Oklahoma Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond After House Public Safety Committee Passes Dangerous Permitless Carry Bill

Permitless Carry is Opposed by 81 Percent of People in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following response after the Oklahoma House Public Safety Committee voted to advance House Bill 2597, which would threaten public safety by allowing people to carry a loaded handgun in public without a permit, passing a background check or completing gun safety training. States that have enacted permitless carry laws have seen a substantial increase in firearm violence.

“It’s baffling to me that as gun violence continues to persist across the country, our lawmakers want to pass legislation that will make our state more dangerous,” said Christine Jackson, volunteer leader with the Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Over and over, Oklahomans have shown legislators that we don’t want permitless carry. I’m disheartened that once again we must fight against legislation that would be disastrous for our communities.”

The Committee held the vote this morning despite hazardous road conditions that prevented constituents from showing their opposition to this dangerous bill. On the opening day of the legislative session on Monday, dozens of volunteers met with over 80 legislators and staff to ask that they oppose the bill. Permitless carry legislation is opposed by 81 percent of people in Oklahoma. Last year, former Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a similar bill after strong opposition from a coalition of 50 state associations, universities, business owners and law enforcement organizations. Lawmakers also heard opposition from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.