Governor Vetoes Exemption Bill for Oklahoma-Made Guns, Ammunition

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Brad Henry vetoed a bill that exempts some ammunitions and weapons from federal regulations.

The governor's office confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Henry vetoed Senate Bill 1685. The bill authored by Rep. Charles Key and Sen. Randy Brogdon will exempt any ammunition and weapons made and sold in Oklahoma from federal regulation, including background check requirements.

Henry's spokesman Paul Sund says the governor supports Second Amendment rights but is concerned that the bill presents a safety risk.

"What this does is endanger the public and endanger law enforcement by giving criminals easy access to guns," Sund said. "We want to keep criminals away from guns. We think background checks are common sense measures to protect citizens."

Sund said the governor's office is prepared to fight to sustain the veto if the legislature tries to override it.

"We'll fight hard to make sure that the veto is sustained," Sund said. "It doesn't do anything positive for the state of Oklahoma and it doesn't protect second amendment rights.