Nebraska: "4 on council won't join foes of concealed guns"

[cuchulainn]

from the Omaha World-Herald

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=36&u_sid=651598

4 on council won't join foes of concealed guns
BY NICHOLE AKSAMIT
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Omaha city leaders aren't on the same page when it comes to concealed weapons laws.

Mayor Mike Fahey and the Omaha Police Department adamantly oppose proposed legislation that would permit Nebraskans to legally carry concealed handguns. They have told state senators and the City Council that Legislative Bill 265 would add to increasing gun violence in Omaha and erode the safety of citizens and police.

But four of Omaha's seven councilmen voted Tuesday not to lend their voices to that opposition. Councilman Frank Brown introduced a resolution opposing LB 265, but found support only from Councilmen Marc Kraft and Garry Gernandt.

Brown said anyone who voted to "place the matter on file," as the council did Tuesday on a 4-3 vote, was supporting concealed guns. He said he opposed the legislation for the same reasons police cited.

Council President Chuck Sigerson said he and a majority of the council thought the city should stick with its previously adopted legislative package. He also said he personally supports a conceal-and-carry law.

Gun supporters argued last week before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that they have a constitutional right to protect themselves against criminals who already carry concealed weapons. Opponents maintained that the bill would lead to more violent crime and accidental shooting deaths.

State Sen. Gene Tyson of Norfolk is the main sponsor of LB 265. His bill would require applicants to be 21 or older and undergo criminal background checks. Convicted felons could not obtain concealed-carry permits, nor could people with a history of mental illness or violence.

Under existing Nebraska law, someone who has been charged with illegally carrying a concealed weapon may argue in court that he had good reason to do so, such as if he transports large amounts of money. The state also allows people to carry weapons that are not concealed.