Mountain lion hunting repeal approved, vetoed

Senators passed a bill March 24 that would have prohibited the hunting of mountain lions. Gov. Dave Heineman vetoed the bill on March 28.

LB671, introduced by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, would repeal the law passed in 2012 that authorized the state Game and Parks Commission to hold a mountain lion hunting season.

The bill would continue to allow farmers and ranchers to kill a mountain lion they perceive to be a threat.

Senators passed the bill on a 28-13 vote. Chambers has five legislative days to consider filing a motion to override the veto.