By Journalist Liv Kopang (OSU)
On Saturday afternoon, bill OKWU-501 titled “Every Adult Can Conceal Carry” was reintroduced and passed in the house. This piece of legislation seeks to address the intersection of gun rights and age restrictions within the state.
At the heart of Bill OKWU-51 lies the argument that individuals aged 18 and older should have the same rights and responsibilities as other adults in society, including the right to bear arms. Proponents of the bill contend that 18-year-olds are legally considered adults in many other aspects of life, such as voting and serving in the military, and should therefore be afforded the same rights when it comes to gun ownership.
Furthermore, representatives who are supporters of the legislation argued on the floor that 18-year-olds, particularly those who have undergone firearms training and education, are capable of responsibly exercising their Second Amendment rights. They emphasize the importance of firearm safety and education in ensuring that young adults are equipped to handle firearms in a responsible manner.
Further arguments were made for the passing of this bill. Many representatives argued that from a practical standpoint, proponents of Bill OKWU-51 assert that lowering the age requirement for gun ownership could enhance self-defense capabilities for young adults, especially in situations where they may feel threatened or vulnerable. They argue that individuals should have the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones, regardless of their age.
Rep. Ashton Tate (OSU) expressed his thoughts on the controversial issue.
“I agree with the extension or the age drop to 18. One of the first things I plan on doing when I do turn 21 is to get my concealed carry license and my handgun, so dropping that to 18 makes me feel safer when I am on my college campus. One of the main open arguments was that we let these kids go to college and they aren’t mature enough and yet some of us are hundreds of miles from home and need a way to protect ourselves.”
The passing of OKWU-51 reflects the ongoing dialogue and engagement surrounding gun policy and youth rights within the state of Oklahoma. As students within OIL continue to grapple with these complex issues, they remain committed to fostering constructive dialogue and advocating for meaningful change within their community.