The Oklahoma legislature is sending the Municipal Carry Act, House Bill 1095, to the governor's desk, after the Oklahoma House of Representatives approved Senate amendments with a 70-15 vote on Tuesday. This bill, initially authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, is set to equip city councils with the authority to allow selected officials and employees to carry concealed weapons in municipal buildings.
The bill is designed to create a balance between municipal and county prerogatives, enabling smaller communities to enhance their safety protocols especially where law enforcement resources are scarce. However, it maintains the prohibition of firearms in locations deemed sensitive, like courtrooms, jails, and schools. "I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support of this bill that protects our Second Amendment rights," Hildebrant told the Oklahoma House Media. He also acknowledged the efforts of Senator Gillespie, complimenting her leadership in the Senate's progress of the bill.
Slight modifications were made to the bill in the Senate, focusing mainly on clear up language for better clarity and consistency. Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, was a critical figure in the Senate, advocating for the bill and assisting it to pass with a strong majority vote of 39-8. Gillespie emphasizes the importance of security for municipal officials, citing the respect and trust that they garner through their daily civic duties. "It gives municipalities the option to allow their own officials and employees to protect themselves in the buildings where they work and serve," Gillespie said in her statement.
Following the initial passage in the House with a 66-13 vote, the Municipal Carry Act's successful journey through the legislative body reflects Oklahoma's commitment to facilitating local government operations safely and efficiently. As it stands, the bill awaits the governor's decision, with the potential to significantly change the level of autonomy municipal buildings can exercise around security measures.
