Small: Anti-ESG law having impact

Anti-ESG law having impact

By Jonathan Small

In recent years, state lawmakers voted to prevent state funds from being invested by entities that boycott energy production through “Environmental Social Governance” (ESG) policies.

The goal was two-fold. First, the law would keep Oklahoma taxpayer money from being used to harm the overall state economy, which remains heavily dependent on oil-and-gas production. Second, it would maximize the return on state pension fund investments, benefitting retirees.

Bingman's Corporation Commish candidacy endorsed by LtGov Pinnell, Commissioners Hiett and David

TOP REPUBLICAN LEADERS ENDORSE BRIAN BINGMAN FOR CORPORATION COMMISSION

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, September 7, 2023 - Statewide leaders joined Governor Kevin Stitt in lending their support of Brian Bingman for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell said: “I’m proud to throw my endorsement behind Secretary Bingman; he’s a strong conservative leader, extremely qualified for the job, and a man of faith. I’m thrilled that he’s wanting to continue to serve the people of Oklahoma as our next Corporation Commissioner.” Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners Kim David and Todd Hiett also issued endorsements today.

Commissioner David said in a statement, “Brian and I worked together in the state Senate, where he championed conservative reforms. His leadership and prowess will be an unmatched attribute on the Commission.”

Commissioner Hiett echoed his support for Bingman saying, “With more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry, Brian is the most qualified person to be the next Corporation Commissioner. He’ll bring invaluable knowledge, common sense and maturity that will help us in our efforts to protect our oil and gas industry.”

In response, Bingman said, “I’m honored to have the support and endorsement of our state’s top conservative leaders today. It’s very humbling that they are putting their trust in me to help make Oklahoma a better place to do business and raise a family. I look forward to getting together with them on day one to start working on our vision for the State.”

Bingman is the only announced Republican candidate for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. He currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor and Secretary of State to Governor Kevin Stitt.

OCPA column: Stitt's inauguration sets tone

Inauguration sets tone

By Jonathan Small

Gov. Kevin Stitt set the right tone for his second term in his inauguration speech, signaling a focus on good policy. Stitt’s agenda gives Oklahomans reason for optimism.

“It’s time to keep moving forward with big ideas and to get them across the finish line for today’s children as well as the next generation,” Stitt said.

Election Results Map: U.S. Senate, other statewide races

Earlier this week, I update my long-running Election Results Maps series with a post looking at the 2022 Oklahoma general election races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Superintendent. In this post, we'll cover the remaining statewide partisan races.

Overall, it was a Republican romp.

Endorsements and Recommendations for the General Election

Tuesday, November 8th, is the Oklahoma General Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide who will hold elected offices for the next two to six years (depending on the position). Below are a few of my voting picks. I know I'm just a lowly blogger, but hopefully the information in this post will be helpful with your voting plans.

If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out. Early voting is Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, through Friday, Nov. 4th, from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday, Nov. 5th, from 8am to 2pm, at these locations. Election day voting is 7am to 7pm at your polling place.

Remember: when it actually mattered, Kim David killed abortion ban

Artwork by T. Russell Hunter

State Sen. Kim David is the Republican nominee for Corporation Commissioner. Her record on tax and fiscal policy is abysmal (bodes well for being a rubber-stamp to utility price hikes, right?)

There's one other thing to know about Kim David.

Amber Integrated releases poll of statewide runoff races

Amber Integrated Releases Survey of Likely GOP Run-Off Election voters

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 17th) – The Oklahoma-based public affairs firm Amber Integrated has released a survey measuring attitudes about the current political environment held by Republican voters likely to vote in the August 23 run-off elections. 

Gov. Stitt endorses Kim David in Corporation Commission runoff

I would like to point out that Kim David has one of the worst records on tax hikes. 

Governor Stitt endorses Kim David for Corporation Commissioner

Says she is a conservative leader with a strong track record

Oklahoma City: Kim David announced today that Governor Kevin Stitt has endorsed her run for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

Senate passes bill ending vehicle sales tax hike they passed in 2017

They want you to congratulate them on cutting your taxes, when in reality the folks who were opposed to raising your taxes in the first place have been more than vindicated over the past several years.

