Three States Pass ‘Open Carry’ Gun Laws

As some states consider bills to get more guns in the hands of gun owners, some states are considering bills aimed at banning open carry.

In California, the Democrat-controlled Assembly Public Safety Committee passed a measure banning “open carry.” The move is expected to draw opposition and will likely lead to a number of lawsuits.

Both sides are closely watching a Supreme Court case that challenges a Chicago ban on handguns kept in private homes for personal protection.

Justices are expected to issue their decision later this year, but the court earlier ruled that the District of Columbia could not impose similar limits without violating the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

The overriding question for California is whether the court will focus on the narrow issues pertaining to the Chicago case or answer broader questions, particularly whether state governments can enact gun controls.

In both Arizona and Oklahoma lawmakers are considering proposals of the pro-gun variety.

A bill allowing people with concealed-carry permits to openly carry weapons passed the Senate. House Bill 3354 passed Wednesday with no debate and now heads to the House. The vote was 33-15.

Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, voted for it, saying he generally votes in favor of Second Amendment bills.

He said the state already has a concealed-carry law and that he didn’t think the measure was a “huge jump.”

Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, voted against the measure.

“I would not like to see 200 people carrying guns around Woodland Hills Mall,” which is in his district, Crain said.

In Arizona, Governor Jan Brewer has signed legislation allowing “open carry” without a permit. The law will take effect 91 days after the Legislature finally adjourns, something now scheduled for the end of the month.

“I believe this legislation not only protects the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, but restores those rights as well,’ Brewer said in a prepared statement.

An issue that has always ignited the passions, changes in gun laws have become increasingly present in state legislatures. The move is partly due to an uprising of gun activists concerned over the current administration’s stances on the Second Amendment. To date, the Obama Administration has signed laws allowing guns in national parks and it will likely not seek another Assault Weapons Ban.-[source]