Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has said he will sign a constitutional carry bill, and one could hit his desk as soon as next week.
The Senate Appropriations committee passed House Bill 2597 on an 18–4 vote, with all Republican members in favor and four of six Democrats opposed. It would let most Oklahomans 21 or older carry a gun openly or concealed without a permit.
Federal background checks are still required to buy from gun dealers. Sen. Kay Floyd pushed Sen. Kim on constitutional carry eliminating the safety net of a permit background check for private-party sales.
"The only people that follow gun laws are law-abiding citizens. People who continually break the law currently are carrying weapons without a gun permit," David said.
David said allowing open or concealed carry without a permit is partly a matter of giving Oklahomans equal rights.
"In 15 states, there is already constitutional carry that we have reciprocity with. So, currently, any person from that state that comes to Oklahoma has more rights to be able to carry a weapon in the state than we do," David said.
Another bill is in the works to address concerns from officials at the Gathering Place and similar venues that they will see more patrons carrying guns under permitless carry laws.
"The trailer bill will say that in any municipal zoo or park of any size owned, leased, or operated or managed by a a public trust or a nonprofit entity, that no individual will be able to carry open carry. They will only be able to carry concealed carry in those places," David said.
A full Senate vote on the bill could happen as early as Monday.