For reference, here are the candidates for higher office who voted in 2017 to raise this tax on Oklahomans:

• State Sen. Kim David (running for Corporation Commissioner)
• State Rep. Avery Frix (running for 2nd District Congress)
• State Rep. Leslie Osborn (incumbent Labor Commissioner)
• State Rep. Dustin Roberts (running for 2nd District Congress)
• State Rep. Todd Thomsen (running for Corporation Commissioner)

Here are the candidates for higher office who were taxpayer champions and voted in 2017 against raising this tax on Oklahomans:

• State Sen. Josh Brecheen (running for 2nd District Congress)
• State Sen. Nathan Dahm (running for U.S. Senate, special election)
• State Sen. Marty Quinn (running for 2nd District Congress)
• State Rep. John Bennett (running for 2nd District Congress)
• State Rep. Kevin Calvey (running for Oklahoma County District Attorney)
• State Rep. Sean Roberts (running for Labor Commissioner)
• State Rep. Todd Russ (running for State Treasurer)

Remember their record, not their rhetoric, at the ballot box.

Senate approves bill eliminating motor vehicle sales tax

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Wednesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 1075 to reinstate the full sales tax exemption on motor vehicles and tractor trailers. The Legislature removed the 1.25% of the exemption in 2017, but Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, said with revenues at record highs, it’s time to restore the much-needed tax relief for Oklahomans.

Legislature sends bill to Governor adding 11th paid holiday off for state employees

Because 10 paid holidays off isn't enough for government employees, or the elected officials who need to pander for their votes:

Senate approves additional personal holiday for state employees

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28th) – On Thursday, the Senate passed legislation to give Oklahoma’s full-time state employees one personal holiday. House Bill 4190 would allow workers to choose from Good Friday, Juneteenth, Statehood Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, or the employee’s birthday. Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, are the principal authors of the legislation.

Kim David announces campaign for Corporation Commissioner

David Running for Corporation Commissioner
Pledges strong, conservative leadership

Porter, Okla.: State Senator Kim David announced today that she is a candidate for Oklahoma Corporation Commission. 

“For the past decade, I’ve fought to ensure Oklahomans have reliable, affordable energy and strong infrastructure,” David said. “Serving on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the next step in continuing this important work while growing jobs and opportunities in our state.”

As a Republican leader in the Senate, David recently helped advance one of the body’s most conservative legislative agendas in the history of Oklahoma, which was then signed by Gov. Stitt.

A historic figure in Oklahoma politics, David is the first woman since statehood to be named majority leader of the Oklahoma State Senate. She is also the first woman to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the first Republican woman to serve as majority whip.

David will seek to fill the seat of Commissioner Dana Murphy, who is retiring due to term limits.

Governor Stitt signs landmark education reform bills into law

GOVERNOR STITT SIGNS MOST TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION REFORM IN STATE HISTORY INTO LAW

Legislation allows for students to attend schools that best fit their needs, modernizes funding formula to match recent enrollment

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 31, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt signed the most transformative education reform legislation in Oklahoma history into law today in a ceremony in the Blue Room at the Capitol.

House Bill 2078 and Senate Bill 783 allow for students to attend public schools that best meet their needs and modernize the funding formula to match enrollment counts more accurately.

“This is a monumental day for education reform in Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “Education is not one-size-fits-all, and these bills allow parents and students to have the freedom to attend the best public school for them regardless of their ZIP code. Additionally, modernizing the funding formula ensures funding follows the student, not the school. These reforms are vital to getting Oklahoma to be a Top Ten state in education and I am proud of this Republican legislature for its dedication to putting students first.”

“Today is a historic day for education in Oklahoma,” said Secretary of Education Ryan Walters. “We have transformed funding for every single student in the state and empowered them to choose a school that best fits their needs. These two bills will work seamlessly together to have an immediate impact on the way we educate Oklahoma’s students and I commend our state leaders for getting this across the finish line.”

HB 2078, authored by Rep. Kyle Hilbert (R-Depew) and Sen. Zack Taylor (R-Seminole), modernizes the education funding formula by basing per-pupil funding on the most recent enrollment data. The previous system gave school districts multiple enrollment figures from which to base their funding, causing some districts to receive state funds for students who are no longer enrolled.

