Oklahoma Firearms Reform Bills Continue to Advance

After passing their chamber of origin, three NRA-backed bills continue to garner support in the Oklahoma Legislature. Today, Senate Bills 1760 and 1743 were each passed in their respective House committees with overwhelming approval, while Senate Bill 1420 cleared the House yesterday. Your active support has been a key factor in the positive outcome of pro-Second Amendment legislation this session and is now more important than ever. Please continue to encourage your state Representative to support protections to your gun rights and hunting heritage.

Senate Bill 1760, authored by state Senator Anthony Sykes (R-24) and state Representative T.W. Shannon (R-62), was given unanimous approval of the House Public Safety Committee today by a 12 to 0 vote. As previously reported, this “Emergency Powers” bill is necessary to fill the current gap in the language of the state riot control statute to prevent the banning of ownership, possession or transportation of firearms and ammunition during declared states

Senate Bill 1743, previously reported on here, has also been reported by the House Agriculture, Wildlife, and Environment Committee by a 20-0 vote. It now awaits a vote on the House floor. Known as the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act," SB 1743 would allow Oklahoma landowners and their guests to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting. This legislation is particularly important as noise complaints are being used more frequently as an excuse to close shooting ranges, informal shooting areas, and hunting lands throughout the country. Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate many of these complaints and protect hunting and shooting areas well into the future. Most importantly, it will help protect hunters hearing. For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.

Yesterday, Senate Bill 1420, pro-hunting legislation to legalize the use of laser scoping devices for those with a variety of physical handicaps, passed in the House by a 92 to 0 vote. By legalizing use of these devices in specific circumstances, this legislation would expand hunting opportunities for the blind and those who have lost the use of their limbs, such as disabled veterans. SB 1420 was authored by state Senator Ralph Shortey (R-44) and Representative John Bennett (R-2), and has been sent to the Senate for concurrence.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on the progress of these firearm freedom bills. Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support Senate Bills 1743 and 1760. Contact information for your state Legislators can be found by clicking here.