Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR9

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Constitutional amendment; expanding rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.

Impact

If adopted, SJR9 would notably reshape the legal landscape surrounding gun ownership in Oklahoma. It is designed to ensure that the right to bear arms remains unhindered by regulations unless they serve a compelling state interest. The amendment could significantly limit the state's ability to enforce any laws that impose registration or taxation, potentially impacting local and state gun control measures. Moreover, the provision for gender-neutral language updates reflects a broader commitment toward inclusivity in legislative texts.

Summary

SJR9, introduced by Senator Bullard, is a Joint Resolution aimed at amending Section 26 of Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution to expand citizens' rights to keep and bear arms. The proposed amendment seeks to clarify and strengthen the phrasing related to the right to bear arms for personal defense, lawful hunting, and other legitimate purposes. It aims to prevent any prohibitions on this fundamental right and emphasizes that citizens shall not face registration or taxation related to the ownership or transfer of arms, ammunition, or their components.

Contention

The introduction of SJR9 may not be without contention. Proponents argue that it is essential to protect the rights of individuals and uphold the spirit of the Second Amendment. However, concerns arise regarding the potential implications for public safety and local governance over firearms regulation. Critics might voice worries that the amendment undermines municipal authorities' capacity to enact regulations tailored to specific community needs, especially regarding managing firearms in sensitive environments. As such, the bill has the potential to fuel debates on the balance between individual rights and community safety.

Companion Bills

OK SJR9

Carry Over Constitutional amendment; expanding rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.

Previously Filed As

OK SJR9

Constitutional amendment; expanding rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.

OK HJR1034

Joint Resolution; expanding rights of citizens to keep and bear arms; ballot title; directing filing.

OK SB826

Firearms; considering certain actions as infringing on the right to keep and bear arms. Effective date.

OK SB260

Firearms; legislative firearms preemption; expanding certain rights infringement definition. Effective date.

OK SJR5

Constitutional amendment; limiting state questions on ballot to odd-numbered years; requiring proposed constitutional amendments or state questions to receive certain majority vote.

OK SJR3

Constitutional amendment; reducing threshold to approve school district indebtedness.

OK SJR12

Constitutional amendment; prohibiting unfunded mandates for political subdivisions.

OK SJR1

Constitutional amendment; prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure of electronic data and communications.

OK HJR1016

Constitutional amendment; Certificate of Merit Act of 2023; ballot title; filing.

OK HJR1030

Constitutional amendment; making the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction an appointed office; ballot title; filing.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.