Legislature convenes Monday, more than 70 gun bills proposed

The national debate on gun control has captured the attention of lawmakers in Oklahoma, as evidenced by the 70-plus bills filed for consideration during the upcoming session, which convenes Monday.

It's Oklahoma's 54th Legislature's first session, which will close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 31.

Lawmakers have a number of other topics on their minds, including tax reform, public pensions, and Obamacare.

But in terms of sheer volume, the topic of gun control can be called the number one issue.

Among the proposals, bills that would waive the handgun concealed carry license fee for preschool and elementary school teachers, create a sales tax holiday for guns and ammunition, and make it illegal to enforce federal gun laws in Oklahoma.

It remains to be seen how many of the bills will make it out of committee and actually come to a vote in the House and Senate.

Legal precedent doesn't offer much hope for a state legislature to nullify federal law, experts say.

The idea of encouraging guns on school grounds will likely meet some stiff opposition, even in one of the most pro-firearm states in the union.

The other headline-grabbing debate will likely center on the state's reaction to "Obamacare," the Affordable Care Act, and its decision on expanding Medicaid.