Newberry praises passage of open carry

Sen. Dan Newberry on Thursday praised his Senate colleagues following the passage of open carry legislation.  Senate Bill 1733 allows citizens licensed to carry a firearm under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act to carry their weapon openly or concealed.

Passing by a vote of 33-10, the measure now advances to the desk of the Governor.

“The Senate this year has advanced a number of bills protecting the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans, none more important than the open-carry proposal,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa.  “The right to defend ourselves is inalienable, and as an elected official I will always do everything in my power to uphold it.  Passage of this bill is an important victory for those of us who make the choice to defend ourselves and our families.”

SB 1733 would also allow property owners to openly carry firearms on their land without requiring a concealed carry permit.  

“I’m proud of my colleagues who stood up for the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans today,” Newberry said.  “In Oklahoma, we have an understanding that law-abiding citizens have the right to protect themselves, and we rightly oppose restrictions that make that more difficult.”

The Senate has sent two 2nd Amendment-related bills to Governor Fallin’s desk.
 
Senate Bill 1733 authored by Senator Anthony Sykes and Rep. Jeff Hickman, would allow citizens licensed to carry a firearm under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act to carry their sidearm openly or concealed.

Approved by the Senate on Wednesday, Senate Bill 1760, by Sen. Sykes and Speaker Designate Rep. T.W. Shannon, would prevent cities or state government from disarming citizens during a state of emergency.
 
“The Legislature has made it clear that Oklahomans will have the right to defend themselves,” said Sykes, R-Moore.  “The right to self-defense is God given and inalienable, and we intend to do everything in our power to defend it.  This legislation further guarantees this right will not be taken from Oklahomans who choose to protect themselves and their families.”
 
Another important 2nd Amendment measure, Senate Bill 875, has now been signed by the Governor.  Authored by Sykes and Rep. Dennis Johnson, the bill limits the liability of owners, employees and customers from injuries that occur at gun ranges, gun shops and gun clubs.