Bill Makes Use Of Toy Pistols During A Crime A Felony

Tuesday, February 6th 2007, 10:09 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The state House's Criminal Justice and Corrections Subcommittee approves legislation that would make the use of altered toy weapons during a crime a separate felony.

Sallisaw state Representative Glen Bud Smithson says the measure was drafted to combat the growing use of toy guns during robberies, assaults and other felonies.

The bill would add possession of an altered toy pistol to a state law that already makes it a felony for possessing a real gun, rifle or shotgun while committing or trying to commit a felony.

It would be punishable by a prison sentence of two to 10 years, the same as for real weapons.

McAlester state Representative Terry Harrison says giving possession of toy pistols during a crime the same penalty as possessing real ones might encourage criminals to use the real ones.

House Bill 10-27 now goes to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.