Oklahoma Firearm Reform Bills Face Deadline Next Week

By next Thursday, April 26, all Senate bills must receive the approval of the Oklahoma House or they will no longer be eligible for consideration this session.  NRA members' active support has been a key factor in the positive outcome of pro-Second Amendment legislation this session, and is now more important than ever.  Please continue to urge your state Representative to support these necessary protections of your gun rights and hunting heritage by encouraging consideration of the following legislation in advance of the impending deadline:

Senate Bill 1760, authored by state Senator Anthony Sykes (R-24) and state Representative T.W. Shannon (R-62), received unanimous approval in the House Public Safety Committee, but has not yet been brought to the House floor for a vote.  As previously reported, this “Emergency Powers” bill is necessary to fill the current gap in the language of the state riot control statute to prevent the banning of ownership, possession or transportation of firearms and ammunition during declared states of emergency.

Senate Bill 1743, previously reported on here, was approved unanimously by the House Agriculture, Wildlife, and Environment Committee.  This legislation also awaits a vote on the House floor. Known as the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act," SB 1743 would allow Oklahoma landowners and their guests to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting. This legislation is particularly important as noise complaints are being used more frequently as an excuse to close shooting ranges, informal shooting areas, and hunting lands throughout the country. Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate many of these complaints and protect hunting and shooting areas well into the future. Most importantly, it will help protect hunters hearing. For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on the progress of these firearm freedom bills.  Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support Senate Bills 1743 and 1760. Contact information for your state legislators can be found by clicking here.