Concealed Carry Age Eligibility Bill Advances

By Mick Hinton, Tulsa World ~ A bill that would lower the age at which people can carry concealed weapons from 21 to 18 is headed to the state House for consideration.

"In my district when you turn 18, you already have 16 years of experience with a gun," said Rep. Jerry Ellis (pictured), who added that he was exaggerating to make his point.

Ellis, from southeastern Oklahoma, is the author of House Bill 2232, which was approved 15-1 by the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

The bill was requested by the Oklahoma Rifle Association, the state affiliate of the National Rifle Association, said Ellis, D-Valliant.

Charles Smith of Yukon, executive director of the state association, said the reason for passing the bill is simple. "If people can vote and serve in the military at age 18, they should be able to carry a concealed gun," he said.

Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said she realizes that sometimes, especially in rural areas, fathers teach their sons how to hunt and handle a gun at an early age.

Read all the story at www.tulsaworld.com.

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