These updates changed who can carry firearms in certain places. A “billy” is no longer a prohibited item. The definition of “motor vehicle” was changed for purposes of possessing a gun. The law on retired law enforcement officers carrying guns is a little more restrictive.
Possession of Gun in a Motorcycle
With respect to where a gun may be possessed, HB 3718 changes the definition of motor vehicle to include a motorcycle. “Motor vehicle” now means any automobile, truck, minivan, sports utility vehicle, or motorcycle as such term is defined in Section 1-135 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, equipped with a locked accessory container within or affixed to the motorcycle.
Billy No Longer a Prohibited Item, Wildlife Areas, Bow Hunting or Fishing While Scouting
HB 3353 removes the “billy” from the list of things people can’t carry, whether concealed or unconcealed. It adds “wildlife refuge” and “wildlife management area” to the list of property not considered places where carrying a concealed or unconcealed firearm is prohibited. It also modified when a licensed person could carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun. Instead of it being including “bow hunting or fishing,” it’s now “while scouting as it relates to hunting or fishing.”
County Employees Carrying Guns
HB 2527 expanded the groups of people authorized to carry handguns into certain places. Now, the sheriff of any county may authorize certain employees of the county, who possess a valid handgun license issued pursuant to the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, to carry a concealed handgun when acting in the course and scope of employment within the courthouses in the county in which the person is employed. The sheriff can still require additional instruction or training before receiving authorization to 
pursuant to the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, to carry a concealed handgun when acting in the course and scope of employment on county annex facilities or grounds surrounding the county courthouse. These two new provisions don’t allow the county employee to carry the handgun into a courtroom, sheriff’s office, adult or juvenile jail, or any other prisoner detention area.
Retired Law Enforcement Officers Carrying Guns
HB 2625 affects retired law enforcement officers. The Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) identification card issued to eligible retired federal, state, county, and municipal peace officers authorizes the retired peace officer to carry a firearm “throughout” Oklahoma now. It used to be “anywhere” in Oklahoma.
HB 3718 amended 21 O.S. § 1277. It went into effect May 10, 2018. HB 2527 amended 21 O.S. § 1277. It went into effect November 1, 2018. HB 3353 amended 21 O.S. 1272, § 1277, & 1290.8. It went into effect November 1, 2018. HB 2625 amended 21 O.S. § 1289.8. It went into effect November 1, 2018.
Sources: HB 3718; HB 3353; HB 2527; 21 O.S. §§ 1277, 1272, 1290.8, & 1289.8
Charged with carrying a firearm illegally? Call Oklahoma firearms attorney Frank Urbanic at 405-633-3420.