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Cantrell
Oklahomans do not want to see the values of Washington, D.C., dominating our state, and I am committed to ensuring that doesn’t happen. This year, House Republicans passed several pieces of legislation thatdismantled any attempts to implement Biden’s liberal agenda in Oklahoma.
When we impose strict punishments for criminals, we send the message that criminal behavior is unacceptable in our state. This creates a deterrent effect, making people think twice before breaking the law.
HouseBill3694proposestolower the felony threshold for theft from $1,000 to $500. Currently, nationwide, there is a rise in violent crime, particularly in retail settings. The National Retail Federation reports that over 81% of business owners have faced more violent theft-related crimes compared to previous years.
Oklahoma increased felony thresholds in 2017; overall crime rates have substantially risen since then. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, between 2018 and 2019, there was a 54% increase in property-related crimes and 34% in offenses against persons.
House Bill 3782 is another piece of legislation that tackles criminal activity in Oklahoma. It suggests that individuals may have their initial bond revoked and held without bail. The goal is to prevent violent offenders from committing further crimes.
Our state is taking steps to fight crime while also protecting one of the fundamental rights of our Bill of Rights - the right to bear arms. Earlier this year, the House passed House Joint Resolution 1034, which I co-authored.
HJR1034 proposes to send a statewide vote to amend the Oklahoma Constitution. The goal is to protect citizens’ rights to own common arms, such as handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives, etc., for selfdefense, hunting, and recreation.
Theproposedamendmentwould add to our constitution the right to keep and bear arms, which cannot be infringed upon. It would make any law that imposes registration or special taxation on the possession, acquisition, ownership, or transfer of arms, ammunition, or components illegal.
The Second Amendment is fundamental to personal freedom and safeguards all other constitutional rights. It recognizes individuals’ inherentrighttodefendthemselves, their families, and their property.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 49. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7383 or josh. cantrell@okhouse.gov.
Rep.JoshCantrell,aRepublican, serves District 49 Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Carter, Love and Marshall counties .