Lawmaker Says Businesses Shouldn't Be Responsible For Allowing Guns On Property

As dozens of gun related bills make their way through Oklahoma’s legislature, one causes controversy.
“This bill is intended to limit liability for private property owners,” said Senator AJ Griffin. 
“I think that’s going to create problems,” said Fox 25 Legal Analyst, David Slane.
Senate bill 173 would make business owners immune from liability whether they allow or prohibit the carrying of weapons on their property.
“Its important that Oklahoma property owners understand they are not responsible for that other persons behavior on their property with a weapon,” said the bill’s author, Republican Senator AJ Griffin.
Fox 25 Legal Analyst David Slane says the bill is a step in the wrong direction.
 “They're almost encouraging people to carry guns in businesses and giving the business owners sort of a pass saying let them carry it. We'll make it safe for you so you don't have to be responsible. We're just paving the way more and more for open guns in our communities and in all of our businesses. ” said Slane.
As gun permit applications set new records Senator Griffin says now is the time for this legislation.
“I think it’s very important that with the growing number of individuals carrying weapons businesses exhibit their rights and understand where their liability lies regarding those weapons.” 
“I think it clearly established rules. I’m just not sure they are the rules that we want,” said Slane. 
Many people we spoke with are on board for the measure...
“I don’t think the business should be liable at all for somebody else's actions,” said Jeremiah Jones.
But some think it's too lenient on businesses.
“If they say ok you can carry your gun here then they're responsible,” said Michael Long. 
Lawmaker Says Businesses Shouldn't Be Responsible For Allowing Guns On Property

Posted: Friday, February 22 2013, 10:58 AM CST