Senators hope to criminalize abortion, loosen gun laws
The next legislative session begins in February. Several bills have already been filed, and lawmakers will continue submitting proposals until the Jan. 17 deadline.
Abortion would be classified as a felony crime punishable by life in prison, according to legislation filed in the Oklahoma Senate on Thursday.
Another senator filed a bill to allow the carry of firearms, openly or concealed, without a license. Both measures are similar to bills filed in previous years by the same senators.
Their efforts have been unsuccessful so far, but Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt has signaled his support for a gun policy often referred to as “constitutional carry.”
Senate Bill 13 by Broken Bow Republican Joseph Silk redefines homicide to include any abortion. It also directs prosecutors to enforce the law “regardless of any contrary or conflicting federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, or court decisions.” If it becomes law and is challenged in federal court, Silk’s bill would prevent Oklahoma from sending attorneys to argue its case.
The legislation does not include conditions, like for rape or incest, and it would also make mothers and doctors liable to lawsuits filed by family members.
Silk filed a bill with a similar premise in 2017, but it never got a hearing.
Senate Bill 12 by state Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, would allow people to carry guns on their person regardless of whether it is concealed or plainly visible.
His previous attempt to loosen gun laws passed both the House and the Senate, but ended when Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed it just six months ago. Stitt, who was still a candidate for the Republican nomination, said he would sign the bill if he were governor.
The next legislative session begins in February. Several bills have already been filed, and lawmakers will continue submitting proposals until the Jan. 17 deadline.