Jonah Patel
In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a bill that would have allowed Oklahoma to become the 14th US state to permit constitutional carry. The bill, which would have eliminated the requirement to complete a firearms safety and training course before carrying a gun in public, was passed by the Oklahoma legislature by a veto-proof majority. However, Governor Fallin's veto prevented the bill from becoming law. In February 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed a new bill into law, establishing constitutional carry in Oklahoma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Did Fallon sign Oklahoma constitutional carry? | No, Governor Mary Fallin vetoed the bill in 2018 |
| Who signed the Oklahoma constitutional carry bill? | Governor Kevin Stitt |
| Year of signing the bill | 2019 |
| Date of signing the bill | February 27 |
| Time of signing the bill | 4:30 in the afternoon |
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What You'll Learn
- In 2018, Mary Fallin vetoed the constitutional carry bill
- The bill would have allowed adults to carry guns in public without a permit or training
- The NRA criticised Fallin's veto
- The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation opposed the bill, citing public safety and loss of licensing fees
- Governor Kevin Stitt signed the constitutional carry bill into law in 2019
In 2018, Mary Fallin vetoed the constitutional carry bill
In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed the constitutional carry bill, also known as Senate Bill 1212. The bill would have allowed anyone over the age of 21 without a felony conviction to carry a gun in public without a license.
Governor Fallin cited safety concerns as the reason for her veto, stating that she supports the Second Amendment and owns firearms herself, but believes that the bill would have eliminated the ability of law enforcement to distinguish between those carrying guns who have been trained and vetted, and those who have not. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shared these concerns, stating that the bill would impact "the safety and security" of Oklahomans. The Tulsa Regional Chamber also urged a veto, arguing that the bill would "impair the right of businesses and property owners to implement safeguards to prohibit untrained individuals."
The NRA and other groups criticized Governor Fallin's decision, arguing that the bill would have restored a constitutional right. Governor Fallin, however, maintained that the firearms requirements in the current state law are minimal and serve to reassure citizens that people carrying handguns in the state are qualified to do so. She also emphasized that she has signed both concealed-carry and open-carry legislation in the past, demonstrating her support for the Second Amendment.
The veto prompted mixed reactions, with some praising Governor Fallin for prioritizing public safety and others expressing disappointment that the bill did not become law. It is worth noting that the Oklahoma legislature had passed the bill by veto-proof majorities, but since the legislature had adjourned for the year, they did not have the opportunity to override the veto.
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The bill would have allowed adults to carry guns in public without a permit or training
In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a bill that would have allowed adults to carry guns in public without a permit or training. The bill, known as SB 1212, was passed by the Oklahoma legislature with veto-proof majorities and would have made Oklahoma the 14th constitutional carry state in the nation. However, Governor Fallin chose to veto the bill, citing public safety concerns and the importance of requiring individuals to complete a firearms safety and training course before carrying a gun in public.
The bill was supported by the Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association and other gun rights advocates, who argued that it would protect the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans. They suggested that requiring a permit or training for gun ownership was unnecessary and infringed on the constitutional right to bear arms. This viewpoint was shared by many residents of Oklahoma, who celebrated the passage of the bill by the state legislature.
On the other hand, opponents of the bill, including the NRA, criticized Governor Fallin's decision. They argued that allowing individuals to carry guns in public without proper training or a permit posed a significant risk to public safety. They highlighted the importance of responsible gun ownership and the role of permitting systems in ensuring that only law-abiding, responsible individuals could obtain concealed carry permits.
The debate surrounding constitutional carry in Oklahoma reflected a broader national discussion about the balance between gun rights and public safety. While some states moved towards relaxing gun regulations, others maintained or even strengthened their gun control measures. The issue of permitless carry remains divisive, with supporters arguing for increased freedom and self-protection, while opponents emphasize the potential dangers of allowing untrained or dangerous individuals to carry concealed weapons in public places.
The veto by Governor Fallin highlighted the authority of state executives to shape gun policies within their jurisdictions. It also demonstrated the complex nature of gun legislation in the United States, where laws can vary significantly from state to state, and the ongoing tension between upholding constitutional rights and addressing public safety concerns.
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The NRA criticised Fallin's veto
In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a bill that would have authorized adults to carry firearms without a permit or training. This decision was met with criticism from the National Rifle Association (NRA), marking a rare defeat for the organization in a conservative state. The NRA, which had supported the bill's passage, issued a statement blasting Fallin for going back on her commitment to support such a gun-carry law when she ran for re-election in 2014.
