Before addressing the open carry topic, this week we are beginning a series of articles by John Barton on the theme of Unsung Heroes of Northwestern. Barton and the late Wayne Lane have researched and documented much of the history of the university in Alva. Several years ago they wrote a play with parts played by local townspeople describing the establishment of the normal college in Alva. My husband Lynn was honored to portray early newspaperman and community leader W. F. Hatfield. This series recognizes the contributions made by others who weren’t highlighted in the earlier efforts.
Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Oklahoma
A number of new laws took effect Nov. 1 in Oklahoma. Among these was one allowing open carry of guns, with or without a license. Not everyone is allowed to carry a gun, and firearms are restricted in some locations. Sen. Casey Murdock discussed the law in his column, seen in last week’s Newsgram. Here’s a summary of the law:
Without a license, you may openly carry handguns, rifles, and shotguns in Oklahoma for legitimate purposes – including self-protection on your own property, hunting, and target shooting.
You may carry a concealed handgun for legitimate purposes anywhere in the state (except in a few restricted places discussed below), as long as you aren’t violating other weapons laws in Oklahoma. Along with the prohibitions in those laws on mere possession of firearms by certain people, you aren't allowed to carry a firearm if you’ve been convicted of:
• assault and battery that is aggravated or that seriously injures the victim
• domestic abuse
• stalking
• violation of a domestic abuse protection order, or
• illegal drug possession or use.
The state will still issue concealed carry licenses, but they won't be required.
The 2019 bill also makes it illegal for undocumented immigrants to carry handguns and dangerous firearms. In addition, it changes the rules for anyone carrying guns in motor vehicles. Instead of requiring all guns to be unloaded and in plain view, it allows legal gun owners to carry loaded, concealed handguns in vehicles. Chamber-loaded long guns may not be transported in vehicles; if they’re clip- or magazine-loaded, they must be in a locked compartment.
Restricted Places and Circumstances for Carrying Guns
The Oklahoma Constitution guarantees citizens the right to bear arms to defend themselves or their property. But it’s a felony (punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000) to carry a gun or any other deadly weapon with the intention of hurting someone else illegally. The state also restricts carrying guns under certain circumstances and in certain locations, including schools and bars.
Schools
Even if you’re otherwise allowed to have and carry a gun, you may be charged with a misdemeanor in Oklahoma (punishable only by a fine of up to $250) for bringing any firearm or other offensive weapon onto the property of K-12 schools, vocational-technical schools, or school buses. There are exceptions, including guns carried by authorized personnel and weapons properly stored in vehicles when dropping off or picking up students.
Bars and Carrying Guns While Under the Influence
It’s a felony in Oklahoma (punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000) to bring a gun into a bar or other establishment where alcohol is consumed, unless you’re the owner or an on-duty law enforcement officer or private investigator. People with a concealed carry license can bring handguns into restaurants and other establishments where liquor sales aren’t the main purpose of the business.
It’s also illegal to carry or use guns while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescribed drugs if they affect you enough to cause abnormal behavior. If found guilty of this crime, you may be punished with 10 days to six months in jail and/or a fine of $50 to $500.
Other Public Places
The state prohibits carrying handguns in certain other places, including:
• courthouses, jails, and prisons
• government buildings or offices used for public business
• colleges, universities, or technology center schools
• publicly owned sports venues during pro games, and
• legal gambling establishments.
None of these restrictions apply in parking lots or wherever guns are specifically permitted. As usual, there are also exceptions for law enforcement and other authorized personnel. Depending on the location, penalties range from simply being denied entrance to a $250 fine.
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