Oklahoma Senate Bill SR22

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/23

Caption

Resolution; declaring the first Friday in June be recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the State of Oklahoma; supporting efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence.

Impact

By declaring June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day, SR22 aims to highlight the epidemic of gun violence within Oklahoma, which reports an average of 766 gun deaths annually, ranking it the 13th highest in the U.S. The resolution reflects an ongoing commitment to public safety by promoting awareness and encouraging responsible actions among citizens regarding gun ownership. This initiative seeks to foster a dialogue on the dual necessity of upholding Second Amendment rights while also ensuring that firearms are kept out of the hands of individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.

Summary

Senate Resolution 22 (SR22) seeks to designate the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the State of Oklahoma. The resolution supports efforts aimed at reducing the tragic effects of gun violence and encourages communities to participate in raising awareness about this issue. Introduced by Senator Kirt, the resolution recognizes the significance of gun violence prevention in the context of current societal challenges, particularly noting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has been correlated with increased gun sales and crime rates.

Contention

While the resolution expresses support for gun violence awareness, it does not entail any direct legislative action to alter existing gun laws or public policy. As such, there may be differing opinions regarding its effectiveness as a meaningful measure against gun violence. Some critics may view such declarations as symbolic rather than substantive, arguing for more comprehensive legislative actions that directly address gun laws and safety measures.

Additional_notes

The resolution also references the tragic death of Hadiya Pendleton, symbolizing the human cost of gun violence, and encourages citizens to wear orange on June 2 to honor victims and survivors. This campaign not only serves to raise awareness but also aims to foster community involvement in discussions and actions surrounding gun violence prevention.