NRA Mobilizes Oklahoma Members in Support of Self-Defense Bills

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is urging its members and supporters in Oklahoma to contact lawmakers to voice their support for two important self-defense bills, House Joint Resolution 1009 and House Bill 3098.

HJR 1009 would lead to a statewide ballot initiative which, if approved by voters, would make a critical improvement to the current Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment in Oklahoma’s constitution. 

HB 3098 would allow a law-abiding citizen to open carry a firearm on their person without the government fees and mandates associated with obtaining a carry permit. 

Oklahoma lawmakers passed both bills with overwhelming support.

HJR 1009 passed the House by a vote of 67-7. It passed the Senate by a vote of 39-7.

HB 3098 passed the House by a vote of 73-15. It passed the Senate by a vote of 39-7.

Differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation will now be hammered out by a conference committee made up of members from both the House and Senate.

“We are asking our members and supporters to contact lawmakers on the conference committee to express their support of these critical self-defense bills,” said Catherine Mortensen, NRA Spokesperson. “Together, these measures would greatly protect and expand the ability of law-abiding Oklahomans to defend themselves.  Oklahomans know the government cannot always be there to protect them, and like Americans all across the country, they are increasingly taking that responsibility into their own hands.”

HJR 1009 would make a critical improvement to the current Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment in Oklahoma’s constitution.  This is a measure that provides the strongest possible protection for your gun rights, guaranteeing in the state constitution your Right to Keep and Bear Arms against any infringements or restrictions for you and future generations of Oklahomans.  All proposed restrictions to any of your fundamental rights should be subject to a standard that ensures the strongest possible protection for that right, especially your Second Amendment rights.

Sponsored by state Representative Jeff Coody (R-63), HB 3098 would allow for the open carry of a handgun without having to obtain a permit.  HB 3098 HB 3098 does nothing to change the current permitting process in the state of Oklahoma for those individuals who still prefer to conceal carry a firearm and receive reciprocity in other states.

Gun rights opponents have spread misinformation about these two measures. The NRA-ILA produced these Fact Checkers to Set the Record Straight on HB 3098 AND HJR 1009.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.