessions to discuss Nebraska’s new gun laws

Omaha, Nebraska – Recent changes in Nebraska’s gun legislation have prompted local officials and law enforcement agencies to host informational sessions for the public. The updates to the law and subsequent reactions from local authorities are noteworthy, affecting gun owners and residents alike.

Public Sessions on the New Gun Law

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Omaha Police, and the Douglas County Attorney’s Office are joining hands to conduct two public sessions to address and clarify the changes made to the Nebraska gun law. The new law, which was passed earlier this year, permits individuals over the age of 21 to carry concealed handguns without the need for a permit or training.

For those interested in attending, the sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday, October 25 at Omaha South High School (4519 South 24th) from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.
• Friday, October 27 at Nathan Hale Middle School (6143 Whitmore) from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

This legislation, which supporters have labeled as “constitutional carry,” is viewed as being in line with the Second Amendment. Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon, Nebraska was a strong advocate for this bill. To put it in perspective, Nebraska is not alone in this stance as at least 26 other states have already implemented similar laws.

However, not everyone agrees with the new law. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, earlier in the year, issued an executive order that bans firearms in buildings owned, managed, or leased by the city. Both the Omaha Police and the Douglas County Sheriff had previously voiced their opposition to Legislative Bill 77 before it became law.

Additional Regulations Proposed

Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen has taken further steps in response to the state law. He introduced two proposed ordinances which aim to regulate guns more stringently within the city. One of these ordinances seeks to prohibit the possession or manufacturing of “ghost guns”. The other relates to the sale or gifting of “multi-burst activators”, a category which includes devices like bump stocks.

Commenting on the ordinances, Festersen stated, “It is quite limiting under the bill what we can pursue, but we’re confident we can pursue these common sense approaches.” For residents keen on sharing their thoughts or learning more, there will be a public hearing and vote on Festersen’s ordinances on October 31st at the Omaha City Council.