Politics

Okla. Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Nixed Some Gun Restrictions

Under current law, adults in Oklahoma must have a license to carry a handgun in public — either openly or concealed.

Okla. Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Nixed Some Gun Restrictions
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Oklahoma's governor vetoed a bill that would have let many adults carry guns in public without permits or training.

The bill would have allowed gun owners 21 and older and military members 18 and older to carry their firearms without having to get a permit or license. The bill would not have applied to people convicted of assault, domestic abuse, stalking and other such crimes.

Gov. Mary Fallin said current laws are "effective, appropriate and minimal." She also said the laws reassure Oklahomans that those who can carry guns are "qualified to do so."

Under current law, adults in Oklahoma must have a license to carry a handgun in public — either openly or concealed. The law Fallin vetoed would have made Oklahoma a so-called "constitutional carry" state, meaning nearly all adults could carry a gun with no or minor restrictions. 

About a dozen states have "constitutional carry" laws in place.