Bill Allowing Guns on College Campuses Approved by House

Talk about a loaded question. Earlier in March we heard about Oklahoma House Bill 2513 which as amended would allow active-duty military and National Guard and Reserve members, honorably discharged veterans, and those with at least 72 hours of firearms training certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education. It also would require people authorized to carry a concealed handgun to provide written notice to the university or college president before bringing a gun on campus.

Before it was amended, the original bill would have allowed anyone at least 21 years old with a concealed handgun carrying permit to take a gun on campus. Before being passed in the House, it received a recommendation in committee of “do pass.”

Rep. Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie), the author of the bill, said it is a “commonsense step” to combat increasing campus violence.

“The concealed carry law is about 12 years old. It’s worked out very well,” Murphey said. He said more than 60,000 Oklahomans are licensed to carry concealed weapons and there has been no widespread gun violence in the state, which opponents had warned of.

Despite having a support in the House to pass such a bill, critics claim that most Oklahomans don’t support such a measure.

“This has to be the craziest thing I have ever seen,” said Rep. Ray McCarter (D-Marlow), one of several lawmakers who said the measure is opposed by college administrators and most Oklahomans but is supported by the National Rifle Association.

“How silly can we be to represent 10 percent of our constituency, the fringe out there,” McCarter said. “Represent your constituency. Don’t be afraid of the National Rifle Association.”

The bill is currently waiting to be heard on the Senate floor, where if approved will go to the Governor.