Lincoln Lunkheads: Nebraska proposing a "lock them up" law

It's for the children.

LINCOLN — Lax gun security in the presence of children could become a criminal act under a bill introduced by Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford.

The Judiciary Committee heard testimony Thursday on Legislative Bill 565, which would make it a felony to leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded gun with ammunition nearby, within a child’s reach if the child injured or killed someone.

Iowa has a very similar law, but I didn't worry about it. Why?

My sons respected the weapon and the consequences thereof. Both of them understood early-on regarding the power of a firearm. (Visual demonstrations have always been effective.)

Added bonus - an "Only Ones" exemption:

In its current form, the bill would provide exceptions for weapons that were properly locked away, obtained via home invasion or issued by the military or a law enforcement agency.

The local constabulary is more important and should be excluded from the laws ordinary citizens are held to.

Or another way to look at it: The Nebraska Senator thinks an LEO's child is less important than any other citizen's child.

Think about that for a second.

An untrained child's access to dangerous objects like firearms, drain cleaner, half-filled 5 gallon buckets, is a serious matter, but should the parents involved in a serious injury or death be convicted of a felony?

Picture this: a 12 year-old picks up a loaded revolver and accidentally shoots their 5 year-old sibling (actual event a few years ago in my community). Under this new bill, Mommy and Daddy could be locked up for a few years. 12 year-old now has no baby sister, no parents and he faces the consequences alone because the state decided their parents weren't penalized enough after losing a child.

The State - Turning tragedy into a crime, one law at a time.