Journalist: Kameron Sanders (TCC)
On thing that is incredibly common in Oklahoma is the owning of firearms. Typically, it
is understood that a firearm must be placed and securely locked within a case or gun cabinet.
Any firearm that is out in the open is a dangerous risk for children or anyone who does not know
how to properly handle one. Savana Frysinger presented the ORU – 009 bill that requires the
owners of firearms to store their firearms properly and securely.
The Bill focuses on the proper securing and storage of a firearm falls to the responsibility
of the owner. The firearm must be store in a place such as a case or cabinet that can only be
opened or accessed by the owner. This prevents the harm or death of any children or other people
by an unsecured firearm. The penalty for an unsecured firearm can range from $250 to criminal
arrest.
Gracie Gifford created an amendment to strike a definition of people deemed mentally
incompetent or committed to mental health treatment are prohibited from owning or buying a
firearm. Gifford argued that the definition was unfair to individuals who may be going through
minor forms of mental health treatment such as therapy or psychiatric help.
For this interview, I chose to interview Gwen Mullin. Mullin supported Gifford’s
amendment but did not think the bill was constitutional. Mullin believes that the bill will go
against the fourth amendment because police will need to search the home to prove the firearm is
stored properly. He then added at the end that he will be voting no on the bill.
In the end, ORU – 009 passed with a vote of 15 to 9.