Barbara Hoberock
Capitol Bureau
Tulsa World
A Senate panel approved a measure Thursday that would allow for the open carrying of firearms.
Senate Bill 1733 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, passed the Senate Public Safety Committee by a vote of 8-1.
Sen. Constance Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, cast the lone vote against it. She could not be reached for comment after the meeting.
The measure heads to the Senate floor.
Sykes said the measure passed a few years ago and was vetoed by former Gov. Brad Henry.
“It is basically open carry in Oklahoma except this version of open carry you have to have your concealed-carry license, and it is your choice. You can carry concealed. You can carry unconcealed,” he said.
The measure has a provision that allows judges to carry as long as they go through the training and put their names on a list with the administrative director of the courts, Sykes said.
House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, said he supports open carry with reasonable restrictions, such as background checks and training.
“Gov. Fallin has not reviewed this measure yet nor is she ready to offer a commitment this early in the legislative process,” said Alex Weintz, a Fallin spokesman. “She is, however, a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and has said she favors the principles behind ‘open carry’ legislation.”
The Tulsa Metro Chamber has not taken a position on the legislation, said LToya Knighten, a chamber spokeswoman.
Nathan Atkins, a spokesman for Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, said the senator supports the bill.
Bingman believes the measure is a responsible pro-Second Amendment bill that includes safeguards found in the current concealed carry laws, Atkins said.
“Though this bill is still working its way through the process, the pro tem is optimistic fellow legislators will support an open-carry bill that includes thoughtful provisions such as background checks and firearms training,” Atkins said.
