Freshman proposes weapons petition (Nebraska CCW)

Lincoln Journal Star ^ | BILLY SMUCK

[nickcarraway]

A college freshman from Lincoln is starting an initiative drive aimed at letting Nebraskans carry concealed weapons if they pass a permit process.

Lance Vejvoda, 19, a political science student at Nebraska Wesleyan University, wants the measure on the November 2004 ballot. It would allow Nebraskans at least 21 years old to seek a concealed-carry weapons permit.

Vejvoda has already filled out the initial paperwork. He will need roughly 78,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify the initiative.

To receive a five-year concealed-carry permit, the initiative says, Nebraskans would be required to pass federal background checks and complete weekend safety courses.

He is seeking petition drive help from the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups.

He has yet to obtain his first signature, he said, but will begin collecting them within the next two weeks with a deadline of July 2.

Five years ago, state Sen. Gene Tyson of Norfolk introduced LB265, which also would allow Nebraskans to apply for carry-concealed weapons permits.

Since then, filibusters by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha have stalled the bill, Tyson said.

With 27 state senators co-sponsoring the bill, Tyson said Tuesday, he has the required 25 votes to pass the bill, but lacks the 33 needed to end the filibusters.

Which direction the bill will take this upcoming session is anybody's guess, he said.

Tyson said 45 states already have some form of concealed-carry weapons law.

"For them it's a nonissue," Tyson said. "I think it would also be a nonissue here in the (Legislature)if it were not for Sen. Chambers."

Tyson predicted that if such a law were passed, regardless of method, between 33,000 and 35,000 Nebraskans would apply for permits.

Vejvoda said he had been disappointed by the Legislature's inability to see the bill through and decided to take making a new law into his own hands.

Tyson said he would prefer lawmaking done by the Legislature.

"I'm more in favor of the Legislature passing bills," Tyson said. "This is an extraordinary process rather than an ordinary one. It would be better legislation if left to the legislators. Should they fail to act, it would be a different story."

Reach Billy Smuck at 473-7120 or bsmuck@journalstar.com.

[Hat-Trick]

Nebraska CCW Bump!

[glock rocks]

[f63]

We need more guys like this converting our rights into privileges

[S.O.S121.500]

Never could understand BEGGING for your Rights. Sorta' Bump.

[Cornjonny]

It doesn't surprise me that the Al Sharpton of the Nebraska Legislature, Ernie Chambers is against this bill. This is the man who was once quoted, "These are my white folks, and nothing happens without me saying so" when referring to the Legislature.

[Nebr FAL owner]

CORRECTION : He is converting PRIVILEDGES into RIGHTS!!!!

[El Gato]

It doesn't surprise me that the Al Sharpton of the Nebraska Legislature, Ernie Chambers is against this bill.

I'd say "Red Ron" Dellums would be a better analog. EC has been in the state Senate since I was in college, and I started in 1968. But I don't know how much before then. The prototypical "angry black man". Actually more like a cherry mash, black on the outside, Red on the inside.

[activationproducts]

As advocates of the right to keep and bear arms we need to mobilize and get behind this petition effort.

In the last day or so there was a mugging just a few blocks from my home. This more than likely happened in the early evening. The two perpetrators were armed with a knife and possibly a handgun (the victim didn't see it). Things might have been different if the victim was carrying a handgun or the perpetrators had reason to suspect that he might be carrying one.

Persons living under my roof walk through this area almost every day. The negligence of the State Legislature in not protecting the rights on Nebraskans to self defense is shameful.

Does anyone know how to get names on this petition?

[miloklancy]

I have sent an e-mail to Gov. Johanns asking him to bring this up during the current legislative session.

[activationproducts]

I will be sending an email to Senator Chris Beutler of Nebraska Legislative District #28.

We need to get enough votes to stop any filibusters.