Fallin, a Republican, stressed her support for the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms in her veto statement. She noted that she had previously signed concealed and open carry measures into law. However, she believed that the current firearms laws in Oklahoma were effective and appropriate, and that the bill would have reduced the level of background checks and eliminated the requirement for a training course to carry a gun.
The NRA's executive director for legislative affairs, Chris Cox, responded to Fallin's veto by saying: "Make no mistake, this temporary setback will be rectified when Oklahoma residents elect a new and genuinely pro-Second Amendment governor." This sentiment was echoed by other gun rights advocates, who felt that Fallin's veto risked alienating Second Amendment loyalists and NRA members.
Fallin's veto came after opposition from various groups, including the business community, law enforcement authorities, and the state bureau of investigation, which would have faced financial and personnel losses if the bill had passed. The Oklahoma Rifle Association, on the other hand, did not support the bill, as they advocated for only "trained" individuals to carry firearms.
Fallin had previously vetoed other gun-related bills, such as one in 2014 that required state authorities to sign off on applications for certain federally regulated items within 15 days. However, the Oklahoma Legislature overrode that veto, and the bill became law anyway.
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The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation opposed the bill, citing public safety and loss of licensing fees
In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed the state's constitutional carry bill, which would have allowed adults to carry guns in public without a permit or training. The bill, known as Senate Bill 1212, was passed by the Oklahoma legislature with veto-proof majorities. However, Governor Fallin's veto prevented it from becoming law.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has not explicitly opposed a constitutional carry bill. However, they have been mentioned in relation to other bills that propose consolidating Oklahoma law enforcement agencies. One such bill is Senate Bill 1612, which intends to move the OSBI, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division within the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. Proponents of this bill argue that it would enhance inter-agency collaboration and create career advancement opportunities for officers.
While the Unification, Recruitment, and Retention Act also proposes the creation of an 11-member Oklahoma Board of Public Safety and a commissioner to oversee the new mega-agency, there are concerns about the potential cost of the project. Outside of monetary concerns, opposition to the bill has been expressed by individuals like former director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, who cited a lack of "insulation" between the proposed board, commissioner, and political influences.
The fate of Senate Bill 1612 and its final form are yet to be determined as questions remain regarding commissioner qualifications, the number of board members, and the overall cost. While it has received support and criticism from various legislators, the bill's impact on public safety and any potential loss of licensing fees for the OSBI have not been explicitly mentioned in the available sources.
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Governor Kevin Stitt signed the constitutional carry bill into law in 2019
On February 27, 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma signed House Bill 2597, also known as the "Constitutional Carry" bill, into law. This bill allows law-abiding citizens in Oklahoma who are over the age of 21 and not convicted felons to carry a firearm without a permit or training. Additionally, it grants the same rights to those over the age of 18 who are active-duty members of the military or the National Guard, or who have been honorably discharged.
The "Constitutional Carry" bill was a priority for Governor Stitt, who had endorsed it during his campaign and stated that he looked forward to signing it into law. The bill passed with a vote of 40-6 in the state Senate, with all Republicans in the chamber voting in favour.
Prior to the bill's passage, there were questions about Governor Stitt's dedication to upholding the Second Amendment, especially in comparison to his predecessor, Governor Mary Fallin, who had vetoed similar legislation during her tenure. In 2018, Governor Fallin vetoed Senate Bill 1212, which would have eliminated the requirement for individuals to complete a firearms safety and training course before carrying a gun in public.
The "Constitutional Carry" bill faced criticism from some groups, such as the Oklahoma Chapter of Moms Demand Action, who expressed concern for the safety of Oklahoma citizens. However, supporters of the bill argued that it enhanced Second Amendment rights and private property rights, bringing Oklahoma in line with several other states that have similar legislation in place.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Governor Mary Fallin vetoed the Oklahoma Constitutional Carry Bill in 2018.
The bill would have allowed the concealed or unconcealed carry of firearms by any person 21 or older, or 18 and in the military.
Governor Fallin stated that she wanted to keep people safe from gun-toting criminals and thugs.
The NRA criticized Governor Fallin, and some people called for her to be recalled.
Yes, Governor Kevin Stitt signed the bill into law on February 27, 2019.
