My Senators reply
(Neb.)-Senator Louden's Weekly Report
By: Chris Fankhauser Posted at: 03/06/2008 03:45 PM
LB 958, which deals with firearms, has generated many negative comments from District 49 constituents. I’d like to use this week’s column to describe LB 958, its amendments, and my reason for opposing it.
Initially, LB 958 included many provisions. There was a requirement that individuals report a lost or stolen firearm to local law enforcement within 48 hours after discovery of loss or theft. All firearms retailers would have had to include a trigger or gun lock with each firearm sale. The bill would have imposed a minimum five year prison sentence for use of a firearm to commit a felony. Law enforcement personnel who found a minor illegally in possession of a firearm would have had to determine how the minor gained possession and to report that information to the State Patrol. The State Patrol would have been required to conduct a public awareness campaign which would include a hotline for anonymous reporting of juveniles suspected of possessing a firearm. The bill would have changed from five to ten years the amount of time the state would keep mental health commitment records. Finally, LB 958 would have set up a Gun Violence Commission to recommend ways to reduce illegal gun sales and gun trafficking. It was a hodgepodge of ideas.
As amended by the Judiciary Committee, LB 958 is simpler. The bill now would do one thing: set up an Assault Weapons Commission. The commission would have seven members: the chair of the Judiciary Committee, the Governor, the Attorney General, the head of the State Patrol, a law enforcement officer from Omaha, a law enforcement officer from another city, and a firearms retailer. The commission would define assault weapons, compile a list of weapons that fit the definition, recommend enforcement procedures, and report to the Legislature every other year, with the first report due February 1, 2009.
I did not support LB 958 when it was first introduced, nor do I support it as amended. It’s not necessary to set up another unit of government to examine the various firearms available to law abiding citizens. In addition, I do not think that it is a good idea to define firearms and then place restrictions on them because of how they are defined. I will oppose LB 958 when the Legislature discusses it.
I called Senator Louden and we had a real nice talk about LB958, concealed and open carry and a few other things. I even received a neat letter from his office. This guy does not seem to like the idea of our rights being taken away or even dampened or watered down.
