The Senate Appropriations Committee overwhelmingly approved a bill that would permit Oklahomans to carry firearms without a permit.

The committee voted 18-4 for the “constitutional carry” bill and sent the measure on to be considered by the entire Senate.

House Bill 2597 by Sen. Kim David, R-Wagoner, and Representative Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, would permit Oklahomans age 21 and older to carry a firearm without a permit. Veterans, active duty, and reserve military age 18 and over would be allowed to carry without a permit under the bill. The bill also prohibits felons and those with domestic violence convictions or with a mental illness from carrying a firearm.

Private property owners can still prohibit firearms from being carried under the bill. Higher education institutions could still set their own policies regarding the carrying of firearms on campuses.

Fifteen other states allow constitutional carry, and the citizens of those states have enjoyed the ability to carry without a permit in Oklahoma for years. Bordering states include Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri.