By Rhett Workman
Lawmakers in at least five states are facing a slew of new gun legislation, some of it aimed at gun control and some aimed at reforming current laws and expanding Second Amendment rights.
In Nebraska, according to the Columbus Telegram, Second Amendment activists are looking at a proposal for state pre-emption that could wipe out local regulations in both Lincoln and Omaha. Currently in Lincoln, local ordinances prohibit firearms possession in parks, on buses, in landfills and in buildings owned by the city and county. Under one ordinance, the mayor can restrict gun possession and sales during a declared emergency, the newspaper noted.
In neighboring Iowa, the AP reported Iowa lawmakers could look at such things as stand your ground legislation, allowing guns at public buildings and constitutional carry of handguns.
This comes as Republicans have taken control of the Iowa senate, which has been controlled by Democrats for a decade, the newspaper said.
Down in Georgia, according to Atlanta’s WABE radio, lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow concealed carry on college campuses. Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a similar bill last year but House Speaker David Ralston has reportedly been working on new language.
Likewise, Florida lawmakers will be considering legislation that was pre-filed in early December by State Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood).
Bills in both states will likely draw opposition from gun prohibition lobbying organizations, and anti-gun legislators.
Also, according to WLRN News, Sunshine State lawmakers will consider a bill aimed at allowing concealed carry in non-secure areas of airports.
Three Washington State legislators pre-filed concealed carry reform legislation that would allow concealed sidearms in publicly-owned sports stadiums. That bill immediately set off wails from anti-gunners in Seattle, where Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field are located.
The National Football League prohibits guns in NFL stadiums, so if the legislation does actually gain traction, it might set up a confrontation between professional sports policy and state statute.
However, the bill is not expected to go anywhere in a legislature dominated by Democrats, with an anti-gun Democrat in the governor’s office.
But the Evergreen State focus now appears to be centered on a proposed ban on so-called “assault weapons.” Many believe the legislation is doomed, but that its defeat will provide a launch pad for yet another gun control initiative financed by wealthy elitists to be placed on the ballot later this year or in 2018.
