A bill to limit the governor\u2019s authority during a state of emergency advanced from general file April 1.<\/p>\n
LB390, introduced by Imperial Sen. Mark Christensen, would amend the Emergency Management Act by removing the governor\u2019s power to limit or suspend the sale, dispensing or transportation of firearms.<\/p>\n
As introduced, the bill would have prohibited the state or anyone acting on behalf of the state or a political subdivision from:
\n\u2022 prohibiting or restricting the lawful possession, use, transfer or transportation of a firearm or ammunition;
\n\u2022 seizing or confiscating a lawfully possessed firearm or ammunition unless the firearm is seized to defend oneself or another, during the arrest of a person or as evidence in a crime; and
\n\u2022 requiring that firearms be registered during an emergency unless registration was required before the emergency declaration.<\/p>\n
A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 30-0, narrowed the scope of the bill and would remove only the governor\u2019s authority to suspend or limit the sale, dispensing or transportation of firearms during a state of emergency.<\/p>\n
Christensen said that in the unlikely event of an emergency in which law enforcement could not adequately protect people, Nebraska citizens should be able to access firearms.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring a declared state of emergency it is more likely\u2014not less likely\u2014that a law-abiding Nebraska resident may need to use a firearm to protect themselves, their family or property from potential mobs, looting and other types of violent civil unrest,\u201d Christensen said.<\/p>\n
An amendment to the committee amendment by Hastings Sen. Les Seiler was adopted 37-0. It added provisions of his LB694, which would allow firearms on school campuses for use in historical reenactments, hunter education programs or as part of an honor guard.<\/p>\n
Senators also approved an amendment brought by Hyannis Sen. Al Davis on a 36-0 vote. It added provisions of his LB772, which would allow the adjutant general to spend up to $25,000 per event on aerial fire suppression or hazardous material response without a state of emergency proclamation issued by the governor.<\/p>\n
Senators advanced the amended bill on a 39-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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