New law allows Nebraska residents to buy rifles, shotguns in all 50 states

Nebraska’s governor signed into law a bill that revises how residents — with and without developmental problems — obtain a hunting permit and it also repeals a statute that prevents the sale of long guns from non-contiguous states.

The provision allowing Nebraskans to buy long guns in all 50 states was tacked on as and amendment three days before it, Legislative Bill 699, passed.

“The NRA was very supportive of this amendment and I was happy to let Senator Lathrop use LB699 as a vehicle to get it passed,” said state Sen. Tyson Larson (R), who penned the bill.

State Sen. Steve Lathrop originally tried to repeal section 28-1211, the law that denied Nebraskan residents from buying or selling long guns, shotguns, ammo and accessories in other states, with a different bill in 2013, but saw a home for it in LB699.

“This long-overdue reform will align Nebraska with 40 other states that already allow their residents to purchase rifles and shotguns in non-contiguous states, provided that the purchase or transfer complies with state and federal law,” the National Rifle Association said in a statement. “LB 699 repeals this antiquated restriction, allowing Nebraska residents the freedom to purchase long guns in states beyond their immediate borders.”

The new law also requires that individuals unable to buy or possess a firearm due to a federal mental health disqualification — adjudicated mentally deficient or involuntarily committed to a mental institution — are reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Lastly, and what LB699 was originally introduced for, allows individuals with developmental disabilities to obtain hunting permits if they meet certain qualifications.

The bill passed on March 27 without opposition and, due to the emergency clause associated with the legislation, it took effect immediately, upon signature.