LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A bill that would bar local governments from passing gun restrictions that are stricter than state law drew strong objections Tuesday from some Omaha and Lincoln senators who want to protect their cities’ ordinances.
Lawmakers kicked off a debate on a measure that would allow residents to sue cities and counties if they are adversely affected by a local gun rule.
Supporters say the bill would eliminate a confusing patchwork of local gun ordinances, particularly in Omaha and Lincoln. Law enforcement groups and some elected city officials oppose the bill, arguing that it fails to consider differences between higher-crime urban areas and the rest of the state.
Sen. Mike Hilgers, of Lincoln, the bill’s sponsor, said the local ordinances fail to consider modern transportation that allows residents to travel through multiple jurisdictions in a day.
“Times have changed,” he said. “We no longer live in the horse and buggy days.”
Hilgers said he has reached agreement to address objections from Omaha’s police union that the bill would undermine police efforts to curb gang violence. Other state law enforcement organizations remained opposed.
If the bill passes, Nebraska would join a growing list of states that have pre-empted local gun laws at the urging of the National Rifle Foundation and other gun rights groups. The bill would give lawmakers the sole power to regulate gun ownership, possession and transportation. Local governments could still pass ordinances to keep guns from being fired within city limits or to regulate firearms used by law enforcement.
A similar measure was defeated by a legislative filibuster last year when supporters fell one vote short of the support needed to bring the bill to a vote.
Omaha’s ordinances include a registry that allows officers to deny guns to the mentally ill and known gang associates, and lets them look up whether someone with an outstanding arrest warrant owns a handgun. Other restrictions aimed at juveniles are designed to curb gang violence.
Lincoln’s ordinances prohibit bringing guns onto city buses, in landfills and parks, and in city and county buildings. One ordinance gives the mayor the power to restrict gun sales and possession during a declared state of emergency. Lincoln officials said their ordinances help keep guns out of Pinnacle Bank Arena and other public buildings during major events.
“This is not the Wild West,” said Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln.
Sen. Kate Bolz, of Lincoln, said she was “deeply concerned” because the legislation doesn’t include an exception to preserve Lincoln’s ban on guns in domestic violence shelters and drug abuse treatment centers. Bill supporters suggested that the issue could be addressed through existing trespass laws.
“I find it disappointing that this bill was introduced again without providing a fix,” Bolz said.
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