We have been following and reporting on SB 1212, the bill that made its way through both Houses of the Oklahoma Legislature a few weeks ago only to have Governor Mary Fallin veto the measure. SB 1212 would have granted people not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm by state or federal law the right to carry a firearm without the necessity of obtaining a permit.
Since the bill was not passed and sent to the Governor’s office until the end of the regular legislative session, the lawmakers were helpless in trying to override the veto. Under the state’s constitution, the Legislature can call for a special session and reconvene if two-thirds of the members in each chamber sign a petition to approve the calling of a special session. Such a move can be done without the blessing of the governor.
The bill passed by a 33-9 vote in the Senate and by a margin of 59-28 in the House, both more than the required two-thirds necessary to call the special session if those who voted in favor of SB 1212 will sign the petition.
During such a special session, the Legislature would not be able to override the veto under the state’s constitution. But instead, it could pass the same bill again and present it to the governor once more and remain in session until the governor takes action. If Gov. Fallin chose to veto the bill again, the Legislature could then vote to override the veto, and the measure would then become law. Again, it would take a vote of two-thirds of each chamber to override a veto.
State Senator Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow), the principal sponsor of SB 1212, is pushing for a special session.
If it eventually passes, the Sooner State would become the 12th state to recognize that citizens do not need the state’s permission to exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you advised.
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