OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Gov. Mary Fallin for vetoing SB 1212, which would have eliminated the requirement that residents of Oklahoma get a permit before carrying a loaded handgun in public. Under SB 1212, it would have been legal for Oklahomans to carry loaded handguns in public with no permit and without passing a background check or completing gun safety training.
Community leaders around the state voiced strong opposition to this bill. In recent weeks, the Tulsa World editorial board, the Oklahoman editorial board, a coalition of 50 state associations, universities, business owners and law enforcement organizations and Rhonda Hooper, chair of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, urged lawmakers to reject SB 1212.
SB 1212 will cost the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) nearly $5 million, taking critical funds from law enforcement. This week, OSBI spokesperson Beth Green expressed grave concerns about what SB 1212 would mean for the safety of officers and all Oklahomans.
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard – a Republican and longtime NRA member – vetoed a similar bill last year, stating “It is paramount that our state protect the rights of our citizens while at the same time protecting the lives of our citizens. I believe our current laws appropriately protect both interests…”
More information about the impact of permitless carry policies – including an association with increases in firearm violence – is available here.
STATEMENT FROM ALYSON KING, VOLUNTEER WITH THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Today, Gov. Mary Fallin took an unequivocal stand for public safety in vetoing this dangerous bill. Permitless carry would have made it easier for people with violent histories to be armed in public, representing a clear threat to the safety of our communities. We applaud Gov. Fallin for rejecting this reckless policy.”
This session also saw the defeat of other reckless gun bills in Oklahoma, including additional attempts to pass variations of permitless carry (HB 2918 and HB 2713), a dangerous expansion of Oklahoma’s Stand Your Ground law (HB 2626) and legislation that would have forced public colleges and universities in Oklahoma to allow guns on campuses (SB 43).