TULSA - The state legislature has passed the controversial bill referred to as "constitutional carry," and Tulsans have something to say about it.
Every day in the state of Oklahoma somebody, somewhere is reveling in their second amendment right.
Today it's Marshall Luton.
“I’ve been for constitutional carry for 10 years.”
He's not only a shooting instructor, but a police officer.
“To me constitutional carry means we have a right to self preservation according to the constitution.”
For him Senate Bill 1212 makes Oklahomans safer.
“If more good people are carrying guns then maybe more bad people will have a second thought about 'hm, I don’t know if they’re carrying or not.'”
The bill allows adults 21 and older to carry a gun without a permit.
It excludes anyone prohibited to carry by state or federal law, people convicted of assault or battery, domestic abuse, violating protective orders or drug crimes.
Luton said no matter who you are, if you own a gun it's your responsibility to learn how to use it properly, regardless of what laws are or are not in place.
But Oklahoma's State Bureau of Investigation gave the bill a thumbs down.
Not only does it take almost $5,000,000 from its budget, the agency expressed concern about its impact on the safety and security of Oklahomans.
“Oklahoma’s strong and responsible permitting standards have kept Oklahomans safe for years.”
Sarah Lenet with Moms Demand Action agrees to put it lightly.
“It is my guess that the governor has heard from thousands of us today.”
She said it makes Oklahoma more dangerous.
“These bills are not about responsible gun ownership, these bills are about the gun lobby wanting to sell you more guns.”
And when it comes her group's meeting full of republicans, democrats, parents, veterans and yes, gun owners...
“We are the compromise, we are the middle ground, we are the adults in this conversation.”
There's no backing down on this issue.
However, while the moms are fighting, Marshall said he has no plans to hand over his second amendment right any time soon.
The bill has not been signed into law yet.
It is sitting on the governor's desk waiting her signature.
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