Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2655

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Crimes and punishments; Oklahoma Riot Control Prevention Act; removing ability of Governor to restrict certain activities during state of emergency; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB2655 will significantly alter the existing framework governing state responses to emergencies. Currently, the Governor has broad powers to impose restrictions aimed at maintaining public order during crises. With the passage of this bill, the capability to enact such restrictions would be curtailed, particularly those affecting firearm possession. This change could lead to debates regarding public safety versus personal liberties, especially in scenarios where emergency measures may be deemed necessary for community protection.

Summary

House Bill 2655 seeks to amend the Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act by removing the Governor's authority to restrict certain activities during a state of emergency. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the Governor cannot prohibit the sale, ownership, or possession of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories, even during declared emergencies. The primary aim of the bill is to protect the rights of citizens to maintain their access to firearms and to limit the scope of governmental power in times of crisis.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB2655 highlights significant contention regarding the balance of power between state officials and individual rights. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a critical defense of personal freedoms, asserting that the government should not have the ability to infringe upon constitutional rights during emergencies. Conversely, opponents express concerns over the implications for civil safety, warning that removing the Governor's authority to impose restrictions could lead to increased chaos and unpredictability during emergencies.

Companion Bills

OK HB2655

Carry Over Crimes and punishments; Oklahoma Riot Control Prevention Act; removing ability of Governor to restrict certain activities during state of emergency; effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2655

Crimes and punishments; Oklahoma Riot Control Prevention Act; removing ability of Governor to restrict certain activities during state of emergency; effective date.

OK SB272

The Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act; modifying entities prohibited from certain action; declaring additional permitted activities. Effective date.

OK SB273

State of emergencies; modifying qualifying events; limiting length of emergency declaration; disallowing certain prohibitions; clarifying certain misdemeanor offense. Effective date.

OK SB269

Ammunition; removing certain caliber restriction. Effective date.

OK HB1304

Crimes and punishments; Oklahoma Crimes and Punishments Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB2136

Crimes and punishments; authorizing the carry of firearms into certain city or town buildings; effective date.

OK HB2149

Crimes and punishments; creating the Oklahoma Equal Justice Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1338

Crimes and punishments; creating the Oklahoma Crimes and Punishments Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB2082

Crimes and punishments; creating the Oklahoma Crimes and Punishments Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1182

Crimes and punishments; creating the Oklahoma Crimes and Punishments Act of 2023; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.