Omaha, NE.-  A move to tighten Nebraska's gun laws may have trouble getting past Governor Dave Heineman (R-Nebraska).

In an exclusive interview with Action 3 News, the Governor says he wants to take a careful look at any legislation that puts more restrictions on gun owners.

As we first reported the restrictions range from trigger locks to a special permit if you're buying an assault weapon.

Heineman says, "Gun safety is important. We need to support that. I'd be a little careful about how we mandate it."

In addition the bill would deny a handgun permit to the mentally ill, and require a special permit to buy an assault weapon.

Senator Brad Ashford, Chairman of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, says the gun control bill is now his number one priority. "An assault weapon can be very dangerous if it's in the hands of someone who obviously has some mental difficulties and other things."

But the Governor, who tells Action 3 News he doesn't have a gun, is playing wait and see with Ashford's plan. "We need to be careful." Asked why anyone needs an AK-47 military style assault weapon Heineman added, "I can't answer that for you, as to why someone wants that, I wouldn't want it in my home."

Ashford is not calling for a ban on assault weapons, a ban the Governor opposes. "We've got to remember the 2nd Amendment gives us the right to keep and bear arms in our country."

So while the Governor is worried about stepping on anyone's constitutional rights, Ashford is convinced he's only asking for what he calls "common sense changes."

It appears the two sides will fight it out next month in Lincoln.

Reporterd  by Joe Jordan, joe@action3news.com