LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers gave an early green light Tuesday to the bones of a bill that would enhance security protocols at the state Capitol. LB1237 was advanced in a 37-4 vote, pushing it through its first of three rounds of floor debate. The second round of debate is poised to be consequential in determining the bill’s final fate, based on discussions of a still-developing amendment addressing some of the bill’s critics and supporters.
LB 1237 would establish a list of weapons and substances that would not be allowed on Capitol grounds without prior approval, including firearms, pepper spray, explosives and spray paint. The bill also would direct the Nebraska State Patrol to implement ways to detect prohibited materials by Jan. 1, 2027, which could lead to metal detectors installed at Capitol entrances.