Firearm Laws in Nebraska–A Legislative Research Office Backgrounder
provides an overview of laws governing firearms in Nebraska. It also describes federal firearm laws to the extent they constitute a framework for state law.
Firearms are governed by myriad laws at the state and federal level. For purposes of this Backgrounder, we focus on laws pertaining to buying handguns, carrying concealed handguns, criminal history background checks, and the role of federally licensed firearms dealers. We also provide a reference guide to Nebraska’s other firearms laws, a chronology of significant federal law, and supplemental firearms information in a “Q and A” format.
This Backgrounder is not intended to take a position on the ownership, possession, sale, or use of firearms—issues many find polarizing—nor to offer legal advice. In writing this report, we have endeavored to be neutral on firearms while providing information during a time when the debate over firearms has intensified.
As evidence, at least 20 proposals pertaining to firearms were pending before the Legislature in 2016. (A list of the proposals can be found in Appendix B.) We hope senators and the public, in debating firearm issues, will find the information contained in this report to be a useful, introductory guide to Nebraska’s firearm laws.
The content of this report relies on state and federal laws and supplemental material produced by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
In addition, several individuals aided our understanding of the nuances of firearm laws. In particular, we would like to thank Nebraska State Patrol Captain Mike Jahnke and Jeff Avey, records analysis supervisor, criminal identification division of the patrol.
If you have further questions about firearms, or any area of legislative interest,
please contact the Legislative Research Office, 402-471-2221.
provides an overview of laws governing firearms in Nebraska. It also describes federal firearm laws to the extent they constitute a framework for state law.
Firearms are governed by myriad laws at the state and federal level. For purposes of this Backgrounder, we focus on laws pertaining to buying handguns, carrying concealed handguns, criminal history background checks, and the role of federally licensed firearms dealers. We also provide a reference guide to Nebraska’s other firearms laws, a chronology of significant federal law, and supplemental firearms information in a “Q and A” format.
This Backgrounder is not intended to take a position on the ownership, possession, sale, or use of firearms—issues many find polarizing—nor to offer legal advice. In writing this report, we have endeavored to be neutral on firearms while providing information during a time when the debate over firearms has intensified.
As evidence, at least 20 proposals pertaining to firearms were pending before the Legislature in 2016. (A list of the proposals can be found in Appendix B.) We hope senators and the public, in debating firearm issues, will find the information contained in this report to be a useful, introductory guide to Nebraska’s firearm laws.
The content of this report relies on state and federal laws and supplemental material produced by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
In addition, several individuals aided our understanding of the nuances of firearm laws. In particular, we would like to thank Nebraska State Patrol Captain Mike Jahnke and Jeff Avey, records analysis supervisor, criminal identification division of the patrol.
If you have further questions about firearms, or any area of legislative interest,
please contact the Legislative Research Office, 402-471-2221.
(Reprinted from Firearm Laws in Nebraska–A Legislative Research Office Backgrounder (Introduction)).
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