Journalist: John Mangiah (ORU)
Maddy Pexton, a three-star representative from Oral Roberts University, passed the most unanimous bill we have seen in the House so far. The bill, titled ORU-518, aims to make protection orders easier and more effective in the state of Oklahoma.
This is done through electronic filing, specialized reviews, emergency firearm removal, mandatory counseling, and stricter penalties for violators. This bill aims to make the protection process for victims of domestic violence more responsive and seriously enforced. It was passed almost unanimously, with 63 out of 64 people voting in favor.
You may be wondering, “Who is the one person to vote no and why?!” Representative Aidian Labonte is a University of Oklahoma student and is the one who voted no. According to him, Rep. Labonte holds 2 main reasons for his decision.
- Labonte was concerned this bill would allow one judge to take away a person’s Second Amendment right to possess a firearm and believed it lacked a structured outline to make appeals to an appellate court. “Firearm possession is protected by the Second Amendment, and I think if that’s going to be taken from someone, there should be a process for very quick review by a higher court, not just relying on one judge,” said Labonte.
- He felt he was rushed during the legislative process and did not get a chance to voice his concern over this particular issue in the bill. “When I tried to ask a question, things got expedited along and I didn’t get to ask,” said Labonte.
According to the representative, Pexton, Second Amendment concerns were never voiced during the voting process; however, she confirms that she was prepared to address the concern with a few related Supreme Court cases. She also addresses concerns for those who feel the bill infringes on a person’s Second Amendment rights. “Taking away firearms is only for the duration of the protection order, so their firearms will not be taken away forever. It’s just temporary,” said Pexton.
To the person who voted no, “I harbor no ill will. I would love to know why, but I do not have any resentment towards his vote. I fully understand disagreeing, and I thought more people might disagree with this. I was not shocked that anyone disagreed with me,” said Pexton.