Senate approves bill underscoring state’s support of 2nd Amendment

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given approval to a measure further protecting and supporting the 2^ndAmendment in Oklahoma.  House Bill 3144 would prohibit state contracts from being made with companies that discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.  Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, is the principal Senate author of the measure, and the House principal author is Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore.

“I’ve seen several examples of companies that discriminate against firearms companies, including a national banking chain that has policies against loaning to gun manufacturers and gun businesses that sell long rifles to citizens 20-years-old or younger,” Murdock said.  “If a person can fight for our country at the age of 18, why shouldn’t they be able to buy a rifle? Oklahoma’s gun policies should be set by the legislators the citizens elected to pass laws, and this is a state that stands strong for the 2^nd Amendment. Make no mistake, our 2^nd Amendment rights are not for sale.”

HB 3144 would prohibit any governmental entity from entering into a contract with a company for the purchase of goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it does not have a practice, policy, guidance or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association. 

"The firearms industry plays a key role in allowing us to maintain our constitutional liberty of keeping and bearing arms, keeping us free and safe as United States citizens" West said. "Ensuring we don't spend taxpayer money or sign contracts with entities that discriminate against this industry based solely on the products they manufacture keeps us from being at odds with a fundamental belief system held by the vast majority of Oklahomans."

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Casey Murdock at 405-521-5626 or email Casey.Murdock@oksenate.gov.

Rep. Kevin West at 405-557-7343 or email Kevin.West@oksenate.gov.