Bill proposes expanding laws on legal gun usage

Friday,

24, universities. (THE VISTA/HELMUT OTZOY)

Georgia Jones

Contributing Writer

Oklahoma legislators are on the defense in the ever-growing battle to determine safe and proper gun laws across the state. The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2049 on March 9, which would redefine self-defense, expanding the definition of private property to anywhere on a physical property – not just inside an individual’s home. The bill received its first reading in the state senate March 13.

Organizers have gathered at the Capitol for the last few weeks to advocate for stronger gun laws, building the debate on self-defense and how we structure laws surrounding arms.

“The law is too cumbersome,” Don Spencer, President of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, said. “Citizens should be encouraged to carry firearms for self-defense to reduce the will of perpetra- tors who can attack in No Gun Zones with impunity. No Gun Zones like universities, colleges, elementary and secondary schools, many government buildings should have the right returned to the people.”

Oklahoma currently has “stand your ground” laws, meaning Oklahomans can use physical, and even deadly, force in self-defense. The proposed law would expand on the grounds for “protecting your property” and would increase protections for gun owners. While many advocates believe this new law would bring the power back to the people, others believe the line for private property is too vague, and could potentially be dangerous to other citizens.

“There’s one thing to say, you’re protecting your castle,” said Rep. Regina Goodwin of Tulsa. “It’s another to say, ‘Now, I’m protecting the green grass.’”

The debate over the right to arms and the safety of individuals has been a hot topic for decades, especially with the rising discussion of how they impact the youth. The current No. 1 cause of death in children from ages 1-19 in the United States is firearms, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With a rising toll being taken on children for the rights of adults, many are wondering how these new laws will improve the safety of others.

“Education with young kids is the best way for families to learn that a firearm is a tool and not a toy,” Spencer said. “Firearms in the hands of good citizens thwarts more than a million crimes a year. Guns save lives.”

“If more guns made us safer, we would be the safest nation on Earth, and we’re not,” said Cacky Poarch, a Moms Demand Action volunteer. “I think responsible gun ownership correlates with responsible gun laws.”

The current Oklahoma Legislative session will adjourn on May 26, after hearing hundreds of proposed bills such as HB 2049.