OKLAHOMA SHALL SIGN LEGISLATION VETOED

This morning, Oklahoma House Bill 2461 was vetoed by Gov. Mary Fallin. The bill would have required Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) in Oklahoma to sign NFA applications within 15 days of receipt, unless the applicant was found to be a prohibited person. HB 2461 previously passed the House by a 92-1 margin, and the Senate with a unanimous 46-0 vote.

During a press conference, Fallin explained her decision by stating, “I’ve used my executive power, my executive authority to set aside ‘minor issues’ so that we can have more time to deal with major issues here at the Capitol and hopefully get the attention to get those things done.”

The ASA strongly condemns Gov. Fallin’s decision to veto a bill which was passed with near unanimous support through both chambers.

“Any bill that is passed by a legislature with only one dissenting vote is not a ‘minor issue’. We are currently exploring all options, and will work to ensure the passage of this legislation this session,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the ASA.

In recent weeks, Shall Sign legislation has advanced in a number of states across the country. On April 2, Governor Herbert signed House Bill 373 into law, making Utah the first state this session to pass this type of legislation. On April 11, Gov. Beshear of Kentucky signed House Bill 128 into law, an omnibus bill which included shall sign language from Senate Bill 232. On April 23, Gov. Brownback of Kansas signed House Bill 2578 into law, and on April 23, Gov. Brewer of Arizona did the same when she signed House Bill 2535.

Please contact Gov. Fallin IMMEDIATELY and voice your disapproval of the veto. Contact information can be found here:

Phone: (405) 521-2342

Email: Governor Fallin Email Link