Nebraska Gun Laws: Can Towns and Cities Make Local Rules?

With gun law reform sweeping the nation as state legislatures being their 2015 session, questions abound about specific laws in certain regions. Nebraska gun laws in particular are raising eyebrows across the country for their more relaxed stance.

Here are some common questions about Nebraska gun laws and their answers.

1. Can cities and towns make local rules?

Cities and towns are allowed to establish their own rules regarding firearms, and most towns take on the concealed carry part of Nebraska gun laws when forming local regulations. For example, the city of Beatrice, Nebraska, carrying a concealed weapon is considered a misdemeanor.

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2. Are handguns required to be registered?

According to Nebraska gun laws, the registration of handguns is not a requirement for those looking to purchase such a firearm. The only permit the state of Nebraska requires in its handgun buying process is a permit to carry the handgun itself.

3. How do Nebraska gun laws compare to other states?

While Nebraska’s gun laws are noticeably more lax than those of say California, the ability for cities and towns to establish their own gun laws isn’t unique just to Nebraska. For instance, in New York, Nassau and Suffolk counties each have their own rules and regulations, while New York City itself has even different regulations than those from its neighboring counties of Nassau and Suffolk.

4. Does Nebraska practice reciprocity?

Nebraska gun laws do honor a larger majority of other states’ firearms permits, due to reciprocity laws. Reciprocity laws have been put in place for states to honor other states’ firearms permits to make traveling and transporting firearms easier for citizens who are certified to carry in their own states.

While you may not agree with Nebraska gun laws because of political or sociological beliefs, the violent crime rate is well below the national median of 3.8. According to Neighborhood Scout, only 2.6 of every 1,000 Nebraskans are victims of violent crime, even with more lax gun laws. Whether or not relaxed regulations are the reason for the lower violent crime rate remains up to discussion, however.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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