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New Oklahoma laws in effect today

Posted at 8:14 AM, Nov 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-01 09:14:36-04

Happening today more than 300 new laws go into effect in Oklahoma.

And there are plenty that will have an impact on your daily life.

Below are five of those laws:

Permitless Carry

Top of the list is perhaps the most controversial, permitless carry.

A last minute effort to delay the new law failed.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied an emergency motion filed by a lawmaker who claims the law, also called "Constitutional Carry" is unconstitutional.

Starting today, adults who can legally have a firearm in the state, can carry it in public without a background check or training.

Jason Perryman, Manager of the "2A Shooting Center," says people should still seek training.

"Carrying a firearm without any type of training would be the equivalent of giving a teenager a car and saying you don't need a drivers license."

It's important to remember the new law does not change where guns are allowed.

Private businesses still have a right to say "No guns allowed."

So do schools, colleges, and government buildings, like the state capitol or courthouses.

Inmate Release

More than 400 Oklahoma inmates are expected to walk out of prison starting today.

House Bill 1269 becomes law and it retroactively changes some felony crimes to misdemeanors.

Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to sign the commutations this morning, making it the largest inmate release in the country.

And thanks to another new law going into effect today, their voting rights will also be restored when released.

Opioid Pill Limit

With this new law, doctors are now only allowed to initially prescribe a weeks worth of opioid drugs, at the lowest dose.

And before they prescribe another seven days, they have to meet with their patient to make sure they're not at risk for abuse or addiction.

If more is needed, further pain management options need to be discussed.

Additionally, more safeguards are in place for patients who suffer from chronic pain.

Both the patient and doctor will enter into a pain management agreement to explain the risks, and review the treatment plan at a minimum of every three months.

Dr. Kevin Taubman, past Pres. Oklahoma State Medical Assoc. says, "The initial legislation was designed to try to avoid that initial huge exposure to the opioids so that legislation was designed to put a, a very expected evolution of how much you could give somebody on an initial prescription and within the first 30-days ultimately."

The law also mandates that doctors receive an extra hour of continuing education in pain management or in opioid abuse and addiction before renewing their license.

Minors in Liquor Stores

Another new law now in effect means liquor stores may be a little busier.

Anyone younger than the age of 21 will now be able to enter liquor stores with a parent, instead of staying alone in the car.

And it's important to emphasis, the law does not let a minor in with someone over the age of 21, it must be a legal guardian or parent.

Scanning/Skimming Devices

And it's also now a felony to use, or even have a card skimmer that goes on an ATM.

They're used to steal digital information from a credit or debit card.

Those who fight fraud say they're more widely used than ever.

Jeffrey Miller, Cyber Insurance Agent say, "They're getting a lot more sophisticated as well. Harder to spot. The technology in the devices alone make it easier for these criminals to get away with it."

Before you insert or slide your card at a gas station or ATM, check if there's a cover over the reader, or a pull-away keypad.

And the safest ways to protect your information is to avoid using you PIN number when you can. Only use trusted ATM's inside banks, or just pay with cash.

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