Oklahoma Senate Bill SB15

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Firearms; prohibiting certain contracts; requiring written verification. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB15 would alter the landscape of how state contracts are negotiated, especially in relation to businesses that operate within the firearm industry. The bill is designed to protect firearm entities and associations from being discriminated against in government contracts, asserting that companies cannot refuse to engage in business based solely on an entity's status as a firearm entity. This change emphasizes a commitment to uphold firearm-related businesses in governmental affairs, ensuring they are afforded equitable treatment when seeking contracts.

Summary

Senate Bill 15, introduced by Senator Murdock, seeks to impose specific regulations on contracts between governmental entities and companies that engage in trade with firearm entities or associations. The bill defines key terms such as 'firearm', 'firearm entity', and 'governmental entity' and establishes contract requirements that necessitate written verification from companies. This verification must confirm that the company does not have discriminatory practices against firearm entities or associations during the term of their contract. The legislation specifically targets contracts valued at $100,000 or more and does not apply to sole-source providers or situations where no eligible company can provide the required verification.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB15 include concerns about the potential for the bill to limit the ability of government entities to enforce their own standards regarding business practices. Critics argue that the bill may unintentionally protect companies that engage in poor business practices merely based on their classification as firearm entities. Additionally, advocates for stricter gun control regulations worry that this legislation could provide an undue advantage to the firearms industry, thereby complicating the effort to impose regulations aimed at public safety.