Oklahoma House Panel OKs Open Carry Without Permit, Training

By TIM TALLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
OKLAHOMA CITY — May 4, 2016, 3:42 PM ET

Oklahoma residents age 21 and up could openly carry guns without a license, training or background checks under legislation that a House committee gave preliminary approval to on Wednesday.

The House Conference Committee on Public Safety passed the bill, of which different versions have already been approved in both chambers, prompting the formation of the committees to resolve disagreements. Rep. Jeff Coody, R-Grandfield, said he needs the signatures of seven members of House or Senate conference committees before further action can be taken on the measure before the legislative session is scheduled to end May 27.

The bill, dubbed a "constitutional-carry" measure, would allow those without a felony conviction to openly carry firearms without a license, training or background checks. Those who wish to conceal a weapon would still be required to obtain a license.

The measure is similar to open-carry laws in effect in 30 other states, including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, according to OpenCarry.org, a pro-gun organization which supports the right to openly carry holstered handguns. Oklahoma is currently among 15 states that require a permit to openly carry handguns, the website said.

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