Oklahoma gun bill’s flaws outweigh its benefits

LIKE many Oklahomans who support gun rights, we think training is a good thing when it comes to gun use. We also think law enforcement funding is important. But Senate Bill 1212, the “constitutional carry” legislation being weighed by the governor, could reduce the number of people who obtain firearms training and defund law enforcement officials. That's not a great combination.

Under current law, Oklahomans who can legally purchase a firearm can carry a gun in public, either concealed or openly, if they have obtained a state license and undergone safety training. That system has worked well for years. Citizens have been able to exercise their right to self-protection, and the permit holders who have misused their weapons or engaged in illegal activity that cost them their permits are a statistical aberration, at most.

SB 1212 would change the system by eliminating the requirement for people to obtain a state license to conceal- or open-carry a gun in certain public places. Supporters note gun buyers will still have to undergo a criminal background check when making purchases, and those convicted of violent crimes and stalking are specifically barred from carrying a weapon. Business owners could still ban weapons on their personal property. Guns would still be banned at schools and government buildings. Thus, even if SB 1212 becomes law, people won't be able to carry guns in any area they cannot already carry a weapon, nor is it likely to allow criminals to carry a gun without consequence.

But the legislation eliminates the requirement for people to complete a short firearms safety and training course from a certified instructor and demonstrate competency with a pistol before carrying a gun in public. No doubt most Oklahomans would still seek out such training, but the fact that some individuals would be able to buy and carry a gun without having demonstrated any level of competency is cause for concern.

Perception problems should also be considered. While several other states already have similar constitutional carry laws, few of those have the baggage Oklahoma carries in the public relations arena. For businesses considering relocation decisions, the fact that Oklahoma legislators prioritized this relatively minor bill over addressing more pressing problems will undoubtedly be a mark against the state.

Even more importantly, SB 1212 defunds law enforcement. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation processes Self Defense Act licenses. If SB 1212 becomes law, the agency expects to lose $4.7 million in annual funding, forcing the firing of up to 60 employees. Although lawmakers increased taxes this year to boost agency funding, the amount lost from the license fees is greater than the extra funding provided to OSBI this year through tax hikes.

Whatever Oklahoma's other problems may be, no one thinks excessive funding of law enforcement has been one of them. If lawmakers truly believe constitutional carry is needed, they should have given OSBI funding sufficient to offset the loss of fees when the gun bill was passed.

For these reasons, we hope Gov. Mary Fallin vetoes SB 1212. Its flaws exceed whatever benefits it may provide, and there doesn't appear to be any strong public demand for ending the concealed carry licensing system, even among most gun owners.