Oklahoma State House Passes Bill Letting Some Carry Concealed Handguns on College Campuses

While this legislation is considerably narrower than Utah and thus providing far less protection, my prediction is that the fears put forward by Rep. McCarter here will prove to be unjustified.

Okla. House passes campus gun bill

By TIM TALLEY, Associated Press
Last updated: 11:32 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state House agreed Thursday to allow people with specialized firearms training, such as military personnel, to carry concealed weapons on the state's college campuses, despite opponents who said it made no sense following shootings at schools across the country.

The measure was approved 65-36, and now heads to the state Senate for a vote.

Introduced by Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, the law would authorize active-duty military and National Guard and reserve personnel, honorably discharged veterans and others with firearms training certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education who hold a state concealed weapons license to carry guns on college and university campuses.

The legislation is more narrow than Murphey's original proposal, which would have allowed anyone at least 21 years old with concealed handgun carrying rights to carry weapons on campus. That version was similar to a Utah law.

"This has to be the craziest thing I have ever seen," said Rep. Ray McCarter, D-Marlow, one of several lawmakers who said the measure is opposed by college administrators. . . .

To get an idea about how few people will meet this requirement, the Council on Law Enforcement Education's requirements can be seen here.

Provide for basic peace officer certification, by establishing and conducting 326 hour basic academies for all full-time peace officers employed by city, county, or state entities of government, with the exception of the four approved academy city/agencies.

In other words, to carry a concealed handgun on campus you will have to either be honorably discharged from the military or currently a member or a police officer. That is surely better than nothing, but it is still very small. Why not eliminate fees for these individuals to get a permit?