Nebraska bill loosening gun restrictions signed amid record shootings

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — As mass shootings and deaths tied to gun violence are reaching record levels across our country, Nebraska is loosening firearm restrictions.

Gov. Jim Pillen signed the so-called “constitutional carry” bill Tuesday afternoon.

It will allow Nebraskans to carry concealed guns without a permit.

People who are 21 and older also won’t have to take a safety course, which is currently required, or pass a more in-depth background check.

Supporters say the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives them the right to carry concealed weapons.

Critics believe this will only make our streets more dangerous, while creating additional challenges for police.

As of Tuesday morning, the Gun Violence Archive reported that the total number of deaths linked to gun violence throughout our country this year alone is 13,271.

Firearms are also blamed for 10,398 injuries.

More than 1,000 of those wounded include kids 12 to 17 years old.

That age group has also recorded 469 deaths.