By: Liam Fenwick, Reporer
OMAHA, Neb. – A new bill could potentially change gun laws in Nebraska. LB 773 would allow Nebraskans to obtain a concealed carry firearm without a permit.
If the bill is passed, Nebraska will join the group of over 20 states that allow permitless carries.
Trevor Thrasher is the director of training at 88 Tactical. The organization offers a variety of tactical training for its members. Thrasher said Nebraskans can no longer ignore this issue.
“My initial thoughts were it was coming. At some point or another, Nebraska was going to have to address this. And I think it’s also inevitable,” Thrasher said.
Bordering states like Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota already allow permitless carries. Thrasher said he doesn’t think a concealed carry should require a permit.
“I don’t think a permit should be required. I think all people should obtain appropriate training so they can safely handle a firearm. I think initial training should be free, should be provided by the government, and should be part of our educational system, ” Thrasher said.
Not everybody agrees with Thrasher. Anti-gun violence groups have said the bill would do more harm than good.
The Nebraskans Against Gun Violence group opposes LB 773. They said permitless carries are a danger to the public and children across Nebraska. President of Nebraska Firearms Owners Association Patricia Harrold said their argument is invalid.
“Their argument is really illogical and un-objective. We have almost 25 states that have constitutional carry. What we have found is that gun violence does not go up,” Harrold said.
Harrold also said permitless carries do not increase the rate of criminal use of firearms. It also doesn’t decrease the rate of gun safety training.
LB 773 passed through the first round of the state legislature. However, the bill is still being processed and has not been made into law.
