Oklahoma § 21-1290.25

§ 21-1290.25.

Legislative intent.

LEGISLATIVE INTENT

The Legislature finds as a matter of public policy and fact that

it is necessary to provide statewide uniform standards for carrying

concealed or unconcealed firearms for lawful self-defense and selfprotection, and further finds it necessary to occupy the field of

regulation of the bearing of concealed or unconcealed firearms to

ensure that no honest, law-abiding citizen who qualifies pursuant to

the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act is subjectively or

arbitrarily denied his or her rights. The Legislature does not

delegate to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation any authority

to regulate or restrict the issuing of handgun licenses except as

provided by the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.

Subjective or arbitrary actions or rules which encumber the issuing

process by placing burdens on the applicant beyond those

requirements detailed in the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense

Act or which create restrictions beyond those specified in the

Oklahoma Self-Defense Act are deemed to be in conflict with the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 21. Crimes and Punishments

intent of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act and are hereby prohibited.

The Oklahoma Self-Defense Act shall be liberally construed to carry

out the constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense and selfprotection. The provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act are

cumulative to existing rights to bear arms and nothing in the

Oklahoma Self-Defense Act shall impair or diminish those rights.

However, the conditions that mandate the administrative actions

of license denial, suspension, revocation or an administrative fine

are intended to protect the health, safety and public welfare of the

citizens of this state. The restricting conditions specified in the

Oklahoma Self-Defense Act generally involve the criminal history,

mental state, alcohol or substance abuse of the applicant or

licensee, a hazard of domestic violence, a danger to police

officers, or the ability of the Oklahoma State Bureau of

Investigation to properly administer the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.

The restricting conditions that establish a risk of injury or harm

to the public are tailored to reduce the risks to the benefit of the

citizens of this state.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 272, § 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by

Laws 2000, c. 382, § 8, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2012, c. 259, § 43,

eff. Nov. 1, 2012; Laws 2023, c. 160, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.