No more confiscation of Oklahoma's guns and ammo during declared 'state of emergency'

Emergency Powers Becomes Law in Oklahoma

Posted on May 18, 2012


Other Firearm Bills Remain Unfinished as Session Moves to a Close

On Wednesday, May 16, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed into law Senate Bill 1760, the Emergency Powers legislation. Additionally, your NRA-ILA continues our work to facilitate passage of additional legislation to expand firearm freedoms in the Sooner State, such as Senate Bill 1743, the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act,” and Senate Bill 1420, legalizing the use of laser scoping devices for hunters with various physical handicaps. The Oklahoma Legislature must complete their business by May 25, but an earlier adjournment is increasingly likely.
Senate Bill 1760, authored by state Senator Anthony Sykes (R-24) and state Representative T.W. Shannon (R-62), passed with overwhelming support in both chambers. 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. This legislation will go into effect on November 1, 2012.
The NRA thanks Senator Sykes and Representative Shannon for their work to guarantee that the rights of lawful Oklahomans to defend themselves and their loved ones will not be suspended in times of emergency. The NRA also thanks Governor Fallin for signing this important measure into law.
Senate Bill 1743, also known as the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act”, passed out of the House and Senate conference committees. SB 1743 passed in the Senate yesterday by a unanimous vote and is now eligible for a House vote, before going to the Governor.
This bill, authored by state Senator Steve Russell (R-45) and state Representative Leslie Osborn (R-47), 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 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.
Senate Bill 1420 received broad support in both chambers, but has been sent to conference committee to work out amended language. By legalizing the use of laser scoping devices in specific circumstances, this legislation would expand hunting opportunities for the legally blind and those who have lost the use of their limbs, such as disabled veterans. SB 1420 is authored by state Senator Ralph Shortey (R-44) and state Representative John Bennett (R-2).

Please contact your state Representative and encourage his or her continued support of Senate Bill 1743 and both your state Senator and Representative on Senate Bill 1420. Contact information for your state legislators can be found by clicking here. NRA-ILA | Emergency Powers Becomes Law in Oklahoma