The first week of March saw the last of my committee hearings for the 10 bills I introduced this year.
On March 3, I testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of my bill LB 173 which amends state statute concerning our conceal carry laws. This bill is important because it addresses a grey area in our state’s gun laws.
Back in 2016, there was a situation that made it to the Nebraska State Supreme Court regarding a gentleman who was arrested for simply transporting a weapon without a concealed carry permit. Currently under state statue, a Nebraska citizen could be arrested for buying a gun at Cabela’s and transporting it safely from the store to their vehicle. Essentially, my bill addresses this issue and updates the outdated statute so it now becomes legal.
The speaker of the Legislature, Sen. Mike Hilgers, continues to prepare the senators for full floor debate as we are into our third month of the 2021 session. The first two months of session is more the “listening phase” as testifiers from around the state speak on bills that were introduced. Hearings in all 14 committees are now winding down though and certain bills are brought to a vote. If voted out of committee, legislative bills then move to the floor for full debate. The next few months will be the “debating phase” as senators discuss the bills on the floor to see which will eventually become law.
The athletic trainer bill I introduced, LB 436, has been voted out of the Health and Human Services Committee unanimously. I greatly appreciate the work they have done and I’m glad we were able to advance this bill. It will give athletic trainers a broader scope of practice, allowing them to benefit from their training and experience.
Additionally, I want to thank all of my constituents from District 16. I have received so many emails covering issues both federally and locally. I always encourage any constituent to reach out to my office as we love to be of assistance to the people of Washington, Burt, and Cuming counties.
You’re welcome to contact our office at 402-471-2728 to speak with my Administrative Assistant and Committee Clerk Ellie Stangl or my Legislative Aide Christopher Prosch. You can also email me at bhansen@leg.ne.gov. To follow along with the session please visit nebraskalegislature.gov or you may watch the live stream when available at netnebraska.org
