LINCOLN- In the latest attempt to allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit, the bill continued to see a split in opinion from Nebraskans. The hearing for LB77 had dozens of testifiers that waited in lengthy lines to share their opinion on allowing Nebraskans over age 21 to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

The hearing began at 1:30 PM and finished around 6:15 PM. There were dozens of in-person testifiers and hundreds of letters in both support and opposition. Currently in Nebraska, getting a concealed-carry permit requires passing a criminal background check, paying a $100 fee and taking an eight- to 16-hour gun safety class.

Brewer argued at the hearing that the fee prevents some Nebraskans from seeking a permit. He said that while he believes training is “essential” for gun owners, he doesn’t think it should be mandatory. He said multiple neighboring states have passed similar measures. “We’re not trying to make Nebraska a pioneer in this,” Brewer said. Similar legislation was brought last year, but failed in a filibuster by opposing senators.

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