Anthony Sykes: "It is your choice. You can conceal carry or open carry if you have the license," said the Senate author of the measure
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday sent Gov. Mary Fallin an open-carry bill.
Senate Bill 1733 would allow those with a concealed-carry permit to openly carry a gun.
"We are eliminating the requirement that it be concealed," said Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, the Senate author. "It is your choice. You can conceal carry or open carry if you have the license."
Sykes said the measure enhances a person's right to self-defense.
"What positive will come of it?" asked Sen. Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee. "Will it help our economy? Will it help bring people into Oklahoma? Will it help our schools? Will it help us in Oklahoma from a tangible standpoint to have this open-carry law in effect?"
Sykes said not all laws passed by lawmakers affect the economy.
Sykes said the measure would deter those who want to do something bad in a public place from doing it if they think another person might return fire.
"There was a time when the NRA was a reasonable organization, but they turned into a bunch of idiots," said Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah. "They promote things like this. No one wants to go home and face these folks."
He said it was irresponsible to let a bunch of amateurs openly carry weapons.
"I think it is bad public policy," Wilson said. "I think it is bad for economic development. Oklahoma already has a problem reputation, and this is not going to help it."
The measure is about how a person carries a gun, not about what happens once it comes out of the holster, said Sen. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City.
"We must diligently reject any notion that the government grants the God-given right of self-defense," Russell said. "It does not."
"A hand on a gun is better than a cop on the phone," said Sen. Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant.
If signed, it would become effective Nov. 1.
The measure passed by a vote of 33-10.
Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz said the governor is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights.
"She is a member of the NRA and a gun owner herself. She supports responsible open-carry legislation," Weintz said. "She is reviewing the bill with her legal and policy staff to make sure that it meets that standard before she comments on it any further or makes a commitment."
A review of Senate Bill 1733
What is it: The bill would allow people with a concealed-carry permit to openly carry a gun.
What happened: The state Senate passed the measure by a vote of 33-10, and it was sent to Gov. Mary Fallin.
What's next: The governor is reviewing the bill. If she signs it, the new law would be effective Nov. 1.
Roll call on open-carry bill
The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday voted 33-10 for Senate Bill 1733, which would allow those with a concealed-carry permit to openly carry a firearm.
SENATORS VOTING FOR THE BILL:
Republicans
Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City; Mark Allen, R-Spiro; Patrick Anderson, R-Enid; Don Barrington, R-Lawton; Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa; Cliff Branan, R-Oklahoma City; Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate; Rick Brinkley, R-Owasso; Greg Childers, R-Del City; Harry Coates, R-Seminole; Kim David, R-Wagoner; AJ Griffin, R-Guthrie; David Holt, R-Oklahoma City; John Ford, R-Bartlesville; Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher; Ron Justice, R-Chickasha; Bryce Martlatt, R-Woodward; Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa; Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa; Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman; Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City; Mike Schulz, R-Altus; Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City; Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore; Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa; Anthony Sykes, R-Moore; Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City
Democrats
Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant; Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee; Tom Ivester, D-Sayre; Susan Paddack, D-Ada; John Sparks, D-Norman; and Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland.
SENATORS VOTING AGAINST THE BILL:
Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa; Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee; Randy Bass, D-Lawton; Sean Burrage, D-Claremore; Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa; Constance Johnson, D-Oklahoma City; Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee; Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne; Al McAffrey, D-Oklahoma City; and Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah.
SENATORS NOT VOTING:
Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow; Brian Crain, R-Tulsa; Eddie Fields, R-Wynona; Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater; and Clark Jolley, R-Edmond.
Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Open-carry bill sent to governor
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