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Committee backs Oklahoma 'open carry' law

Gun rights supporters attend an 'Open Carry Rally'. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
Gun rights supporters attend an 'Open Carry Rally'. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 1 (UPI) -- While a law allowing Oklahomans to carry handguns openly received a legislative panel's approval, several leaders said it would not make much of a difference.

A bill approved by a state House committee Wednesday would allow state residents with concealed handgun permits to carry their weapons openly, The Oklahoman reported Thursday.

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With a Republican in the governor's office, HB 2522 has a good chance of being signed into law, and should win easy approval in the House and the Senate, its author Rep. Steve Martin said.

While Gov. Mary Fallin has not yet reviewed the legislation, she is "a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and has said she favors the [principle of] responsible 'open carry' legislation," said Alex Weintz, her communications director.

The state has issued 90,000 concealed handgun permits, about an estimated 10 percent of whom actually carry handguns, The Oklahoman said.

Martin suggested Oklahomans would not notice much of a change.

"Of those who carry concealed, very few want to carry openly, except under special circumstances. I think it will still be an unusual thing to see a person carrying a weapon in a holster," he said.

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