Republican Representative reintroduces bill that would drop legal age limit for gun ownership to 18
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Republican House Representative Jim Olsen (R-Roland) has written a bill that would drop the legal age limit to carry guns from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.
In the state of Oklahoma, anyone 21 years and older can carry a firearm openly or concealed without a permit.
Democratic House Representative Forrest Bennett (D-Oklahoma City) spoke with News 4 Thursday about his concerns with the proposed bill.
"Where there are weapons present, the likelihood of violence and death is much higher," Bennett said.
Rep. Bennett said he isn't surprised at the proposed legislation, and will be voting no.
"I look forward to asking him questions and I hope to get good answers from him about why he thinks this is necessary, Rep. Bennett said.
News 4 reached out to Rep. Olsen Wednesday and Thursday to ask questions about the bill and he declined to comment.
However, two years ago, when Olsen filed a similar bill, he said every adult should have the freedom to exercise their constitutional rights.
In 2022, Olsen told News 4, "People that are 18 to 20 should have the same rights as the rest of us. They vote, they can get married."
That particular bill didn't make it past committee.
This new bill states the age limit for carrying guns in a car would also drop to 18-years-old.
Rep. Bennett says he believes having a law like this goes beyond protecting Second Amendment rights.
"I am not an anti-Second Amendment guy. I'm a fifth generation Oklahoman and I appreciate the value that they bring. All it is, is everyone should have access to firearms, and anyone who says otherwise is a Second Amendment enemy of the state. I think that's a really dangerous way to discuss the issue," Rep Bennett said.
Legislative session begins February 3.