Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB347

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Gun control; defining terms; prohibiting public officers and employees from using public monies to promote gun control; providing list of prohibited actions. Effective date.

Impact

The introduction of SB347 would have significant implications for state laws regarding the regulation of public resources. By explicitly barring the use of state funds for advocating gun control, the bill essentially limits the state's capacity to support any public discourse around gun control efforts. This could significantly decrease the promotion of public safety initiatives that aim to address gun-related violence, which may raise concerns among advocates for stricter gun regulations who fear that this creates an imbalance in public policy discussions.

Summary

Senate Bill 347 seeks to establish regulations regarding the use of public funds in the context of gun control advocacy in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill prohibits public officers and employees from utilizing public monies to promote any gun control policies. It defines key terms related to gun control and clearly outlines which actions are considered violations, such as using public resources to influence legislation relevant to gun control. The bill aims to curtail public advocacy for gun control measures, reflecting a broader debate about how government resources should be allocated concerning controversial social issues.

Contention

Controversy surrounding SB347 revolves around the balance of power between government advocacy and the use of public resources for civic engagement. Supporters argue that the bill prevents the misuse of taxpayer funds for political agendas, thereby maintaining governmental neutrality on divisive issues such as gun control. However, opponents insist that it infringes on the ability of public officials to utilize resources to educate and inform the public about necessary safety measures, particularly in light of increasing gun violence. This contention highlights a fundamental debate over the role of government in addressing social issues through public education and advocacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB481

Public employees; prohibiting certain public employees from engaging in certain actions and using certain resources for certain purposes. Effective date. Emergency,

OK SB481

Public employees; prohibiting certain public employees from engaging in certain actions and using certain resources for certain purposes. Effective date. Emergency,

OK SB2033

Contracts; creating the Predatory Solicitation Prevention Act; defining terms; prohibiting practices; providing for fines and fees; directing deposit of funds. Effective date.

OK HB227

Prohibiting public school entities from engaging in certain communications and actions involving prohibited indoctrination; and providing for requirements for public contractors and for enforcement.

OK HB473

Boards of water and sewer commissions; prohibited from restricting public recreational uses of controlled water bodies

OK HR110

Prohibiting the distribution of Chinese Communist Party-controlled publications within House facilities, and for other purposes.

OK SB1706

Foreign ownership of land; prohibiting foreign principals from renting, leasing, or having a controlling interest in data centers. Effective date.

OK SB636

Firearms; prohibiting certain expenditure of public funds. Effective date.

OK SB636

Firearms; prohibiting certain expenditure of public funds. Effective date.

OK SB272

Boards of water and sewer commissioners; prohibited from restricting public recreational uses of controlled water bodies

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.