Public Safety Committee approves Hamilton bill designating Oklahoma as a Second Amendment sanctuary state

The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 631, also known as the Second Amendment Sanctuary Act, in a 9-2 vote on Monday. The measure, authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, would make Oklahoma a Second Amendment sanctuary state.

The bill would preempt any future legislation, rules or ordinances by the federal government, state agency or political subdivision in Oklahoma from infringing on citizens’ Second Amendment rights. It would also prohibit any political subdivision from accepting any grant or fund to implement federal laws or regulations infringing on the right to keep and bear arms.

“SB 631 re-affirms our recognition of the self-evident truth that in America, power resides with the people and re-affirms our oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States,” Hamilton said. “It will serve as a wall of protection around our God-given, Constitutionally-protected, right to keep and bear arms.”

The bill is co-authored by Sens. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow; Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair; George Burns, R-Pollard; Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah; Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa; Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa; David Bullard, R-Durant; and Casey Murdock, R-Felt.

The House principal author is Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy. Rep David Hardin, R-Stillwell, is the House co-author. 

SB 631 is also supported by the following Oklahoma sheriffs: Dennis Banther, Kingfisher County; Michael Burgetski, Cimarron County; Jason Chennault, Cherokee County; Rodney Derryberry, LeFlore County; Damon Devereaux, Logan County; William Ingram, Tillman County; Joe Janz, Kiowa County; Roger LeVick, Jackson County; Wayne McKinney, Stephens County; Chris Morris, Pittsburg County; Tim Turner, Haskell County; Jeremie Wilson, Jefferson County; and Adam Woodruff, Latimer County.

“My sincerest gratitude and admiration go to those on the Public Safety Committee who voted ‘yes’ and took a courageous and patriotic stand to protect our God-given, blood-bought, Constitutionally-protected Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms,” Hamilton said. “I’m also grateful to the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association and Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership for their invaluable assistance.”

The measure now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

CUTLINE: State Sen. Warren Hamilton won passage of Senate Bill 631 from the Senate Public Safety Committee on Monday, which would make Oklahoma a Second Amendment sanctuary state. Joining Hamilton (second from left) from left to right are SB 631 co-authors Sens. David Bullard, R-Durant; Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair; and Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow.