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SB 372

Firearms; modifying scope of lawful carry. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Hines and 1 co-sponsor

SB 372 narrows where firearms may be carried, restricting Concealed/Unconcealed carry in government buildings, schools, courthouses, and certain event/protected areas, with specifi

Approved by Governor 05/11/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 372

Summary of SB 372 (Session 2026, Oklahoma)

Purpose and Intent

SB 372 amends Oklahoma law to modify the scope of where individuals may lawfully carry firearms. It adjusts prohibitions and allowances regarding concealed and unconcealed weapons on various public and private properties, with specific exceptions and protections for certain officials and settings. The act becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Key Provisions and Changes

A. Places where unlawful carry is prohibited (expanded and clarified)

  • Prohibits carrying a firearm (concealed or unconcealed) into:
    • Any building or office space owned or leased by a governmental authority (city, town, county, state) that conducts public business, except that a city governing body may authorize concealed carry into such buildings (but not into places listed in paragraph 2).
    • Courthouses, courtrooms, prisons, jails, detention facilities, or facilities used to process or hold arrested persons (with exceptions per Section 21, Title 57).
    • Public or private elementary schools or public/private secondary schools (with later subsections modifying applicability).
    • Publicly owned/operated sports arenas during professional events (unless allowed by the event holder).
    • Places where gambling is authorized (unless allowed by the property owner).
    • Any other place prohibited by law.
    • Any property set aside for events secured with minimum security provisions (defined by:
    • An 8-foot tall metallic security fence
    • Uniformed peace officer staffing at controlled access points
    • A metal detector for entry)

B. Permissions to carry on certain properties (expanded where carry is lawful)

  • Lawful to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms on: 1) Vehicle parking properties owned/used by government authorities. 2) Parking/open public access areas used by gambling entities. 3) Property adjacent to a building where weapons are prohibited (to the extent allowed by A). 4) Parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges/management areas, fairgrounds designated by government authority (with the caveat that entry into prohibited buildings on those properties remains prohibited). 5) Properties designated for vehicle use/parking at schools, with the firearm stored in a locked motor vehicle when unattended. 6) Public property set aside temporarily for an event by a county/city/public trust or state authority that lacks minimum security provisions; carry is limited to concealed handgun unless the event permit holder authorizes otherwise. 7) State-owned hotels, cabins, or lodges.

C. Private school property

  • A concealed or unconcealed weapon may be carried onto private school property or in private school transportation by a licensee if the private school governing entity adopts a policy permitting possession. Liability is limited for the school related to policy adoption, except as otherwise provided by law.

D. School personnel carrying on school property

  • A school district board may adopt a policy to authorize handgun carriage onto school property by designated personnel (armed security guards or reserve peace officers). This does not alter other authorities to carry firearms.

E. Municipal properties (zoo/park)

  • Individuals may carry a concealed handgun on municipal zoo or park properties not expressly prohibited, but not openly if other prohibitions apply.

F. Violations and penalties

  • Violations of prohibitions in subsection A (specifically paragraphs 2-3) are misdemeanors with fines up to $250.
  • Other violations can result in denial of entry or removal; citations up to $250 if an individual refuses to leave and peace officers are summoned.

G. College, university, or technology center restrictions

  • Prohibits carrying firearms (and certain other weapons) into college/university/tech center properties, with narrow exceptions:
    • In vehicles (if stored properly and not removed without permission)
    • On properties where allowed by school policy
    • With written consent from the college/university president or administrator (carrying the item with consent and license)
  • Colleges must notify the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation within 10 days of a violation. The Bureau then provides due process, potential $250 administrative fine, and possible license suspension for 3 months.

H–I. Public offices and elected officials

  • Lists exemptions for peace officers, certain judges, private investigators, elected county officials, sheriff employees, board of county commissioners, and municipal officials/employees in specified courthouses or official duties.
  • Provides authorities for setting local policies regarding carrying within courthouses and related facilities.

J. Vehicle definition

  • Clarifies that “motor vehicle” includes typical vehicles with a locked security container as defined by statute.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Law-abiding gun owners with handgun licenses under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.
  • Public and private schools (including private schools), universities/colleges/tech centers.
  • Government buildings, courthouses, parks, zoos, state-owned hotels, and event venues.
  • Event organizers and permit holders for events with minimum security provisions.
  • Law enforcement, public safety officials, and certain government employees with specific exemption provisions.
  • Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (administrative enforcement role for college-related violations).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill passes through standard legislative process (Senate and House committees) with committee amendments.
  • Becomes effective November 1, 2026, with various transitional guidelines (e.g., school policy adoption timelines, BIS hearings for licenses, etc.).

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive elements and practical implications of SB 372 as introduced and amended, without editorial bias.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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