Eleanor Finch
On February 27, 2019, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2597, approving Constitutional Carry in the state of Oklahoma. This bill, also known as the Constitutional Carry Cleanup Bill, clarifies the language in the existing constitutional carry law, allowing law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm without unnecessary government permission slips. The approval of this bill sparked debates and concerns about public safety, with some states challenging the bill and others following suit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bill Number | HB 1789, HB 2597, SB 1212, SB 12 |
| Bill Name | Constitutional Carry Cleanup Bill, Constitutional Carry Bill |
| Bill Status | Signed into law |
| Governor | Kevin Stitt |
| Governor's Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Governor's Stance on the Bill | Supportive |
| Previous Governor's Stance on the Bill | Vetoed |
| Year Bill Passed | 2019 |
| Month Bill Passed | February |
| Date Bill Passed | 27 February |
| Voting Figures in the Senate | 40-6, 33-8 |
| Voting Figures in the House | NA |
| Age Limit to Carry Firearms | 21 years |
| Additional Age-Related Criteria | 18 years and in the military |
| Locations Where Firearms are Prohibited | Public buildings, schools, professional sporting events, casinos, bars |
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What You'll Learn
- Governor Kevin Stitt signs Constitutional Carry into law in Oklahoma
- The bill allows most residents over 21 to carry firearms without a license
- The National Rifle Association applauds the bill for protecting Second Amendment rights
- The bill was passed by the Senate with a 40-6 vote
- The bill faced opposition from some over public safety concerns
Governor Kevin Stitt signs Constitutional Carry into law in Oklahoma
On February 27, 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2597, which establishes "Constitutional Carry" in the state of Oklahoma. This bill allows most residents aged 21 and older to carry firearms, either concealed or unconcealed, without a license. The bill does include exceptions for individuals who are in the country illegally or have been convicted of certain crimes. Firearms will still be prohibited in certain locations, such as public buildings, schools, professional sporting events, casinos, and bars.
The signing of this bill was a significant development in Oklahoma's history, as it restored the Second Amendment rights of its citizens to bear arms without unnecessary government restrictions. Governor Stitt's decision to sign the bill was influenced by his support for the Second Amendment and the strong voice of Oklahomans who advocated for their right to self-defense.
The "Constitutional Carry" bill had been previously vetoed by former Governor Mary Fallin in 2018, sparking controversy among supporters of the measure. However, with the election of Governor Stitt, who had expressed his support for the bill during his campaign, there was renewed hope for its passage.
The bill faced an uncertain future in 2019, as it had to navigate through a new and untested Legislature with dozens of fresh members. Nonetheless, the bill successfully passed through the House and Senate, demonstrating the determination of its supporters to protect the constitutional right to carry firearms without undue restrictions.
The passage of the "Constitutional Carry" bill in Oklahoma reflects a broader trend in the United States, with at least 14 states having approved some version of permitless carry. This development underscores the ongoing debate surrounding gun rights and public safety in the country.
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The bill allows most residents over 21 to carry firearms without a license
On February 27, 2019, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2597, establishing "Constitutional Carry" in the state of Oklahoma. This bill allows most residents over 21 to carry firearms without a license.
The bill, also known as the "Constitutional Carry Cleanup Bill", clarifies the language in the existing constitutional carry law, ensuring that law-abiding citizens can carry a firearm without unnecessary government permission slips. It removes the requirement for a license or a state background check and completion of a training course to carry a firearm in public. The bill also allows for the concealed or unconcealed carry of firearms by any person who is at least 21 years of age or at least 18 years of age and in the military, as long as they are not otherwise disqualified from purchasing a firearm.
The passage of this bill was a significant development in the ongoing debate over gun rights and public safety in Oklahoma. Supporters of the bill argued that it protected the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the fundamental right to self-defense. They believed that the previous requirement for a license infringed upon their constitutional rights. The National Rifle Association (NRA) applauded Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature for taking bold steps to protect the Second Amendment.
However, the bill also faced opposition and concern from those worried about public safety. Some business leaders and law enforcement officials expressed reservations, leading to the bill being vetoed by former Governor Mary Fallin in 2018. Despite this, the bill passed the Senate on a 40-6 vote in 2023, with support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
It is important to note that there are still restrictions on where firearms can be carried, even with the passage of this bill. Firearms are prohibited in certain locations, including public buildings, schools, professional sporting events, casinos, and bars. Additionally, there are exceptions to who can carry a firearm without a license, including anyone in the country illegally or those convicted of certain crimes.
