Firearms On Target

Oklahoma: Three Important Gun Bills Move Forward

in the State Legislature!  March 14, 2011

 Last week, Oklahoma state legislators passed three important NRA-backed gun bills, advancing each piece of legislation to the next chamber of the state legislature.

 Senate Bill 856, the “Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention Act,” passed unanimously in the Senate and is now in the House of Representatives!

 The “Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention Act,” authored by state Senator Steve Russell (R-45), will protect lawful firearm retailers from illegal gun sting operations such as those by anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg has sent hired agents into other states to attempt illegal firearm purchases in an effort to blame federally licensed firearm retailers for gun crime in New York City and around the country.

 Thankfully, every Oklahoma Senator said NO to Mayor Bloomberg and yes on SB 586. Hopefully, Oklahoma Representatives will do the same with this NRA-backed bill.

 Senate Bill 858, the “Firearm Owner Privacy Protection Act,” received an overwhelming, bi-partisan 44 to 4 vote.

 The NRA-backed “Firearm Owner Privacy Protection Act” prohibits medical practitioners from requiring patients to divulge information about private firearm ownership. SB 858 would also prevent healthcare practitioners from denying healthcare to patients who refuse to disclose such information about firearms, ammunition or storage habits.

 The Oklahoma Senate voted to protect patients’ rights against intrusive questioning or discrimination by medical practitioners with an anti-gun bias. SB 858 has been sent to the House of Representatives.

 House Bill 1652, a “Parking Lot” Protection Expansion bill, was approved by an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

 HB 1652, authored by state Representative John Enns (R-41), would allow concealed carry permit holders to lock their firearms in their vehicles on technology center campuses, as well as parking lots set aside for use by a governmental entity and professional sporting events.

 The Oklahoma House passed NRA-backed HB 1652 by a wide 84 to 14 margin. This “Parking Lot” Protection Expansion bill is now in the Oklahoma Senate.

 Your NRA will continue to inform and update you about these and many other bills throughout this legislative session!