Oklahoma Senate Bill SB347

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Gun control; defining terms; prohibiting public officers and employees from using public monies to promote gun control; providing list of prohibited actions. Effective date.

Impact

The introduction of SB347 would have significant implications for state laws regarding the regulation of public resources. By explicitly barring the use of state funds for advocating gun control, the bill essentially limits the state's capacity to support any public discourse around gun control efforts. This could significantly decrease the promotion of public safety initiatives that aim to address gun-related violence, which may raise concerns among advocates for stricter gun regulations who fear that this creates an imbalance in public policy discussions.

Summary

Senate Bill 347 seeks to establish regulations regarding the use of public funds in the context of gun control advocacy in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill prohibits public officers and employees from utilizing public monies to promote any gun control policies. It defines key terms related to gun control and clearly outlines which actions are considered violations, such as using public resources to influence legislation relevant to gun control. The bill aims to curtail public advocacy for gun control measures, reflecting a broader debate about how government resources should be allocated concerning controversial social issues.

Contention

Controversy surrounding SB347 revolves around the balance of power between government advocacy and the use of public resources for civic engagement. Supporters argue that the bill prevents the misuse of taxpayer funds for political agendas, thereby maintaining governmental neutrality on divisive issues such as gun control. However, opponents insist that it infringes on the ability of public officials to utilize resources to educate and inform the public about necessary safety measures, particularly in light of increasing gun violence. This contention highlights a fundamental debate over the role of government in addressing social issues through public education and advocacy.