SB 783, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond), Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) and Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow), amends the Education Open Transfer Act to allow students the ability to transfer to another school district at any time, provided the district has space available.

Pandemic precaution protocols for 2021 legislative session announced

Pandemic precaution protocols for 2021 session announced

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 29th) – Pandemic precaution protocols for the 2021 legislative session were announced Friday.

To protect against the spread of the COVID-19 while preserving legislative functionality and public access, the Senate and House of Representatives will each:

• Continue livestreaming all proceedings online.
• Reduce committee room and legislative chamber gallery capacity to accommodate social distancing while strictly enforcing capacity limits, with committee seating first reserved for committee members and staff followed by the public.
• Establish committee overflow spaces throughout the building where committee proceedings will be broadcast in areas conducive to social distancing.
• Allow forms of remote voting upon approval of additional legislative rules once session begins.
• Continue the mask policy of masks should be worn where social distancing is not possible.
• Provide regular testing of members and staff.
• Prohibit public gatherings in legislative chambers, committee rooms and hallways.
• Limit floor appearances by the public.
• Continue regular and extensive cleaning, keep doors open where possible, increase availability of hand sanitizer, and display additional protocol and precaution signage throughout legislative space.
• Utilize a socially-distanced seating chart for joint sessions.

In addition, the Oklahoma State Department of Health made COVID-19 vaccinations available to all legislators earlier this month as part of its planned second tier of vaccinations. By early in session, a large majority of the Legislature will have been vaccinated in the interest of continuity of government.

The protocols will be regularly evaluated and are subject to change during session.

The 48-member Senate will allow remote voting for committee and proxy voting for floor votes.

“These protocols allow the Legislature to function without interruption while maintaining safety and access for members, staff and the citizens we serve,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter. “Shutting down the Legislature or public access to it were not options, so we developed a comprehensive, bicameral approach that is reasonable and allows the people’s business to safely continue.”

The 101-member House will allow remote voting for committee votes. Floor votes can occur from desks on the fourth floor or from a designated members-only area in the fifth floor chamber gallery in order to reduce the number of members on the floor for social distancing flexibility. Plexiglass dividers have been installed on desks in the House chamber, where two members sit at each desk as opposed to one member at each desk in the Senate.

“Functionality, safety and transparency are all accounted for in these protocols,” said House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City. “These are the same types of practical precautions legislative bodies and organizations of all kinds are using worldwide. It won’t be typical, but it is the right thing to do until the pandemic subsides enough to resume normal operations.”

The protocols were developed by legislator working groups led by David in the Senate and Echols in the House. The groups consulted with public health professionals and reviewed protocols at other legislative bodies to set the policies, which were recommended to and approved by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, in the Senate and House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, in the House.

“I appreciate the work of my Democratic and Republican Senate colleagues, as well as Senate staff, for their work on pandemic preparations,” Treat said. “The threat from COVID-19 is real and should be taken seriously by all Oklahomans. With these protocols, we are taking steps to protect the health and safety of those who work in the Capitol and those who may visit. With that said, I still encourage those who do not need to be at the Capitol to remotely follow the work of the Legislature.”

Senate protocols can be viewed here.

“We are taking the pandemic seriously. These are significant, responsible changes that I applaud my colleagues for developing,” McCall said. “If you need to be at the Capitol, you can be here safely. If you do not need to be at the Capitol, you can still view all proceedings online and contact your legislators anytime.”

House protocols can be viewed here.

Voters to decide on using TSET funds for Medicaid expansion program

Senate approves bill to use TSET funds for Medicaid; SJR27 will send plan to voters to decide

OKLAHOMA CITY – A plan to help pay for Medicaid in Oklahoma passed off the Senate floor Friday. Senate Joint Resolution 27, by Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, refers to Oklahoma voters a constitutional amendment to allow a larger portion of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund (TSET) annual settlement payments to go towards paying for either the governor’s Medicaid expansion program or Medicaid expansion that may result from the approval of a pending state question.

OCPA releases Legislative Scorecard for tracking session votes

From the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs:

At the beginning of the 2020 legislative session, the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs announced that we would produce a legislative scorecard to be updated throughout the session.

The OCPA board of trustees and staff came to realize that there wasn’t an easy-to-use guide for constituents to understand just how their lawmakers are voting on issues related to free markets, limited government, individual initiative, and personal responsibility. So we decided to change that.

