Constitutional amendment; expanding the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.
Impact
If enacted, SJR21 would have profound implications on existing state laws governing firearms. By explicitly prohibiting laws that impose registration or special taxes on the possession and transfer of arms, the bill would aim to simplify and protect the rights of gun owners against regulatory practices that the proponents argue infringe on their constitutional rights. Additionally, the legislation allows the legislature to regulate the carrying of weapons only through narrowly tailored laws that serve a compelling state interest, keeping some level of regulation intact while maximizing individual freedoms.
Summary
SJR21 aims to propose an amendment to Section 26 of Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution, which seeks to expand the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms. It is designed to affirm and protect the individual's right to possess various types of arms, which include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and non-lethal defensive weapons for purposes such as self-defense, lawful hunting, and recreation. This proposal will be referred to the electorate for approval or rejection, indicating a significant move toward enhancing gun rights within the state.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding SJR21, primarily concerning the balance between individual rights and public safety. Proponents of the bill argue that it reinforces the fundamental right of self-defense and protects citizens from potential governmental overreach regarding gun ownership. On the other hand, opponents express concern that such an amendment could undermine local regulations aimed at enhancing public safety and community protection measures, raising debates about the implications for gun violence and responsible ownership in various contexts.
Creating the Kansas gun rights preservation act to prohibit the infringement of Kansas citizens' constitutional right to keep and bear arms by the federal government.