Bill advanced to allow transport of firearms on campus for sport shooters

Lawmakers advanced a bill Jan. 19 that would allow college students competing in shooting sports to lawfully transport their firearms on campus.

Firearms currently are prohibited from the grounds and buildings on the state’s college and university campuses. School-sponsored rifle team members are exempt from this ban as long as their weapons are safely transported and stored.

LB321, introduced by Kearney Sen. John Lowe, would accommodate additional teams that compete in other shooting sports by removing “rifle” from the team description in state statute.

The bill was previously amended on general file to instead allow the transport of firearms on campus specifically for “college or university firearm teams.”

Sen. Ernie Chambers filed several motions to extend debate on the measure. He said he would oppose any proposal that would allow for the proliferation of guns on a school campus.

“In fact, I would like to strike everything from the existing law that relates to any guns on the campus, other than those possessed by law enforcement, sworn officers or campus police,” Chambers said. “If I had my way, there would be no other guns legally on any campus in this state because they serve only one reason and that is to kill people.”

Senators voted 47-1 to advance the bill to select file.