Not “Laws” – these are workplace policies for state employees in the various agencies.
Each agency may word their policies a bit different, but they hold they same underlying intent. One would have to seek out each agency’s policy wording, though here are a couple of prime agencies:
DHHS for example with their Policy on Threatening Behavior and Violence in the Workplace:
Weapon – any firearm, knife, bludgeon, or other device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
Weapons in the Workplace:
DHHS employees are prohibited from bringing weapons into the workplace. Possession of firearms and explosive devices by employees are also prohibited by the DHHS Workplace Policies and/or NAPE/AFSCME contract. This policy applies to all DHHS occupied buildings, grounds, parking areas, and agency vehicles.
DHHS employees are not required to serve any persons who are in possession of a weapon except law enforcement officers in connection with their official duties.
Human Resources Actions:
• Violations of this policy by DHHS employees may result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Arrest and criminal prosecution may also result.
DAS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY
Purpose
This policy is being established as an anti-violence and violence-prevention policy for the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS).
Prohibited Conduct
DAS does not tolerate any type of workplace violence committed by or against employees. Employees are prohibited from making threats or engaging in violent activities.
………
The list of behaviors, while not inclusive, provides examples of conduct that is prohibited:
• Causing physical injury to another person;
• Making threatening remarks;
• Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury to another person or subjects another individual to emotional distress;
• Intentionally damaging employer property or property of another employee;
• Possession of a weapon while on state property or while on state business.
Employee Reporting Requirements:
While employees are not expected to be skilled in identifying potentially dangerous persons, employees are expected to exercise good judgment and to inform the DAS Human Resource Office if any employee exhibits behavior which could be a sign of a potentially dangerous situation. Such behavior includes:
• Discussing weapons or bringing them to the workplace;
• Displaying overt signs of extreme stress, resentment, hostility, or anger;
• Making threatening remarks;
• Sudden or significant deterioration of performance;
• Displaying irrational or inappropriate behavior.
As you can see, even a simple discussion of firearms (if overheard & reported) could land one in a precarious position.
