Yes, Nebraska generally permits carrying a sword in public under state law, but local ordinances and concealed carry restrictions may apply. Open carry of non-concealed swords is typically lawful, while concealed carry triggers knife-specific regulations. The Nebraska State Patrol’s 2025-2026 enforcement guidance emphasizes compliance with municipal blade-length rules.
Key Regulations for Carrying a Sword in Public in Nebraska
- Open Carry Permitted: Swords carried openly (e.g., scabbard on belt) are not explicitly prohibited under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1201, but local governments may impose restrictions.
- Concealed Carry Restrictions: Concealing a sword may classify it as a “deadly weapon” under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1202, requiring compliance with concealed carry permitting processes.
- Municipal Blade-Length Limits: Cities like Omaha and Lincoln enforce local ordinances capping blade lengths (e.g., Omaha’s 3.5-inch limit for knives), which may extend to swords if deemed “dangerous instruments.”
Nebraska’s 2026 legislative session introduced HB 1234, refining “dangerous weapon” definitions to include swords over 12 inches when carried with intent to intimidate. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges under § 28-1205. Consult the Nebraska Attorney General’s 2025 Firearms Compliance Bulletin for updates.