Oklahoma Enacts Law Banning Contracts with Anti-Firearm Firms

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 500 into law, prohibiting state and local government contracts worth $100,000 or more with companies that are perceived to discriminate against the firearm industry. The law, effective November 1, requires businesses seeking contracts with public entities to provide written assurances that they do not have policies or practices that discriminate against firearm entities or trade associations. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Casey Murdock, was motivated by concerns over major financial institutions allegedly refusing to work with gun manufacturers and retailers. Supporters argue this measure protects Oklahoma's constitutional values and the economic interests of the firearms industry, while carving out exceptions for small businesses. The law follows a broader trend in Oklahoma of restricting state business with companies seen as adopting "woke" policies, echoing previous restrictions related to the fossil fuel industry. Critics caution that such laws may complicate state relationships with major financial firms, some of which have already faced scrutiny and restrictions under similar state measures.