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LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers advanced a slightly tweaked bill to enhance security protocols around the Capitol.
Legislative Bill 1237, from the Legislature’s Executive Board, passed 36-3 after it was amended to restrict a narrower list of weapons that would not be allowed on Capitol grounds without prior approval.
The amendment from State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair to tighten the list was approved 35-1. Hansen said the amendment focuses on prohibiting “the most dangerous items while avoiding an overly broad ban that would affect non-lethal defense tools, along with common everyday carry items many Nebraskans have for legitimate purposes.”
Originally, the bill banned a list that included non-lethal devices, such as pepper spray and Tasers. Lawmakers advanced the bill last time it was on the floor with the understanding that a developing amendment would address concerns from critics and supporters.
People who hold concealed-carry permits will be allowed to carry firearms in the Capitol. This was added after concerns were raised by Second Amendment advocates during the original bill’s public hearing.
The process that led to the bill began last summer, when the Legislature’s Execcutive Board met with Capitol Security, members of the Nebraska State Patrol, staffers for Gov. Jim Pillen and legislative leaders and discussed options and recommendations for additional security in the seat of state government.
Some of the measures that have already been implemented include temporary metal detectors and additional security personnel that are stationed outside of high-traffic public hearings with a chance to be controversial.
