Gov. Fallin Signs Constitutional Carry Bill Into Law

In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a bill that would have allowed for permitless carry, also known as the Constitutional Carry bill. The bill, which was presented by Sen. Nathan Dahm, would have authorized people 21 and older and military personnel 18 or older to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a state-issued license or permit. However, in 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2597, which established Constitutional Carry in the state of Oklahoma, allowing for the concealed or unconcealed carry of firearms by most residents 21 and older without a license.

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Governor Mary Fallin vetoed the constitutional carry bill in 2018

In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a bill that would have allowed for permit-less carry of firearms. The bill, known as the "Constitutional Carry" bill or SB 1212, would have authorized people 21 and older and military personnel 18 or older to carry handguns openly or concealed without a state-issued license or permit.

Governor Fallin cited safety concerns and opposition from law enforcement, education, and business groups as reasons for her veto. She stated that she supports the Second Amendment and owns firearms herself, but felt that the bill would eliminate "the current ability of Oklahoma law enforcement to distinguish between those carrying guns who have been trained and vetted, and those who have not."

The "Constitutional Carry" bill was supported by conservative groups and the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A), who argued that the Second Amendment guarantees a person's right to bear arms without restrictions, including handgun licenses. However, the bill was opposed by gun safety groups such as Moms Demand Action and church leaders, who held a prayer vigil outside the governor's office.

Despite the veto by Governor Fallin in 2018, the "Constitutional Carry" bill was eventually signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt on February 27, 2019. The law allows most residents 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license, with certain exceptions for those in the country illegally or convicted of certain crimes.

Governor Kevin Stitt signed the bill into law in 2019

On February 27, 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma signed the "constitutional carry" bill into law. This bill, also known as the permitless carry bill, allows most Oklahoma residents aged 21 and older to carry firearms, either concealed or unconcealed, without a license. The bill was passed in the Senate by a vote of 40-6, with all Republicans and one Democrat voting in favor. It took effect on November 1, 2019, and made Oklahoma one of at least 14 states to have approved some version of permitless carry.

Governor Stitt's decision to sign the bill into law was met with mixed reactions. Don Spencer, a citizen activist who had advocated for looser gun laws, expressed his support for the bill, stating that he disliked "asking the government for permission to exercise a constitutional right." Stitt himself had endorsed the plan during his campaign and pushed for a provision that allowed businesses the right to ban firearms on their property. He stated that he had heard from Oklahomans across the state who wanted him to protect their right to bear arms.

However, the bill also faced opposition from various groups, including gun safety advocates and church leaders. Christine Jackson, a volunteer leader with the Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action, expressed embarrassment that elected leaders prioritized politics over the safety of families by passing the permitless carry bill. Additionally, law enforcement officials and business leaders had previously voiced their opposition to the bill when it was vetoed in 2018 by then-Governor Mary Fallin.

Governor Kevin Stitt has signed numerous other bills into law during his tenure. In 2024, he was reported to have signed hundreds of bills, including legislation related to immigration enforcement, medical marijuana packaging requirements, and changes to requirements for high school graduation. In 2023, he signed 14 bills, including Senate Bill 502, which facilitates the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by private businesses, and Senate Bill 513, which mandates insurance coverage for biomarker testing in cancer diagnosis.

The bill allows most residents 21 and older to carry firearms without a license

In 2018, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a bill that would have allowed most residents aged 21 and older to carry firearms without a license, a proposal known as the "constitutional carry" bill. The bill, which was presented by Sen. Nathan Dahm, had passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate by a vote of 33-9.

In her statement, Fallin stressed that she supports the Second Amendment and owns firearms herself. However, she cited safety concerns as the reason for her veto, explaining that the bill would have eliminated "the current ability of Oklahoma law enforcement to distinguish between those carrying guns who have been trained and vetted, and those who have not."

Groups such as Oklahomans for Equality, Moms Demand Action, and church leaders opposed the bill, sharing similar safety concerns.

On February 27, 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed a similar bill into law, establishing "Constitutional Carry" in the state of Oklahoma. The law allows most residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license, with some exceptions. It went into effect on November 1, 2019.

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The bill was opposed by law enforcement, education and business groups

Efforts to pass the "constitutional carry" bill in Oklahoma have been opposed by law enforcement, education and business groups. The bill, which would allow most residents 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license, was vetoed by former Republican Governor Mary Fallin in 2018. Fallin cited opposition from the business community and law enforcement in her decision.

Drew Diamond, a 22-year law enforcement veteran and former police chief of Tulsa, stated that reasonable licensing and background checks were already in place. He joined about 200 volunteers with the gun safety group Moms Demand Action, who urged legislators to oppose the bill. Groups of church leaders also opposed the bill, holding a prayer vigil outside the governor's office.

The bill was also opposed by education groups, who argued that removing restrictions on carrying firearms in public places could negatively impact public safety. Specifically, the bill would allow individuals to carry firearms on college campuses and in other educational settings, raising concerns about the safety of students and staff.

In addition to law enforcement and education groups, business organizations also expressed opposition to the bill. They argued that businesses should have the right to ban firearms on their property, and that allowing permitless carry could create a unsafe environment for customers and employees.

Despite the opposition from these groups, the "constitutional carry" bill was eventually signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2019, allowing individuals in Oklahoma to carry firearms without a background check or training.

The bill was supported by the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association

The "Constitutional Carry" bill, also known as Senate Bill 1212, was vetoed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin in 2018. The bill would have allowed most residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license. The bill was supported by the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A), which has proposed permit-less carry since 2010.

OK2A president Don Spencer expressed disappointment in Fallin's decision, stating that she had an opportunity to "defend our liberty and leave a wonderful legacy." He has advocated for looser gun laws at the Capitol for nearly a decade, arguing that individuals should not have to ask the government for permission to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.

The bill was also supported by Republican lawmakers and Governor Kevin Stitt, who eventually signed it into law on February 27, 2019. Stitt emphasized that Oklahomans strongly support the Second Amendment and that the bill balanced the rights of private property owners with Second Amendment rights.

The new law, effective November 1, 2019, allows for the open or concealed carry of firearms by individuals aged 21 and older, or 18 and older if they are in the military. However, there are still restrictions on carrying firearms in certain locations, such as schools, government buildings, and establishments serving alcoholic beverages.

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