House panel OKs native-made gun exemption bill
BY WAYNE GREENE World Senior Writer
Thursday, February 21, 2013
2/21/13 at 7:32 AM
Follow the gun debate: Read complete coverage of the issue.
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 in 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 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 for shotguns or rifles.
In response to a question from Rep. Ed Cannaday, D-Porum, Roberts said the bill would not allow an Oklahoman to build a rocket launcher that would be 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.
Texting while driving: Meanwhile, a bill to allow police officers to ticket motorists younger than 18 for texting while driving did not pass the committee. HB 1278 - offered by Rep. Steve Vaughn, R-Ponca City - did not receive a seconding motion when it was considered.
Another bill restricting texting and emailing for drivers of all ages passed the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday and remains alive for consideration by the full House.
Original Print Headline: Panel OKs gun-exemption bill
Wayne Greene 918-581-8308
wayne.greene@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Rep. Sean Roberts: His bill would exempt Oklahoma owners from federal regulations on guns made and kept in the state
|
