EDMOND —
More than 125,000 Oklahomans have obtained handgun licenses under the state’s self-defense law, according to the OSBI.
Effective Nov. 1, Oklahoma Self Defense Act license holders will be legally allowed to carry their handguns in a concealed or unconcealed manner. As of July 12, there were 126,289 active license holders in the state under Senate Bill 1733, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
In May, Gov. Mary Fallin signed SB 1733 into law. It also allows property owners to openly carry a firearm on their property without a concealed carry permit for the purpose of self-defense.
At the time, Oklahoma became the 25th state with either “permissive open carry” laws (no permit required) or “licensed open carry” (permit required). Oklahoma joined Utah, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Hawaii and Massachusetts as a “licensed open carry” state.
Fallin said the law requires that applicants undergo both firearms training and a background check. Businesses may continue to prohibit firearms on their premises.
SB 1733 prohibits carrying firearms on properties owned or leased by the city, state or federal government, at corrections facilities, in schools or college campuses, bars or other businesses in certain instances where alcohol is consumed and at sports arenas during sporting events.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have established residency in Oklahoma, be at least age 21, complete a firearms safety and training course, submit to an OSBI background check, complete the application process and comply in good faith with the provisions of the Oklahoma Self Defense Act. A five-year license costs $100, a 10-year license $200.
Convicted felons and persons with certain misdemeanors may not receive a handgun license.
Questions on the application include: Have you previously submitted a handgun application? Are you a U.S. citizen? Have you ever renounced your U.S. citizenship? Have you ever received a dishonorable discharge from the military? Do you have a felony charge pending? Do you have a conviction for domestic abuse? Do you have a misdemeanor conviction for stalking? Information required includes employment status, whether the handgun is a derringer, revolver or semi-automatic and Social Security number.
During the firearm safety and training course, applicants must demonstrate competence and qualifications with the type of pistol to be carried and submit proof of training and qualification or an exemption for training and qualification.
Under the law Oklahoma recognizes any valid concealed carry firearms permit or license issued by another state. The permit must be issued by the state and not a county or law enforcement agency.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
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