Oklahoma Senate Approves Pro Tem Paxton’s Senate Bill 631 to Strengthen Penalties for Shooting into Dwellings and Public Buildings

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Senate today passed Senate Bill 631, authored by Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, aiming to enhance public safety by adding the crime of discharging a firearm at or into a dwelling or building used for public or business purposes to the list of offenses requiring convicts to serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The bill includes language that ensures individuals who willfully or intentionally discharge a firearm or other deadly weapon into a dwelling is an 85% crime.

Pro Tem Paxton said the bill enhances public safety and gives district attorneys and law enforcement officials discretion on when to take action.

"This legislation underscores our commitment to protecting Oklahomans by ensuring that those who recklessly endanger lives by shooting into homes or public buildings face stringent penalties," Pro Tem Paxton said. "By categorizing this offense among the crimes that impose serving a substantial portion of the sentence, we aim to deter such dangerous actions and enhance the safety of our communities. The legislation is carefully tailored to ensure that only the criminal element will be prosecuted. If the shooting is accidental or unintentional, it will be at the discretion of a district attorney as to whether or not the shooting was willful or intentional."

The passage of the legislation reflects a shared dedication to addressing violent crimes that pose significant risks to public safety.

By mandating that individuals convicted of this offense serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence, the legislation seeks to prevent premature releases that could compromise community security committed by violent criminals.

Senate Bill 631 now advances to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for consideration. If enacted, the law will align penalties for discharging firearms into dwellings or public buildings with those of other serious offenses, reinforcing the state’s stance on combating violent crime.

- END - 

Media Contact
Alex Gerszewski, Communications Director
alex.gerszewski@oksenate.gov
Cell | (580) 541-4800