Sen. Dahm files to strengthen 2nd Amendment

OKLAHOMA CITY –State Sen. Nathan Dahm has filed legislation to allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms without a license. Dahm, R-Tulsa, explained Senate Bill 1473 is an effort to reaffirm Oklahomans’ Second Amendment rights.

“The Second Amendment says the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, and yet when we require our citizens to jump through hoops, pay fees and undergo a process that presumes they’re guilty of something until proven otherwise, their rights are being infringed upon,” Dahm said. “Senate Bill 1473 simply says Oklahomans can carry firearms in all the places currently allowed by law, but they will no longer be required to obtain a license to do so.”

Under SB 1473, a person age 18 or older would be able to open carry loaded or unloaded shotguns, rifles and pistols without a license for hunting, target shooting or other such events. It would also be allowed for events related to military or law enforcement functions; for practice or performance for entertainment purposes; or for lawful self-defense purposes.

Places where guns are currently prohibited, such as schools and government facilities, would continue to be off-limits for firearms.

“Oklahomans will still be able to get a license so they could carry in other states that allow reciprocity,” Dahm said. “They just won't have to have a license in Oklahoma to carry.”

If approved, Dahm’s legislation, also known as the “Piers Morgan Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms Without Infringement Act” would become effective on November 1, 2014.