By: Teresa Mull
An anti-gun group, including Moms Demand Action, seeking to overturn Oklahoma’s Constitutional Carry law has failed to collect enough signatures to get the question on the ballot.
Kfor.com reports:
A group seeking to stop a new law that would allow people in Oklahoma to openly carry firearms without training or a background check is acknowledging they fell short of the number of signatures needed for a statewide vote on the issue.
In a court filing on Thursday, an attorney for the group estimates they gathered between 30,000 and 50,000 signatures.They would have needed nearly 60,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify the question for the ballot.
GPM reported earlier this year:
Oklahoma has officially joined the growing list of states honoring Constitutional Carry.
Fox8 reports:
…[HB 2597] passed the Senate on a 40-6 vote with every Republican and one Democrat voting in favor. It already sailed through the GOP-controlled House.
The bill, which becomes effective Nov. 1, would allow most residents 21 and older to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms without a license. Exceptions would include anyone in the country illegally or those convicted of certain crimes. Firearms would still be prohibited in certain locations, including public buildings, schools, professional sporting events, casinos and bars.
Currently, those wishing to carry a firearm in public must apply for a license that includes a state background check and completion of a training course.
"The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) is thrilled Oklahoma has joined the growing list of states restoring the Constitutional right to carry a firearm," Ryan Flugaur, political director of NAGR, told Gunpowder Magazine. "This life-saving measure signed by Governor Stitt will ensure no law-abiding citizen will be forced to beg for government permission or pay a fee simply to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense. Special thanks to pro-gun State Senator Nathan Dahm, and to our members and supporter across Oklahoma for making this happen!”
South Dakota became the 13th state to pass Constitutional Carry this year. And Kentucky followed closely on the heels of Oklahoma.
National Association for Gun Rights Political Director Ryan Flugaur witnessed Gov. Kevin Stitt sign Constitutional Carry into law in Oklahoma.
Teresa Mull is editor of Gunpowder Magazine. Contact her at [email protected].