The Nebraska chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement after Nebraska lawmakers today voted to reject LB773, a dangerous permitless carry bill that would eliminate Nebraska’s concealed-carry permitting system and allow individuals to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit or safety training. Lawmakers rejected permitless carry following significant opposition by Nebraska Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers, the League of Municipalities, Omaha Police Officers Association, Lincoln Police Chief, Nebraska Police Officers Association, and the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska throughout the legislative process.
“We’re thrilled that our lawmakers did the right thing, listened to law enforcement and the community, and rejected permitless carry,” said Katie Townley, a volunteer with the Nebraska chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Allowing people to carry concealed handguns in public without a permit is dangerous, and would have put our communities at risk. We are grateful that our lawmakers listened to the concerns of their constituents and law enforcement and will keep fighting against any attempts to gut gun safety protections in Nebraska.”
Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers took significant action to call on lawmakers to reject permitless carry. Volunteers testified against permitless carry during the legislative process and sent over 400 emails and drove over 400 calls to lawmakers urging them to reject LB773.
Permitless carry laws strip away a critical tool that law enforcement uses to differentiate between responsible gun owners and those who are prohibited from carrying a loaded weapon in public. Permitless carry legislation has been opposed by law enforcement in Nebraska and across the country, including in Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio.
Polling shows that permitting systems like Nebraska’s current system are overwhelmingly popular. 88 percent of Americans think you should get a permit before carrying a concealed gun in public. States that have weakened their firearm permitting systems have experienced an 11 percent increase in handgun homicide rates and a 13-15 percent increase in violent crime rates.
Learn more about gun violence in Nebraska here.
