Bill to end local firearm regulations isn't 'pro-gun, but pro-gang,' Omaha police union president

[Omaha Steve]

Before I retired from OPD, one of my duties was to register hand guns. Eliminating this would be a huge mistake!

This isn't a gun post. It is a state law post.

OS

http://www.omaha.com/news/legislature/bill-to-end-local-firearm-regulations-isn-t-pro-gun/article_befcf526-c486-11e5-abc6-4f28748dd513.html?_dc=784313966520.1306

POSTED: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 12:00 AM | UPDATED: 10:45 AM, WED JAN 27, 2016.
By Joe Duggan / World-Herald Bureau

LINCOLN — The president of Omaha’s police union intensified his opposition Tuesday to a legislative proposal that would end local gun regulations in Nebraska, calling the measure not “pro-gun, but pro-gang.”

Legislative Bill 289, approaching a critical vote this morning, would allow state firearms laws to pre-empt local gun laws. Supporters say the measure would repeal more restrictive local ordinances and make gun rules consistent and less confusing across the state. Opponents argue the bill would make it harder for local elected officials to address gun violence in urban areas.

During Tuesday’s debate, John Wells, president of the Omaha Police Officers Association, sent a letter to lawmakers saying the bill would give a “free pass” to teenage gang members who can now be arrested for illegal possession of a handgun.

Since 1993, Omaha has prohibited those younger than 21 from possessing a handgun. State law makes 18 the minimum age for handgun possession. State law requires handgun buyers to be 21 or older, but sets 18 as the minimum age for handgun possession.

FULL story at link.