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RESOLUTION NO. R-1920-31: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A REFERENDUM PETITION WHICH WILL GIVE OKLAHOMA VOTERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ON THE REPEAL OF HOUSE BILL 2597 ALLOWING PERMITLESS CARRY.
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BACKGROUND: House Bill 2597 (“HB 2597”) was approved by the Oklahoma Legislature in February 2019 and was signed by Governor Stitt on February 27, 2019. HB 2597 allows anyone to carry firearms concealed or unconcealed as long as the person is at least 21 years old (or 18 years old if in the military) and not otherwise disqualified from the possession or purchase of a firearm. HB 2597 is commonly referred to as “permitless carry” or “constitutional carry”. HB 2597 will take effect on November 1, 2019.
Recently, Representative Jason Lowe filed a referendum petition which would allow Oklahoma voters the opportunity to vote whether to repeal HB 2597.
DISCUSSION: Resolution R-1920-31 expresses the City Council’s support of the referendum petition to provide voters with the opportunity to decide whether HB 2597 should be repealed. The deadline for the petition to be signed and submitted to the Oklahoma Secretary of State is August 29, 2019. It was placed on the agenda at the request of Mayor Clark and similar resolutions are being considered by other cities in Oklahoma.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff forwards Resolution R-1920-31 for Council’s consideration.