Nebraska Gun Laws
Nebraska is home to approximately 1.9 million residents, and for those interested in concealed carry, understanding the state’s gun laws and reciprocity agreements is essential. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Nebraska’s concealed carry laws, reciprocity with other states, and other relevant information for responsible gun owners.
Overview of Nebraska Gun Laws
Nebraska operates under a “Shall Issue” policy for concealed carry permits, which means that permits are issued at the state level by the State Patrol Department and are restricted to residents only. However, military personnel stationed in Nebraska are treated as residents and are eligible for permits.
Applicants must meet certain requirements, including completing a firearms training course and being at least 21 years old. Additionally, the application form must be notarized. These measures are in place to ensure that those carrying concealed firearms are responsible and knowledgeable about their proper use.
Nebraska Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry?
No – Nebraska is not considered a constitutional carry state even though they allow for permit-less open carry.
Open Carry Permitted?
Yes – Nebraska does allow for permit-less open carry so long as you’re 18 or older and legally allowed to own a firearm. However, local municipalities are allowed to prevent open carry, so double-check your local area.
Carry In Vehicle?
Yes – As of August 2021, LB 236 allows for any person (without a permit) to travel with a firearm in their vehicle so long as it’s unloaded and stored in a locked case with ammunition separated from the case. You must also have the firearm out of reach from all passengers.
Carry In State Park?
Yes – Nebraska allows for concealed carry within state parks so long as you have the Nebraska CCW permit or a permit from a reciprocal state.
Carry In Restaurants?
Yes – Nebraska allows for concealed carry within a restaurant (even if that restaurant sells alcohol) so long as you have the Nebraska CCW permit or a permit from a reciprocal state and are not under the influence of alcohol whatsoever. Nebraska prohibits concealed carry in bars.
No Weapon Sign Enforced?
Yes – Any establishment may post restrictions on carrying a firearm, and individuals must follow these restrictions, or they can be convicted of criminal trespassing.
Must Notify Officer?
Yes – Nebraska does have a duty to inform the law, which requires individuals to openly admit they’re carrying a firearm on their person upon any interaction with a law enforcement officer.
Nebraska CCW Reciprocity List
Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with several other states, allowing individuals with valid concealed carry permits from those states to carry firearms legally in Nebraska. Some states have restricted reciprocity with Nebraska, so it’s important to be aware of these agreements before traveling with your firearm.
States Honoring CCW Permits
Nebraska has reciprocity with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States NOT Honoring CCW Permits
The following states do not have reciprocity agreements with Nebraska:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Washington D.C
Honors These States CCW Permits
Nebraska honors concealed carry permits from the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington D.C
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How Reciprocity Works in Nebraska
Any individual who has a valid permit to conceal carry from another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Nebraska. During their time in Nebraska, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
Reciprocity Agreements in Nebraska
Nebraska allows concealed carry in various places, but there are also restricted areas where carrying firearms is prohibited. Here are some of the places where you can and cannot carry a concealed handgun in Nebraska:
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Places Not Allowed
- Police, Sheriff, or Nebraska State Patrol station or office
- Detention facility, prison, or jail
- Courtroom or building that contains a courtroom
- Polling place during a bona fide election
- Meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or other political subdivision
- Meeting of the Legislature or a Committee of the Legislature
- Financial Institution
- Professional or semiprofessional athletic event
- Building, grounds, vehicle, or sponsored activity or athletic event of any public, private, denominational, or parochial elementary, vocational, or secondary school, a private post-secondary career school, a community college, or a public or private college, junior college, or university
- Place of worship
- Hospital, emergency room, or trauma center
- Political rally or fundraiser
- Establishment having a license issued under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act that derives over one-half of its total income from the sale of alcoholic liquor
- Place where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law
- A place or premises where the person, persons, entity, or entities in control of the property or employer in control of the property has prohibited permit holders from carrying concealed handguns into or onto the place or premises
- Into or onto any other place or premises where handguns are prohibited by state law
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Nebraska Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in Nebraska without a permit/license. However, local governments can set their regulations, so you would need to check the local laws in the area. The minimum age for open carry is 18.
Carry-In Vehicle
Yes, you can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit if it is visible. A permit is required to carry a concealed firearm in or outside a vehicle.
As of August 26, 2021, as per the Governor’s signing of LB 236, a person without a permit who is not prohibited from owning a firearm will be able to transport a firearm to or from any location where it is legal to possess, carry, and use it as long as it is unloaded, kept apart from ammunition, and stored in a case.
Carry-In State Parks
Yes, you are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s, and roadside rest areas.
Carry-In Restaurants
Yes, you can carry a concealed handgun within a restaurant that serves alcohol, as long as you have the Nebraska CCW permit or a permit from a reciprocal state, and you are not under the influence of alcohol. However, concealed carry is prohibited in bars.
Constitutional Carry
No, Nebraska is not a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes, Nebraska gun laws give “No Weapons” signs the force of law. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.
Must Notify Officer
Yes, Nebraska gun laws state that whenever a permit holder carrying a concealed handgun is contacted by a law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel, the permit holder must immediately inform the officer or personnel about the concealed handgun. You are also required by law to carry your permit and driver’s license anytime you carry a firearm.
Conclusion
Nebraska’s concealed carry laws are designed to ensure the safety and responsibility of gun owners. Residents and visitors with valid permits from reciprocal states can enjoy the privilege of concealed carry in Nebraska, but it is crucial to adhere to the state’s regulations and restrictions. Responsible gun ownership and awareness of the laws contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
FAQs;
Q1: Can military personnel stationed in Nebraska apply for concealed carry permits?
Yes, military personnel stationed in Nebraska are treated as residents and can apply for concealed carry permits.
Q2: Does Nebraska have constitutional carry?
No, Nebraska is not considered a constitutional carry state.
Q3: Can I carry my concealed firearm in state parks in Nebraska?
Yes, Nebraska allows for concealed carry within state parks with a valid Nebraska CCW permit or a permit from a reciprocal state.
Q4: Can I carry my concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, you can carry your concealed firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol if you have the Nebraska CCW permit or a permit from a reciprocal state and are not under the influence of alcohol.
Q5: What are the places where carrying concealed handguns is prohibited in Nebraska?
Carrying concealed handguns is prohibited in places such as police stations, detention facilities, courtrooms, schools, hospitals, political rallies, and places where the possession of firearms is prohibited by state or federal law.
