Omaha, Nebraska – On September 3rd, Nebraska will implement a new legislation permitting concealed weapon carry without a requisite permit.
This change mandates significant modifications to Omaha’s city code, necessitating the removal of nearly 24 sections. These sections, which were integral to combating criminal activity, include the city’s firearm registration directive. The city council is presently consulting with legal experts to explore potential legislative measures to safeguard public safety.
City council president Pete Festersen commented, “In our pursuit of enhancing public safety, we are considering alternate strategies to aptly manage these concerns and diminish criminal activities.”
Mr. Festersen has directed the city’s legal department to examine various issues, including the regulation of untraceable firearms, restrictions on bump stocks, and measures to ensure the safety of public spaces like educational institutions, event venues, and government buildings.
Drawing attention to the numerous distressing incidents in cities across the nation, Festersen stated, “I fervently hope such incidents are averted in Omaha.”
Earlier this year, despite cautionary statements from Omaha’s Chief of Police, Governor Jim Pillen endorsed the bill. Chief Todd Schmaderer had provided evidence in January, underscoring the record number of firearm seizures by the Omaha Police Department the previous year. He voiced his apprehension about the potential rise in criminal activity in light of the forthcoming law.
Schmaderer noted, “Certain ordinances in Omaha specifically assist us in tackling violent offenses and addressing firearm-related crimes.”
One significant aspect of the impending city code amendments is the termination of Omaha’s firearm registration requirement. This directive has traditionally facilitated the police in curbing violent offenses by preventing criminals from procuring firearms and assisting in the tracing of pilfered guns.
The city council of Omaha has scheduled a public discourse concerning these city code deletions for August 29.