At the beginning of the legislative session, we launched our new Legislative Scorecard, which can be found at scorecard.ocpathink.org. In addition to the scorecard itself, we released a watch list of bills that are eligible to be included on the scorecard. You can view the watch list at ocpa.co/WatchList.

Check out the live scorecard and share it with your family and friends, it even has an easy-to-use locator so anyone can easily find their lawmaker.

I checked out the Muskogee area legislators to see how they've been voting so far this session.

Ouch.

The city of Muskogee is covered by Rep. Avery Frix (45%), Rep. Chris Sneed (47%), and Sen. Dewayne Pemberton (36%).

Pemberton has the lowest rating for any Republican Senator, and fourth lowest in the entire Senate. Half of the Democratic caucus rates higher than him. 24 of 77 House Republicans have lower scores than Frix, while 30 have lower scores than Sneed.

Randleman and Thompson cover far southern Muskogee County, Fetgatter has portions of far western Muskogee County, while McDugle is across the border in Wagoner County. Sen. David has portions of western and northeastern Muskogee County.

OCPA's scorecard has already resulted in fireworks. BatesLine has the details, including a member of the House directing obscenities and giving OCPA's president Jonathan Small "the finger" inside the Capitol building.

GOP leaders react to Stitt's State of the State

Speaker McCall Comments on Gov. Stitt's State of the State Address

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s 2020 State of the State speech:

 “We appreciate Governor Stitt setting big goals in our shared pursuit of maintaining and growing the positive momentum in Oklahoma. Our Caucus likes the bold vision the governor cast to do things differently in Oklahoma, and our job now is to dig into the details. Expect swift action in areas where we come to agreement, and in areas where we differ, we will have a civil discourse about what’s best for Oklahoma. I anticipate another highly-productive, meaningful session. The House looks forward to working with Governor Stitt and the Senate to close out the 57th Legislature as strongly as we started it.” – House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka

Senate GOP leaders comment on Governor’s state of the state address

OKLAHOMA CITY – Republicans leaders in the Oklahoma Senate released the following comments regarding Governor Kevin Stitt’s 2020 state of the state address:

“I commend Governor Stitt’s positive message and appreciate the vision he laid out of how we advance toward the goal of becoming a top 10 state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Governor Stitt’s commitment to modernizing state government and cutting red tape is welcomed at the Capitol. Senate Republicans look forward to partnering with the governor and the House on ways to make government more customer-focused and responsive to taxpayers.”

“The Legislature took some positive steps last year to give the state’s chief executive the ability to truly run the executive branch of government. I appreciated Governor Stitt’s ideas on more agency consolidation. This is another way we can save tax dollars and make government more responsive and Senate Republicans look forward to working with the governor and the House on this issue,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter.

“Taxpayer dollars are a finite and precious resource, so we want to make sure they are maximized to benefit the most Oklahomans. Senate Republicans have been crunching the numbers on this budget since last summer. We appreciate the governor’s budget plan and look forward to working with him and the House as we develop a balanced budget that benefits all Oklahomans,” said Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Constitutional Carry authors answer myths, present facts on new laws

Authors of Constitutional Carry comment on bill's implementation 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City) and Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) today commented on the implementation of House Bill 2597, known as "Constitutional Carry."

“The right to bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Starting Friday, Oklahomans lawfully allowed to carry a firearm can do so without improper infringement and without having to pay for a state permit. This should not discourage people from training to learn how to use their weapon. In the 15 other states with constitutional carry, citizens are safe and responsibly exercising their right to bear arms. Oklahoma is proud to join those states in more fully protecting this constitutional freedom as our founders intended.” – Rep. Echols, House Majority Floor Leader

“Most Oklahomans won’t notice a difference after the enactment of constitutional carry. Some are using scare tactics and warning Oklahoma will turn into the ‘Wild West’ after Nov. 1. It didn’t happen in Arkansas and Kansas when constitutional carry became law there, and it’s not likely to happen in Oklahoma either. Constitutional carry is an important policy that strikes the right balance in protecting both Second Amendment rights and private property rights.” – Sen. David, Senate Majority Floor Leader

House Bill 2597
Allows Oklahoma citizens age 21 or older to carry a firearm in public without a permit, and allows active duty military personnel or veterans age 18 or over to carry a firearm in public without a permit.

