Nebraska Capitol security bill advances after first-round debate
Measure would restrict weapons, add metal detectors; opponents cite $1 million annual cost
By Eric McKay
LINCOLN, Neb. — A bill aimed at increasing security at the Nebraska State Capitol advanced Tuesday after the first round of debate in the Legislature.
LB 1237, introduced by the Legislature’s Executive Board and its chair, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, would prohibit most people from bringing weapons into the Capitol unless they are law enforcement officers or have a concealed-carry permit.
The bill also would ban certain potentially dangerous items, including pepper spray, and set up designated Capitol entrances with metal detectors.
Lawmakers advanced the measure on a 37-4 vote. Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus was among those voting against it, citing the estimated $1 million annual cost to implement the changes.
“Spending $1 million a year to put checkpoints coming into the Capitol, I think, is crazy,” Moser said. “That’s way too much money to spend.”
Hansen said the funding would come from money already allocated to the Executive Board and carried over from previous years. He said the cost is worth it to improve safety for staff, lawmakers and visitors.
“This isn’t just about the people in this room and our staff,” Hansen said. “It’s about all the people outside this room — the fourth graders that come through every year, their parents, visitors and people getting tours here every year.”
The bill initially drew opposition from gun rights groups, but that softened after an amendment was added allowing concealed-carry permit holders to bring weapons into the Capitol.