Constitutional Carry takes effect in Oklahoma

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) Oklahoma lawmakers released the following comments on House Bill 2597, known as Constitutional Carry, that went into effect Friday: “The right to bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Starting Friday, Oklahomans lawfully allowed to carry a firearm can do so without improper infringement and without having to pay for a state permit. This should not discourage people from training to learn how to use their weapon. In the 15 other states with constitutional carry, citizens are safe and responsibly exercising their right to bear arms. Oklahoma is proud to join those states in more fully protecting this constitutional freedom as our founders intended.” – Rep. Echols, House Majority Floor Leader “Most Oklahomans won’t notice a difference after the enactment of constitutional carry. Some are using scare tactics and warning Oklahoma will turn into the ‘Wild West’ after Nov. 1. It didn’t happen in Arkansas and Kansas when constitutional carry became law there, and it’s not likely to happen in Oklahoma either. Constitutional carry is an important policy that strikes the right balance in protecting both Second Amendment rights and private property rights.” – Sen. David, Senate Majority Floor Leader Other lawmakers were not as thrilled. “Today, Oklahomans without training or a license, will be allowed to carry firearms in public,” State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) said. “I feel strongly that this law does not make our state safer but more dangerous. For months now, I have worked to fight back against this irresponsible legislation, and I will continue to fight. Until every resource is exhausted, I will continue to fight for a safer more welcoming Oklahoma.” Information provided by the State of Oklahoma: House Bill 2597 Allows Oklahoma citizens age 21 or older to carry a firearm in public without a permit, and allows active duty military personnel or veterans age 18 or over to carry a firearm in public without a permit. Prohibits felons, illegal aliens, persons adjudicated with mental illness or those with domestic violence convictions from carrying a firearm Allows private property owners to prohibit customers and guests from carrying firearms on that property Allows public and private colleges and universities and government buildings to prohibit students, employees and guests from carrying firearms on that property Keeps in place current law that requires a background check for the purchase of a firearm Keeps in place current training and licensing program for those who want to obtain a permit for the purpose of reciprocity in other states House Bill 2010 Follow up bill to House Bill 2597, allows Oklahoma citizens to carry a firearm on property owned, leased, operated or managed by a public trust. Including municipal zoos and public parks of any size Allows those properties to prohibit open carry but not permitless, concealed carry Myths and Facts Myth: Anyone can buy a gun now. Fact: The law maintains current background check requirements before firearm purchases. Myth: Anyone can carry guns now. Fact: The law does not remove the restriction on people with felony records carrying guns. It is still illegal. Furthermore, the law restricts illegal aliens, persons adjudicated with mental illness or those with domestic violence convictions from carrying a firearm. Myth: People can have a gun anywhere now. Fact: Private property owners, like businesses and restaurants, can prohibit visitors from carrying firearms on private property. Myth: Constitutional Carry will turn Oklahoma into the Wild West. Fact: The same claims were made when the state passed concealed carry and open carry laws. Fifteen other states allow Constitutional Carry, including Arkansas and Kansas, while Texas provides Constitutional Carry “Light,” allowing citizens to carry without a permit in their vehicles to and from their home, business or land.