Oklahoma House Committee Approves 'Open Carry' Legislation

A committee of state lawmakers has given preliminary approval to legislation that allows Oklahomans to openly carry guns without any training or background checks.

The House Conference Committee on Public Safety on Wednesday passed the bill by Republican Rep. Jeff Coody of Grandfield. Coody says he must get signatures from at least seven members of the committee before a hearing is scheduled on the House floor.

The bill would allow adults over 21 and without a felony conviction to openly carry firearms without a license, training or background checks.

Several business, government and education groups, including the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, have expressed opposition to the measure. Cooksey says their concerns are "overblown" and firearms will not be allowed where they are specifically prohibited.