• Prohibits felons, illegal aliens, persons adjudicated with mental illness or those with domestic violence convictions from carrying a firearm
• Allows private property owners to prohibit customers and guests from carrying firearms on that property
• Allows public and private colleges and universities and government buildings to prohibit students, employees and guests from carrying firearms on that property
• Keeps in place current law that requires a background check for the purchase of a firearm
• Keeps in place current training and licensing program for those who want to obtain a permit for the purpose of reciprocity in other states

House Bill 2010
Follow up bill to House Bill 2597, allows Oklahoma citizens to carry a firearm on property owned, leased, operated or managed by a public trust.

• Including municipal zoos and public parks of any size
• Allows those properties to prohibit open carry but not permitless, concealed carry

MYTHS AND FACTS

Myth: Anyone can buy a gun now.
Fact: The law maintains current background check requirements before firearm purchases.

Myth: Anyone can carry guns now.
Fact: The law does not remove the restriction on people with felony records carrying guns. It is still illegal. Furthermore, the law restricts illegal aliens, persons adjudicated with mental illness or those with domestic violence convictions from carrying a firearm.

Myth: People can have a gun anywhere now.  
Fact: Private property owners, like businesses and restaurants, can prohibit visitors from carrying firearms on private property.

Myth: Constitutional Carry will turn Oklahoma into the Wild West.
Fact: The same claims were made when the state passed concealed carry and open carry laws. Fifteen other states allow Constitutional Carry, including Arkansas and Kansas, while Texas provides Constitutional Carry “Light,” allowing citizens to carry without a permit in their vehicles to and from their home, business or land.

OK2A, 36 legislators file challenge against anti-Constitutional Carry petition

Earlier today, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!, the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, 22 GOP members of the State House and 14 GOP members of the State Senate filed a challenge in the State Supreme Court aimed at tossing out the initiative petition being circulated by anti-gun groups that aims to send permitless carry to a state vote in hopes of overturning the new law.

Specifically, their brief states that 'The “gist” of the referendum effectively contains six separate clauses, two of which are blatantly false, inaccurate, misleading, and inflammatory, and the remaining four of which are inaccurate, misleading and inflammatory.' If their challenge is confirmed, the petition could be thrown out.

The cover sheet of the brief is below, listing the names of the 36 legislators that signed on, including House Speaker Charles McCall and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (and yet, now that I look at it again, notably missing Senate President Greg Treat). Of interest to Muskogee area residents, State Sen. Kim David (R-Porter), State Sen. Roger Thompson (R-Okemah), State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee), and State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Wagoner) are on the list; none of the other legislators in or touching Muskogee County signed on to the brief.

More information:

• Read the 13-Page Protest Brief here. 
• Read  31-page SQ 803 here (the anti-Constitutional Carry initiative petition). 
• Read the Cover Sheet of the Supreme Court Brief here. 
• Visit the OK2A YouTube Channel for more videos on the topic.

Pro Tem Treat announces bipartisan working group for Senate confirmation process

Pro Tem Greg Treat announces bipartisan working group for Senate confirmation process

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Wednesday announced the members of a bipartisan working group to study the Senate’s confirmation process for executive nominations.

Pro Tem Treat made the announcement a week after new laws went into effect giving the governor the ability to hire and fire the heads of five of the largest state agencies. To ensure the proper vetting of executive nominations moving forward, Pro Tem Treat said he has tasked the working group with developing recommendations on how to make the Senate confirmation process more thorough and complete.

“I made the commitment to members of the Senate while advocating for this new appointment power for the governor that I would appoint a bipartisan working group to ensure the Senate confirmation process would be thorough and complete,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Senate confirmation of executive nominations has always been an important function of the institution. With the new gubernatorial appointments of agency directors, it’s even more important that we get it right and thoroughly vet executive nominations to ensure the men and women nominated are qualified and capable leaders who will serve the state of Oklahoma well. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the working group.”

