The nine-year effort to allow Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons returned to the Legislature Friday. Lawmakers began debate on a concealed-weapons measure (LB454) brought by Sen. Jeanne Combs of Friend — a card-carrying member of the National Rifle Association. More Session 2005 stories

She and other supporters of the idea say it is their constitutional right to carry a concealed weapon and that doing so will help thwart crime.

Opponents of the measure argue that allowing concealed weapons would only lead to the potential for more violence.

"I believe that it encourages what is already prevalent in our society — a more violent attitude," said Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln. "I don't think that it's healthy for our young people to grow up in an atmosphere where everybody feels like they have to have a gun in their pocket to protect themselves."

Thirty-eight states have some form of concealed weapons laws, according to the NRA.

"There is every good reason for Nebraskans to enjoy a right presently granted to some 6 million of our fellow Americans," Combs said. "I believe a clear majority of all Nebraskans supports this bill and we need to be diligent in passing this legislation."

And even though Combs' measure has 23 co-sponsors, including Sen. Abbie Cornett, a former Omaha police officer, it's not assured of passage.

Former Sen. Gene Tyson of Norfolk introduced such a measure in 2003. It was advanced to second-round debate but never returned to the agenda — dying last year because of a rule that gives legislation a two-year shelf-life to be passed.

A concealed weapon measure was first introduced in 1996, but the 2003 vote marked the first time the bill had advanced in the Legislature since 1998. The bill that year cleared one of three rounds of debate before time ran out.

Advancement of the proposal last time around didn't come without a fight. Debate was spread over two days before lawmakers voted to stop debate and end a filibuster by opponents.

In an Associated Press pre-session survey, 22 senators said they would favor allowing Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons, while 10 said they were leaning that way. Nine were opposed to the idea and two were leaning that way. Four did not answer the question and two did not participate in the survey.

Gov. Dave Heineman supports the concept of legalizing the carrying of concealed weapons but has not taken a position on Combs' bill, said the governor's spokesman, Aaron Sanderford.

Cornett said she would not support the measure if it did not require that people who carry concealed weapons receive proper training.

The bill would require applicants for a concealed weapon permit to pass a background check and complete a handgun training and safety course. The permit would cost $100 and be valid for five years. Convicted felons would not be allowed to get a permit.

Concealed weapons would not be allowed in a variety of places, including bars, police stations, public meetings, athletic events, schools, churches, hospitals and banks. Signs would be allowed to be posted disallowing the carrying of concealed weapons in other non-designated locations.