Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1870

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

Firearms; modifying elements of allowable carry. Effective date.

Impact

This legislation is likely to shift the dynamics of safety and security within educational environments across Oklahoma. By authorizing concealed carry without prior consent, supporters argue that it strengthens self-defense rights for individuals on campuses. Proponents contend that the bill will deter crime and promote a safer atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff. However, this has raised concerns among opponents who fear that increased presence of firearms on campuses might escalate tensions and compromise safety, particularly in high-stress environments such as schools. Critics suggest that it may lead to a more hazardous situation instead of a safer one, especially in light of the growing incidents of gun violence at educational institutions nationwide.

Summary

Senate Bill 1870, introduced in the 2024 session of the Oklahoma Legislature, focuses on the regulation of firearms on public college campuses and other educational institutions. The bill amends existing laws concerning the carrying of firearms, notably removing the requirement for written consent from college administrators for individuals with a valid handgun license to carry concealed weapons on campus grounds. Instead, it empowers licensed individuals to exercise their right to carry under the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act under certain conditions. The revisions to Section 1277 of Title 21 highlight a significant policy shift regarding firearms on educational properties, particularly emphasizing personal responsibility and rights under the Second Amendment.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1870 center on the balance between individual rights and public safety. Supporters of the bill, which include several lawmaker factions and gun rights advocates, laud the legislation as a necessary enhancement of personal freedoms and a defensive measure against potential threats on campus. However, opponents, including some educational administrators and safety advocates, express significant concerns regarding the implications for both students and educational policy. They worry about the capacity of educational institutions to maintain a focused learning environment if firearms are permitted more freely on campus grounds, highlighting the need for measures that do not infringe upon safety protocols already in place.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB820

Campus carry of firearms; modifying allowable carry; removing requirement for certain written consent; allowing certain concealed carry; prohibiting certain denial. Effective date.

OK SB664

Campus carry of firearms; modifying allowable carry; removing requirement for certain written consent; allowing certain concealed carry; prohibiting certain denial; allowing certain prohibition. Effective date.

OK HB1021

Firearms; prohibiting the carry of firearms into certain places; effective date.

OK SB920

Firearms; modifying scope of certain prohibited act; providing an exception; prohibiting the carry of firearms into certain places; deleting construing provisions. Effective date.

OK SB838

Firearms; allowing certain teacher carry. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1052

Weapons; modifying lawful carry; removing certain notification of violation provision. Effective date.

OK SB476

Firearms; modifying certain allowable carry; restoring certain rights to carry; prohibiting certain carry for certain persons; removing certain revocation. Effective date.

OK HB1782

Firearms; authorizing municipalities to allow for the carry of concealed firearms by municipal officials or employees; effective date.

OK HB2136

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

OK SB658

Firearms; allowing lawful carry in certain places; requiring certain designations; allowing carry with certain permission. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB1358

Firearms; clarifying manner in which firearms may be carried on public college, university, and technology center school property; effective date.

OK SB733

Campus carry of firearms; modifying allowable carry. Effective date.

OK SB558

Firearms; modifying scope of allowable carry. Effective date.

OK SB1331

Campus carry of firearms; modifying allowable carry. Effective date.

OK HB1095

Firearms; creating the Municipal Carry Act; modifying scope of lawful carry for certain individuals; authorizing certain carry by judges, elected official and designated employees under certain circumstances; effective date.

OK SB742

Firearms; modifying scope of applicability related to lawful carry. Effective date.

OK HB1476

Firearms; authorizing the carry of firearms at certain location; effective date.

OK HB2645

Firearms; unlawful carry in certain places; prohibiting carry on certain government property; clarifying certain exemption; emergency.