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The Flap Over SB 1556
The Oklahoma Legislature is convening this month, but controversy
over some proposed bills is already stirring. One such bill, SB
1556 by Sen. Jerry Ellis (Valliant), has been drawing a lot of flak.
As with every pro-gun bill, it is being attacked by some “pro-Second
Amendment” groups and individuals one would expect to support
improvement of our concealed-carry law.
As with every law, there are always some who play fast and loose
with the rules, and our Self-Defense Act is unfortunately no
exception.
During recent years there have arisen “instructors” who found a way
to make money by offering “training” from other states with which
Oklahoma has a reciprocal agreement. These training courses, with
limited instruction, could be obtained at cut-rate prices. What a
deal! Why bother with the hassle and cost of obtaining your own
state’s concealed-carry license?
But take note - there are shortcomings with such out-of-state
licenses, such as demonstrated competency in safely handling a
handgun. More importantly, does the individual receive any
instruction concerning the legal requirements of Oklahoma’s
concealed-carry laws? That little detail could cause such a licensee
some very major legal headaches.
The ostensible justification for this is that Oklahoma’s SDA license
is too expensive. Does that mean that if an individual thinks an
Oklahoma Driver’s License is too costly, then residents can shop
around and obtain one from another state if it’s cheaper? A more
productive approach would be to lower the costs of an Oklahoma
license.
The Oklahoma Rifle Association was the spearhead in getting
Oklahomans the right to carry concealed after an eight year lobbying
effort. ORA, in conjunction with C.L.E.E.T., established the SDA
training curriculum. The Oklahoma SDA law was one of the first and
best in the nation. From the beginning ORA has supported firearm
safety training. When it comes to the carrying of concealed
firearms it is critical that licensees know what our law demands and
are competent to do so safely.
In support of this long-held philosophy, ORA requested Sen. Jerry
Ellis to introduce a bill, SB 1556, which would require Oklahoma
residents who wish to carry concealed meet Oklahoma standards for
safety training, and knowledge of our state law which governs CC
licenses. This approach has served us well in years past.
In the beginning there was a problem with SB 1556 – the bill
was poorly drafted, and Sen. Ellis acted quickly to correct it.
The revised SB 1556 is a very good proposal and deserves serious
consideration.
ORA agrees that the current cost of an SDA license is excessive and
we are shoulder-to-shoulder with those who want to see the costs
reduced. We will actively assist in efforts to do so.
We realize that some Oklahomans do not think the state has any right
to prevent anyone from carrying firearms openly or
concealed. Does this mean that they support convicted felons and
mentally incompetent persons having a right to carry firearms? We
would presume not.
If anyone does want to see that happen, then get ready to amend the
State Constitution.
SECTION II-26
Bearing arms - Carrying weapons.
The right of a
citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person, or
property, or in aid of the civil power, when thereunto legally
summoned, shall never be prohibited; but nothing herein contained
shall prevent the Legislature from regulating the carrying of
weapons.
There are no stronger supporters of the Second Amendment than ORA,
and we have a proven record of over eighty-four years to stand on.
As for Sen. Jerry Ellis, there is no stronger supporter of the
“Right to Keep and Bear Arms” in the Oklahoma Legislature. He
deserves our support.
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