Concealed carry law changes with LB 77

On Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 Nebraska passed LB 77 into state law, where anyone over 21 years old who can legally own a handgun can now carry their weapon concealed without a concealed carry permit.
Previously, prior to LB 77, in order for Nebraska residents to carry a concealed handgun they needed to acquire a permit from the Nebraska State Patrol through a procedure that included passing a firearm safety course.
Measures like LB 77 are sometimes called “constitutional carry” in reference to some gun rights advocates’ belief that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives people the right to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
Jared Potts of Night Fall Precision, LLC, of Grant is a federal firearms license holder (dealer) and gun builder said, “Handgun sales have not increased sharply for him in recent weeks. In rural areas such as ours most people that buy guns already have them and are not affected by the passing of LB 77.” “Popular among the handguns suitable for concealed carry are the very small and lightweight guns such as the Springfield “Hell Cat” and the Sig 365,” he said.
Dave and Lori Ripley of Good Life Gun Training Facility in Enders gives firearms training to different levels of experience. “We will be giving another Youth Basic course soon, and we also do training to individuals,” Lori Ripley said.
“A concern among firearms safety instructors lately is that since constitutional carry does not require a certified permit then some people will forgo proper training,” Ripley said. “Many people have been around hunting guns and then believe that qualifies them to understand what is involved with carrying a handgun concealed for defensive purposes, which is not the case,” she said.
“Another concern we have with people not seeking training is that they may not be aware of laws that will make it a criminal offense to ignore.  Some government and private businesses have signs posted at entries that prohibit persons from entering if they are carrying a weapon.  Also, there are some prohibited areas that are not posted,” she said.
At Good Life, we teach the four important points everyone should know if they are going to carry a handgun concealed:
1. Be familiar with your personal weapon and its safety features.
2. Know the laws on where you can carry your weapon.
3. Know the laws on using a weapon in self defense.
4. You can carry your handgun concealed in neighboring Colorado if you have a Nebraska concealed carry permit. If you do not have that permit, you cannot carry concealed in Colorado.
“To be better informed, check the Nebraska State Patrol Web site,” she said.
According to the National Rifle Association, the passing of LB 77 makes Nebraska the 27th state to legalize permit less concealed carry.