Pro Tem Treat has set a deadline of April 4th for the working group to submit its recommendations to his office. The members of the working group are:

• Senator Kim David, R-Porter
• Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah
• Senator Frank Simpson, R-Springer
• Senator Rob Standridge, R-Norman
• Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore
• Senator Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City
• Senator Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Constitutional Carry passes Senate, signed by Gov. Stitt

Governor Stitt signs Constitutional Carry (photo courtesy of Aaron Brilbeck with News9)

Governor Kevin Stitt has signed his first bill into law, applying his signature to House Bill 2597 ("Constitutional Carry") a short while ago at a bill signing ceremony at the State Capitol.

Below is the press release from the Senate following passage, and underneath are comments from State Rep. Sean Roberts and State Sen. Nathan Dahm (all were sent before Governor Stitt signed the measure):

Senate sends constitutional carry bill to governor’s desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday sent the constitutional carry bill to the governor’s desk. House Bill 2597, authored in the Senate by Majority Floor Leader Kim David, was approved with a bipartisan vote of 40-6.

The bill:

• Permits Oklahomans age 21 and older to carry a firearm without a permit.
• Permits veterans, active duty, and reserve military age 18 and over to carry without a permit.
• Prohibits felons and those with domestic violence convictions or who have been adjudicated as having a mental illness from carrying a firearm.

Additionally, the bill maintains current protections allowing private property owners to prohibit firearms from being carried onto their property. The bill also maintains the ability of higher education institutions to set their own policies regarding the carrying of firearms on campuses.

Upon the governor’s signature, Oklahoma would become the 16th state to allow constitutional carry. The citizens of the 15 states where constitutional carry is allowed can carry without a permit in Oklahoma. Bordering constitutional carry states include Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri.

“This is great legislation that enhances and strengthens both Second Amendment rights and private property rights of Oklahomans. This bill also grants the same rights and trust to Oklahomans that the citizens of 15 other states have had in our state for years. I appreciate the members of the Senate for sending this measure to the governor’s desk and look forward to it being signed into law,” said David, R-Porter.

“Second Amendment rights and property rights are not mutually exclusive, and this bill strikes the right balance to strengthen and enhance both rights of Oklahoma citizens. I congratulate Senator Kim David on all of her hard work in getting this bill through the legislative process and look forward to it gaining the governor’s signature,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Rep. Sean Roberts Comments on Signing of Constitutional Carry Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, commented today on Gov. Stitt’s signing of House Bill 2597, otherwise known as constitutional carry:

“Law-abiding citizens should have the ability to exercise their Constitutional right to carry firearms without government interference. Passing Constitutional carry has been one of my priorities for several years, and I’m pleased my colleagues in the Senate overwhelmingly voted to uphold the Second Amendment rights of Oklahoma’s citizens. I am grateful to Governor Stitt for his strong support of this bill and his willingness to address this important issue and I look forward to continuing the fight to uphold our Constitutional rights.”

Senator Dahm comments on passage of Constitutional Carry Bill

On Wednesday, the Oklahoma State Senate passed House Bill 2597, which would restore 2nd Amendment Rights for law-abiding Oklahomans by enacting Constitutional Carry in Oklahoma. Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, released the following statement regarding passage of the measure.

“The core function of government should be protecting fundamental rights. It is encouraging to see the legislature pass bills that restore our rights. This has been an effort over many years, and I’m extremely thankful for all those who boldly led the charge to restore our rights and appreciate all those who finally voted for this bill.”

Sen. Dahm’s response to questions regarding whether Gov. Stitt would sign the legislation -

“There is a renewed energy at the Capitol with the leadership we have seen from Governor Stitt. It’s encouraging to finally have a Governor who has shown leadership and a desire to defend the rights of the people. I look forward to the Governor having the opportunity to sign legislation restoring fundamental rights as his first bill signed into law. And I look forward to working with him and his administration for years to come to set Oklahoma on a path for future generations to benefit from in every area.”

HB2597 would keep the existing licensing option for those who choose to use that path and would also create the ability for law-abiding citizens 21 and up or military members 18 and up to legally carry a firearm for self-defense without that requirement. Thirteen other states have already enacted Constitutional Carry laws with South Dakota passing it just last month. Oklahoma law currently allows the citizens of those states to exercise their Constitutional Carry rights in Oklahoma and HB2597 would extend that same right to law-abiding Oklahomans as well.