Seng to pursue ban on concealed-weapons in Lincoln
Posted: Friday, April 21, 2006
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Some two weeks after a bill was signed into law allowing Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons, Lincoln Mayor Coleen Seng said Thursday that she would seek to ban them in the capital.
The action underscores an apparent hole in the concealed carry law, which does not preclude cities from enacting their own bans.
"The concealed weapon bill is a very real threat to the security of citizens," Seng said. "I support the constitutional right of citizens to own weapons, but passage of the concealed weapons law unnecessarily puts Lincoln at risk for increased confrontations involving guns."
The law, which was recently passed by the Legislature, goes into effect Jan. 1.
It says a permit to carry a concealed weapon "is valid throughout the state" and that "a permit-holder may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Nebraska."
But it also lists exceptions, including "any other place or premises where handguns are prohibited by law or rule or regulation."
Other sections of state law set the powers of cities and allow communities to ban concealed weapons.
One section, for example, says "A primary city may prohibit riots, routs ... prevent use of firearms, rockets, powder, fireworks or other dangerous and combustible material; prohibit carrying of concealed weapons."
And nothing in the newly passed measure repealed those other statutes.
Supporters had tried to get a concealed weapons bill passed since 1996.
And until 1999, the proposal had language that revised the wording in other areas of state statute to remove the right of cities to enact such bans.
Sen. Jeanne Combs of Milligan, who sponsored the bill, has said she did not know why the language was not included in her bill.
Omaha Sens. Ernie Chambers and Pat Bourne, head of the Judiciary Committee, also said the new law would not supersede existing bans that cities such as Omaha and Kearney.
Seng said her decision to seek a ban for Lincoln "is based in the simple premise that the increased risks of violence associated with this law far outweigh the benefits."
"State law directs cities to carry out their responsibilities to protect the public and gives municipalities powers to ensure the safety of families, homes and businesses," Seng said. "As mayor, it is my duty to invoke those powers when public safety is at risk.
Counting Nebraska, 40 states have so-called "right to carry" laws, according to the National Rifle Association. Eight have limited concealed-weapons laws.
Illinois and Wisconsin do not allow concealed weapons.
Supporters argue that being able to carry concealed weapons is a constitutional right. And they say the law would merely put guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens who want to protect themselves against bad guys who already carry weapons.
Opponents argue that allowing concealed weapons would lead only to the potential for more violence.
The law requires applicants for a concealed-weapon permit to pass a background check and complete a handgun training and safety course. The permit will cost $100 and be valid for five years. Convicted felons will not be allowed permits.
Concealed weapons will not be allowed in a variety of places, including bars, police stations, public meetings, athletic events, schools, churches, hospitals and banks. Signs also could be posted prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons in other locations.
On the Net:
City of Lincoln: http://www.ci.lincoln.ne.us/
Nebraska Legislature: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us
The action underscores an apparent hole in the concealed carry law, which does not preclude cities from enacting their own bans.
"The concealed weapon bill is a very real threat to the security of citizens," Seng said. "I support the constitutional right of citizens to own weapons, but passage of the concealed weapons law unnecessarily puts Lincoln at risk for increased confrontations involving guns."
The law, which was recently passed by the Legislature, goes into effect Jan. 1.
It says a permit to carry a concealed weapon "is valid throughout the state" and that "a permit-holder may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Nebraska."
But it also lists exceptions, including "any other place or premises where handguns are prohibited by law or rule or regulation."
Other sections of state law set the powers of cities and allow communities to ban concealed weapons.
One section, for example, says "A primary city may prohibit riots, routs ... prevent use of firearms, rockets, powder, fireworks or other dangerous and combustible material; prohibit carrying of concealed weapons."
And nothing in the newly passed measure repealed those other statutes.
Supporters had tried to get a concealed weapons bill passed since 1996.
And until 1999, the proposal had language that revised the wording in other areas of state statute to remove the right of cities to enact such bans.
Sen. Jeanne Combs of Milligan, who sponsored the bill, has said she did not know why the language was not included in her bill.
Omaha Sens. Ernie Chambers and Pat Bourne, head of the Judiciary Committee, also said the new law would not supersede existing bans that cities such as Omaha and Kearney.
Seng said her decision to seek a ban for Lincoln "is based in the simple premise that the increased risks of violence associated with this law far outweigh the benefits."
"State law directs cities to carry out their responsibilities to protect the public and gives municipalities powers to ensure the safety of families, homes and businesses," Seng said. "As mayor, it is my duty to invoke those powers when public safety is at risk.
Counting Nebraska, 40 states have so-called "right to carry" laws, according to the National Rifle Association. Eight have limited concealed-weapons laws.
Illinois and Wisconsin do not allow concealed weapons.
Supporters argue that being able to carry concealed weapons is a constitutional right. And they say the law would merely put guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens who want to protect themselves against bad guys who already carry weapons.
Opponents argue that allowing concealed weapons would lead only to the potential for more violence.
The law requires applicants for a concealed-weapon permit to pass a background check and complete a handgun training and safety course. The permit will cost $100 and be valid for five years. Convicted felons will not be allowed permits.
Concealed weapons will not be allowed in a variety of places, including bars, police stations, public meetings, athletic events, schools, churches, hospitals and banks. Signs also could be posted prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons in other locations.
On the Net:
City of Lincoln: http://www.ci.lincoln.ne.us/
Nebraska Legislature: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
