Bill > LB957

This bill establishes new legal responsibilities for adults regarding firearms and minors. It creates a civil cause of action, meaning an injured party can sue, against parents or guardians (or their spouses) who knowingly allow a child under 14 years old to possess a handgun or handgun ammunition, making them liable for any resulting damages. Additionally, it creates a criminal offense for anyone who stores or leaves a loaded firearm unsecured where a child under 14 is likely to access it without permission, and that child then gains access and either displays the firearm in public or uses it to cause injury or death, with exceptions for unlawful entry or justified use of the firearm. The bill also makes technical amendments to existing laws, including defining "child" as under 14 for the purposes of this new law, and ensuring that these new provisions are incorporated into the Nebraska Criminal Code and related firearm statutes. The term "handgun" is defined as a firearm with a barrel less than sixteen inches long or designed to be fired with one hand, and "minor" is generally defined as under 21, though this bill specifically focuses on children under 14 for these new firearm provisions.

Justice

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63056