Bill exempting state-made guns from federal regulations clears panel
BY WAYNE GREENE World Senior Writer
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill to exempt made-in-Oklahoma guns from federal restrictions if they are bought and kept within the state passed a legislative committee Wednesday.
House Bill 2021 — the Firearms Freedom Act — would exempt Oklahoma owners from federal laws, taxes or regulations on guns made inside the state.
The measure was passed by the House Public Safety Committee on a 13-0 vote.
The law, written by Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, would limit possession of Oklahoma-manufactured guns to people without felony convictions and who have not been found legally incompetent or previously committed to a mental health institution. Ownership of Oklahoma-made guns would be limited to people who are at least 21 years old for handguns and at least 18 years old for shotguns or rifles.
In response to a question from Rep. Ed Cannaday, Roberts said the bill would not allow an Oklahoman to build a rocket launcher that was exempt from federal law. Fully automatic weapons and weapons designed to fire rocket-propelled grenades also are not covered by the law.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Meanwhile, a bill to allow police to ticket drivers under the age of 18 for texting while driving did not pass the committee. House Bill 1278 — offered by Rep. Steve Vaughn, R-Ponca City — did not receive a seconding motion when it was considered.
Another bill restricting the use to texting devices for drivers of all ages passed the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday and remains alive for consideration by the full House.
