LEGISLATIVE INTENT

The Legislature finds as a matter of public policy and fact that it is necessary to provide statewide uniform standards for issuing licenses to carry concealed or unconcealed handguns for lawful self-defense and self-protection, and further finds it necessary to occupy the field of regulation of the bearing of concealed or unconcealed handguns 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 this 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 this act are deemed to be in conflict with the intent of this 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 self-protection. 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.