OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to legislation to allow Oklahoma residents age 21 and older to openly carry guns without a license, training or background checks.
The House Conference Committee on Public Safety advanced the bill, of which different versions already have been approved in both chambers, prompting the formation of the committee to resolve disagreements. Republican Rep. Jeff Coody said he needs the signatures of seven members of House or Senate conference committees before further action can be taken on the measure before the end of the legislative session, scheduled for May 27.
The bill would cover residents who don’t have felony convictions. Those who wish to conceal a weapon would still be required to obtain a license.
The measure is similar to open-carry laws in effect in 30 other states, including Arkansas, according to OpenCarry.org, an organization that supports the right to openly carry holstered handguns. Oklahoma is among 15 states that require an open-carry permit, the website said.