Post by KC on May 7, 2006 20:39:16 GMT -5
Authority To Confiscate Guns During Emergencies Considered
05/07/2006 - OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma legislator said he hopes to make some changes to a new law that makes it illegal for authorities to confiscate weapons during a state of emergency.
State Rep. Mike Shelton said House Bill 2696 has placed the power of the law into the wrong hands.
"During states of emergency, I think police need total control. They don't need to worry who has guns and who doesn't. If the governor calls for Oklahomans to relinquish their guns, the public needs to do so," Shelton said.
That was the idea in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, when police confiscated guns from residents even if they were legal. This new Oklahoma law removes that power.
"What's the reason of owning a gun if they're just going to take it away from you," said King's Pawn and Gun Shop owner David Hasel.
Hasel said the new law is better for Oklahoma and registered-gun owners. He said that before this legislation, criminals had special treatment.
"Why should the criminals have guns and not the law-abiding citizens?" he asked.
Shelton said his battle is not over, and he intends not only to ask the governor to veto HB2696 but also to overturn the stand-your-ground bill.
The stand-your-ground law has already passed the Senate. It would allow you to protect yourself with lethal force if you feel threatened in a public place, such as a mall or a restaurant.
Shelton said it's up to law enforcement to protect citizens in public places.
The bill is in the House and expected to pass.