‘Constitutional carry’ becomes first legislation signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt | State & Regional

OKLAHOMA CITY — Individuals will be able to carry firearms in Oklahoma without a permit or training starting Nov. 1, when a bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt goes into effect.

The bill is the first signed by Stitt since he took office.

“As I traveled all over the state to all 77 counties, I heard from Oklahomans all over that they wanted us to protect their right to bear arms,” Stitt said.

He said he doesn’t think the measure will result in an increase in violence.

“I think the best defense for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” Stitt said.

House Bill 2597, authored by House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, passed the Senate earlier Wednesday by a vote of 40-6.

David said 15 states, including three that border Oklahoma, allow what proponents call “constitutional” — or permitless — carry.

“The Wild West has not happened in those states,” she said in a reference to the fears of opponents of the change in law.

While training will not be required, David said she encourages those who want to carry guns to have training.

She said guns still won’t be allowed in areas where they are now prohibited, such as on college campuses and in some businesses.

Critics expressed concern that permitless carry could lead to more gun violence.

“We are a top 10 state in the worst quality of life for women and children,” Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, said during debate on the bill. “I think this particular law is further opening the gate to some devastation on those two particular groups.”

“In my district, more guns are not better, so I will be voting no,” said Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa.

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, was a strong advocate for the measure.

“The core function of government should be protecting fundamental rights,” Dahm said. “It is encouraging to see the Legislature pass bills that restore our rights.”

Don Spencer, president of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, said his group is “pleased to see the Senate return the right back to the people that had been taken away 112 years ago,” when Oklahoma became a state. “We are looking forward to the governor signing the bill into law and keeping his campaign promise,” Spencer said before Stitt signed the legislation.

Then-Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed a permitless carry bill last May, citing safety concerns.

Lawmakers put the measure on the fast track this year.

While the Senate considered the main bill, the House sent through what was described as a trailer bill barring open carry in parks and zoos owned by public trusts or nonprofit organizations. It was brought forward to address a dispute about guns at Tulsa’s Gathering Place. Interests in Oklahoma City have also opposed open carry.

Under the terms of House Bill 2010, concealed carry will be legal in the Gathering Place and similar venues, but open carry will not.