Nebraska 2026 Second Amendment Bills

Summary

The most prominent was LB1237 (“Prohibit bringing weapons or prohibited substances into the State Capitol”), introduced by the Executive Board (chaired by Sen. Ben Hansen) on January 21, 2026.  

– This bill aimed to enhance Capitol security by prohibiting firearms, certain other weapons (e.g., knives, tasers), and hazardous substances inside the State Capitol building starting January 1, 2027, with penalties for violations.  

– It drew significant debate and opposition from gun rights groups (e.g., Nebraska Firearms Owners Association initially opposed, later shifted to neutral) over potential Second Amendment concerns and self-defense implications.  

– Amendments were added to allow concealed carry for those with valid permits (including training requirements), while banning open carry and other items in the building. This addressed some criticisms and balanced security with rights.  

– The bill advanced through committee (unanimously by the Executive Board), passed first-round debate (e.g., 37-4 vote to advance), and saw floor debate and amendments in February/March 2026. However, final status shows it was in progress with amendments filed as late as March 6, but with the session adjourned, check the official site for whether it ultimately passed and was signed into law (no clear indication of final passage in available records, but it was a high-profile priority bill).  

Another relevant bill was LB957 (“Provide a cause of action against certain adults for allowing a minor to possess a handgun and create an offense of leaving a loaded firearm in a location accessible to a minor”), introduced January 12, 2026, by Sen. J. Cavanaugh.  

– This focused on child access prevention: creating civil liability for adults allowing minors to possess handguns and a criminal offense for unsecured loaded firearms accessible to children under 14 (with triggers like public display or injury/death, and exceptions).  

– It was referred to the Judiciary Committee early on but appears to have stalled or not advanced significantly.  

No major pro-Second Amendment expansions (e.g., further strengthening permitless carry from 2023’s LB77, or anti-red flag measures) appear to have been prominent in 2026.