Nebraska Capitol to Implement New Security Measures, Weapons Ban

Lawmakers advance bill to restrict firearms and other items in the state Capitol building starting in 2027

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Nebraska Legislature's Executive Board has unanimously voted to advance a bill that would prohibit most weapons and self-defense items in the Nebraska State Capitol beginning in 2027. The amended version of the bill would still allow people with active concealed carry permits to carry firearms after going through new metal detectors. Violations would be a Class III misdemeanor. The bill is aimed at improving security and safety at the Capitol in light of increased political violence and tensions nationwide.

Why it matters

This proposal reflects a growing trend across the country, as at least 37 state capitols now use metal detectors or security checkpoints, and 34 prohibit firearms. Nebraska's Capitol is considered unusually open to the public, and lawmakers say they need to be proactive in addressing safety concerns in the wake of incidents like the 2025 killing of a Minnesota state representative.

The details

The bill, sponsored by the entire Executive Board, would ban items like firearms, pepper spray, explosives, and spray paint without prior approval. A new amendment would allow those with active concealed carry permits to still carry guns after going through metal detectors. The State Patrol would need to implement new security procedures by January 1, 2027, which may involve restricting public entry to just one or two of the current four entrances on each side of the Capitol.

  • The Executive Board voted 9-0 to advance the amended bill on February 12, 2026.
  • The new security measures and weapons ban would take effect on January 1, 2027.

The players

Nebraska Executive Board

The legislative committee that oversees day-to-day operations of the Nebraska Legislature and unanimously voted to advance the security bill.

Nebraska State Patrol

The agency that would be responsible for implementing the new security procedures, including operating metal detectors, at the Capitol building.

Sen. Ben Hansen

The chair of the Executive Board who said the focus of the amendment is so the State Patrol knows who is carrying in the Capitol, and that the State Patrol supported the proposed change.

Sen. Teresa Ibach

The vice chair of the Executive Board who described the amendment as a 'good compromise' and said it was better to be proactive with a compromise now, rather than reactive.

Former Sen. Tom Brewer

A gun-rights advocate who ushered in a 2023 law to allow Nebraskans to carry concealed handguns without needing a permit, and who opposed the current security bill at a public hearing.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a healthy balance with the public, lawmakers' desires and what other states have done.”

— Sen. Ben Hansen, Chair, Nebraska Executive Board (1011now.com)

“It shows the committee listened.”

— Sen. Teresa Ibach, Vice Chair, Nebraska Executive Board (1011now.com)

What’s next

The full Nebraska Legislature will now consider the amended bill, and could choose to adopt or reject the committee's compromise proposal.

The takeaway

This security proposal reflects a nationwide trend of state capitols tightening access and restricting weapons, as lawmakers seek to balance public access with growing concerns about political violence and safety. Nebraska's unusually open Capitol building is prompting lawmakers to take proactive steps, though some gun-rights advocates remain opposed to the changes.