Legislation Would Eliminate a Gun-Related Felony in Oklahoma

Legislation filed by an Oklahoma state lawmaker would eliminate a felony for law-abiding gun owners.

Rep. Paul Wesselhöft has introduced House Bill 1558, which would allow licensed gun owners to board a bus with their firearm without fear of reprimand. Under current law, anyone found boarding a bus with a firearm, concealed or otherwise, would be guilty of a felony.

“If we take the Second Amendment seriously, there is no reason why a concealed carry permit holder must be charged with a felony for simply boarding a public bus,” Wesselhöft said in a statement announcing the bill. “The data has shown again and again that it is rarely law-abiding gun owners who commit crimes.”

State Sen. Kyle Loveless, who will carry the legislation in the state Senate, said this is an issue of particular interest to urban Oklahomans.

“Buses are a common means of getting around in Oklahoma City and I believe we have nothing to fear from lawful gun owners. Gun ownership is a right given to us by the Second Amendment and as lawmakers, it is our duty to respect lawful gun owners and not treat them as criminals.”

The legislative session begins Feb. 4, 2013.

Source: Oklahoma House of Representatives