Oklahoma Recognize All State Licenses

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Oklahoma Recognize All State Licenses


When asked by Gun Week about the status of Vermont residents
who carry concealed legally in their home state without a
license, Smith said Oklahoma will consider them validly
licensed in their home states.
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The New GUN WEEK, July 1, 2003
Page 1

Oklahoma Will Recognize All State Licenses
by Joseph P. Tartaro
Executive Editor

On June 9, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation that
amended several provisions of the state gun law and made the
state one of the first in the nation to provide blanket
recognition of valid concealed carry licenses issued to
resident of all other states.

SB-834, sponsored by state Sen. Frank Shurden
(D-Henryetta), also lowered the age requirement for issuance
of Oklahoma Self-Defense Act (SDA) licenses to carry
concealed from 23 years to 21. Also changed was the
six-month delay in SDA applications for new residents which
was part of the Act when adopted in 1995.

Now, newcomers to the Sooner State may apply as soon as they
become residents. This is especially important for the many
members of the US armed forces who are assigned to large
military facilities there—Tinker Air Force Base and Fort
Sill—according to Charles H. Smith, executive director of
the Oklahoma Rifle Association (ORA).

Smith said permanently assigned military personnel may now
apply as soon as they have permanent orders.

When asked by Gun Week about the status of Vermont residents
who carry concealed legally in their home state without a
license, Smith said Oklahoma will consider them validly
licensed in their home states.

Prior to the passage of this legislation and its signing
into law by the governor, Oklahoma recognized the licenses
of only 12 states.

“Sen. Shurden’s bill did a great job in also reforming the
law to deal with some other problems that had vexed
gunowners in Oklahoma,” Smith said.

He noted, for example, that cities that have posted parks
and other public property to prevent concealed carry by
licensees in violation of the state’s preemption law now
face the prospect of law suits.

“Individuals who are inconvenienced because of those
postings now will be able to file suit for monetary
damages,” Smith said.

Two other changes resulting from the reform of SDA include:

— Re-enactors performing “living history” presentations were
also extended protection in their display and use of
firearms and edged weapons before the public and in public
educational facilities, and

— School-sponsored and 4-H shooting programs for youth also
gained some immunity from liability suits.

Smith praised Shurden for sponsoring SB-834 which was
actively supported by members of the state association and
the National Rifle Association.