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The National Rifle Association applauds the bill for protecting Second Amendment rights
The National Rifle Association (NRA), America's longest-standing civil rights organization, was formed in 1871 by Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate. The NRA is a major political force and America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights. The organization has more than five million members who tirelessly work to champion Second Amendment rights and support NRA programs.
In Oklahoma, the NRA applauds the passing of House Bill 2597, which establishes "Constitutional Carry" in the state. This bill allows most residents aged 21 and older, or 18 and in the military, to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt in February 2019. The NRA recognizes this as a victory for all Oklahomans who believe in the fundamental right to self-defense and the right to bear arms.
The NRA also supports the Constitutional Carry Cleanup Bill, or House Bill 1789, which was signed into law by the Oklahoma Governor in 2023. This bill clarifies the language in the existing constitutional carry law, ensuring that law-abiding citizens can carry firearms without unnecessary government permission slips. The NRA appreciates the bold steps taken by Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature to protect Second Amendment rights.
The NRA's commitment to the Second Amendment is further demonstrated by their opposition to gun control measures in other states. For instance, in Massachusetts, the NRA filed a lawsuit challenging the ban on the possession and carry of handguns and semi-automatic firearms by adults under 21. Additionally, the NRA formed the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) in 1975 to specifically address the political defense of the Second Amendment. The ILA is responsible for preserving the right of law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess, and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
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The bill was passed by the Senate with a 40-6 vote
The bill to establish "Constitutional Carry" in Oklahoma, also known as House Bill 1789, was passed by the Senate with a 40-6 vote. This bill aimed to clarify the language in the existing constitutional carry law and ensure that law-abiding citizens could carry firearms without unnecessary government permission slips. The vote was largely along party lines, with every Republican and one Democrat voting in favour of the bill.
The passing of this bill was a significant step towards protecting the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans. The bill allows most residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license. However, there are exceptions for individuals who are in the country illegally or have been convicted of certain crimes. Firearms are also prohibited in specific locations, such as public buildings, schools, professional sporting events, casinos, and bars.
The "Constitutional Carry" bill has been a highly debated topic in Oklahoma, with supporters arguing that the right to carry a gun without a license is protected by the Constitution. They believe that requiring a license infringes upon the Second Amendment. Previously, those wishing to carry a firearm in public had to apply for a license, undergo a state background check, and complete a training course. The bill removes these requirements, making it easier for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to bear arms.
The passage of the bill by such a significant margin in the Senate highlights the strong support for the Second Amendment in Oklahoma. It also demonstrates the determination of Oklahomans to restore their Constitutional Carry status, joining other states like South Dakota and Vermont that have already implemented similar laws.
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The bill faced opposition from some over public safety concerns
The bill, which allows most residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license, faced opposition from gun control advocates and some citizens over public safety concerns. The bill was criticised for removing the requirement for a background check or training to carry a firearm in public.
Before the bill was signed, a separate "trailer" bill was moving through the Legislature that would put additional restrictions on openly carrying weapons in places like the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Gathering Place in Tulsa, one of the nation's largest parks. The park, which operates as a private enterprise, had already blocked people carrying handguns from entering.
Opponents of the bill argue that it could increase the risk of gun violence and make it more difficult for law enforcement to respond to active shooter situations. They also argue that the bill could lead to an increase in accidental shootings and domestic violence incidents. Some have also expressed concern that the bill could be exploited by criminals or those with mental health issues.
Supporters of the bill, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), argue that it protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and ensures that they are not unjustly prosecuted for exercising their right to bear arms. They also argue that the bill strengthens the right to self-defense and that it is a victory for all Oklahomans who believe in the fundamental right to bear arms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, on February 27, 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2597, establishing "Constitutional Carry" in the state of Oklahoma.
The bill allows most residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license. Exceptions include anyone in the country illegally or those convicted of certain crimes. Firearms are also prohibited in certain locations, including public buildings, schools, professional sporting events, casinos, and bars.
The bill was supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Second Amendment Association, who argued that the right to carry a firearm in Oklahoma was infringed upon by the requirement to obtain a license. The bill was also a campaign promise of Governor Kevin Stitt, who was elected with over 54% of the vote.
