Oklahoma Senate Bill SB18

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Firearms; directing certain protection of rights. Effective date.

Impact

The implications of SB18 are significant in the realm of law enforcement and local governance. It mandates that courts and law enforcement agencies actively protect the rights of citizens against violations of their Second Amendment rights. Moreover, the bill states that no law enforcement officer shall enforce any order that contradicts these rights, ensuring a degree of autonomy for officers who align with this bill's provisions. Additionally, it prohibits state and local governments from reducing funding for police departments in connection with their refusal to enforce such orders, thereby maintaining financial support and operational capacity for these forces.

Summary

Senate Bill 18, introduced by Senator Bergstrom, aims to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in Oklahoma. The bill defines any federal, state, or local authority's action that could lead to the confiscation of firearms or their accessories as an infringement of citizens' rights under the Second Amendment. This act positions the state of Oklahoma firmly in favor of maintaining gun rights against potential overreach by various governmental entities.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises contentious issues regarding the balance of power between state and local governments versus federal expectations. Critics of SB18 may argue that it fosters an environment of defiance against lawful federal directives regarding firearms, potentially leading to conflicts in enforcement. Additionally, there are concerns that it could embolden citizens to challenge lawful orders that they perceive as infringing on their rights, leading to potential public safety risks. The provisions within the bill empower law enforcement to refuse compliance, which could create tension within the ranks of public safety officials and the communities they serve.