Permitless carry gun bill passes Senate panel

A Senate panel on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow people to carry a weapon without a permit or training.

House Bill 2597, called“Constitutional Carry ,” passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 18-4.

Guns still would not be allowed on college campuses and in other designated areas, said Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, the Senate author. House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, is the House author.

Current protections that allow private property owners to prohibit firearms are maintained in the bill.

The measure now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. The earliest it can be heard is Tuesday, according to Senate staff.

The measure would not apply to felons, those with an adjudicated mental illness or someone who has a domestic violence conviction.

David said 15 states already have constitutional carry laws on the books. Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements, so a person who comes from one of the 15 states has more rights to carry than Oklahoma residents.

David said a trailer bill from the House will address some concerns brought by supporters of the new Tulsa park Gathering Place and others. The measure would not allow for open carrying of weapons in those locations but would permit concealed carrying of weapons, she said.

“I think it is a valid point to be made the only people who follow gun laws are law-abiding citizens ,” David said. “People who continually break the law are carrying without a gun permit.”

Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, pointed out that those who purchase a gun from an individual would not have to undergo a background check.

Gov. Kevin St it th as indicated support for the measure. On Wednesday, he reaffirmed that support saying he likely would sign the measure.

“I haven't looked at the entire bill yet, but yes,” Stitt said. “I was very clear on the campaign trail that I was supportive of constitutional carry.”

St it ts aid he liked the protection sin the bill where a property owner or business owner can choose to say it is a gunfree environment.

“So I think that has the protections that were voiced by some property owners,” Stitt said. “I am very supportive of that piece of it.

“We will monitor it and make sure there are no changes coming out the Senate, but I am very supportive of the Second Amendment and look forward to signing it.”