Oklahoma Senate Bill SR22

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/23

Caption

A 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

This bill carries symbolic weight as it emphasizes the need for measures to prevent gun violence while also supporting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. By officially recognizing a day for awareness, it hopes to reinforce the commitment of legislators and communities to tackle gun violence, including incidents exacerbated by circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution aims to foster a greater sense of community involvement in violence prevention efforts and encourages residents to engage in meaningful discussions regarding responsible gun ownership.

Summary

Senate Resolution 22 (SR22) aims to declare the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the State of Oklahoma. The resolution is a response to the recurring issue of gun violence, which sees the state averaging 766 gun deaths annually, ranking it as the 13th highest in the United States. A significant portion of these deaths are attributed to suicide, accounting for 66% of gun-related fatalities in the state. The resolution seeks to raise awareness and encourage discussions around the implications of gun violence, particularly regarding public safety and community responsibility.

Contention

While SR22 is largely a resolution for awareness rather than a legislative bill imposing regulatory changes, it does touch upon the ongoing national debate concerning gun control. Some community members and advocacy groups may perceive the resolution as an insufficient response to increasing gun violence incidents, arguing that more concrete legislative measures are necessary. The focus on awareness could be viewed as a step towards ensuring that discussions surrounding gun violence are brought to the forefront, yet skeptics may call for more actionable solutions to prevent gun deaths and promote community safety.