Cockroft Co-Authors Successful Open Carry Bill

State Rep. Josh Cockroft was among the legislators voting today to give Oklahomans the right to openly carry a firearm.

            House Bill 2522 would allow any individual who obtains a license to carry a firearm under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act to carry the weapon either openly or concealed. 

            “ As a supporter and co-author of this bill, I believe it strikes a good balance in addressing the concerns raised during past debates on open-carry bills while providing Oklahomans greater authority to exercise their full Second Amendment rights,” said Cockroft, R-Tecumseh.

            House Bill 2522 would allow an Oklahoma citizen to carry a loaded firearm for any legitimate purpose on his or her own private property. The bill prohibits a business from implementing policies that prevent citizens from having ammunition in a locked motor vehicle in a parking lot.

Under the bill, the lawful open carrying of a handgun pursuant to the Oklahoma Self Defense Act could not be designated by any municipality or other political subdivision as disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace or a similar offense against public order. 

            House Bill 2522 passed on a bipartisan 13-2 vote of the House Public Safety Committee today with Cockroft among those voting for its passage. It now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.