Open Carry Bills Move Through Oklahoma Legislature

A handful of bills under consideration in the state legislature involve carrying a gun in plain sight. One that easily passed a house committee this week would require a holster and a license to openly carry.

02/29/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma House Committee Approves Open Carry Bill

Oklahoma is one of seven states that does not have some sort of open carry law. 'Have gun, will openly carry' could soon be a new motto in Oklahoma.

"I don't really have a problem with it. I think it's a constitutional right, protected by the second amendment," said Tulsa resident David Parker.

That's the idea behind House Bill 2522. It would allow anyone with a concealed gun license to openly carry their weapons in a holster.

However, guns would still be banned from schools, courthouses, government buildings, professional sporting events and businesses that have a published policy.

Instructors at the Red Castle Gun Club know that some Oklahomans worry if the 8-hour concealed carry training course is enough for an open carry law.

Oklahoma has no accuracy requirement to get a gun permit. Don Roberts says the focus is gun safety, not accuracy.

"Which would you rather have around you. Someone who is very accurate but sloppy with their gun, pointing it in places they shouldn't, or someone who is not as accurate, but knows how to handle their gun safely," said Don Roberts, Certified Instructor.

Another bill wouldn't even require a license. Senate Bill 1092 is still in committee and states anyone 21 years or older can openly carry if they have a certificate from an approved instructor stating the person was properly trained.

The whole idea of open carry gets opponents fired up. Lysbeth Fernandez thinks it's ridiculous.

"I think it introduces an element of fear that, if there's that much at risk, then maybe the problems need to be addressed and not carry guns," Fernandez said.

Republican Representative Steve Martin of Bartlesville authored the bill requiring a concealed carry license.

He says it would also allow residents to carry without a permit on private property, and reduces the maximum penalty for certain violations. It now heads to the House Floor.