House Passes Firearms Freedom Act Tuesday

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

COLLINSVILLE, OK -- There are no major gun or ammo manufacturers in Oklahoma right now. But in the past week, both the House and Senate have passed bills to make guns made here immune from federal regulations. But is this even legal?

Medlock Firearms imports all of its guns and ammunition from other states. With both in high demand these days, the store's owner says it's difficult to keep its shelves stocked.

"People are still buying much more than they consume, and manufacturers can't make enough to catch up with that," said Becky Medlock of Medlock Firearms.

Oklahoma lawmakers would like to see companies meet demand by moving to the Sooner State. The House passed the Firearms Freedom Act Tuesday, and it will head to the Senate for a vote. If passed, it would allow gun makers and owners to avoid any future federal regulations as long as the weapons and ammo don't leave the state.

"We believe that the liberals in DC are really going overboard and ramming things down our throat. We want to basically guarantee that we have the right to keep and bear arms," said Rep. John Enns (R) Enid.

John Enns, the author of the bill, says other states have passed similar measures and have already seen results.

"Montana and Tennessee are the first two states to pass it last year, and what they've seen is more gun manufacturers and ammunition manufacturers are looking at coming to their states," said Enns.

Medlock Firearms says, in theory, the bill would boost business, but worries gun stores may get in trouble if a gun they sell leaves the state.

"I would want to see some kind of very clear guidelines set forth before I would be completely on board with it, but I think it would be a good idea," said Medlock. 

It's an idea that's on target with lawmakers. The Senate Bill passed with a 39 to three vote, and the House version gained approval with a vote of 89 to eight.

Legislatures say this law will hold up because it doesn't violate the Constitution's Commerce Clause. The clause gives Congress the right to control inter-state commerce. 

According to Firearms Freedom, similar bills have also been introduced in 20 other states.