FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2006, 9:30 a.m. CT

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman reiterated the constitutional right of Nebraskans to bear arms today during bill signing ceremony for LB 454, which will allow for law-abiding, qualified applicants to be screened, trained, tested and permitted for five years by the Nebraska State Patrol to carry a handgun without having to display it publicly.

"I want to thank the members of the Legislature for recognizing that the people who are willing and able to complete this permitting process are not the sort of people who will use a weapon illegally," Gov. Heineman said. "Criminals already carry guns, and they already do it illegally. LB 454 helps law-abiding Nebraskans, like the citizens of 47 other states, make criminals think twice about choosing a victim."

Sen. Jeanne Combs, a registered nurse who previously carried a registered handgun while working in home healthcare and hospice, sponsored the bill for safety reasons. While research has been inconclusive, many of the states that have enacted concealed carry legislation similar to LB 454 have observed decreases in crime.

Sen. Combs said, "This bill is the result of a great deal of effort by a large number of people. For me, it is very gratifying to have been a part of providing for Nebraskans, who meet the bill's strict criteria and care to do so, a legal means of protecting themselves or their families against those who would seek to do them harm."

LB 454 will take effect on Jan. 1. The State Patrol will begin drafting rules and regulations, which will be subject to the public hearings process, and develop a training curriculum and a means for certifying firearms instructors. Once the rules have been established, permit applicants will be required to visit one of the State Patrol's troop area headquarters, which are located in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Grand Island, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Omaha, or a State Patrol satellite office. Applicants will be required to produce a valid photo identification, proof of training, and submit two legible sets of fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check.

LB 454 requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, Nebraska residents, 21 years or older, with eyesight worthy of a driver's license, and also requires completion of an approved firearms training course. Felony or violent misdemeanor convictions will disqualify permit applicants.