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OKLAHOMA CITY — Individuals will be able to carry firearms in Oklahoma without a permit or training starting Nov. 1, when a bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt goes into effect.

The bill is the first signed by Stitt since he took office.

“As I traveled all over the state to all 77 counties, I heard from Oklahomans all over that they wanted us to protect their right to bear arms,” Stitt said.

He said he doesn’t think the measure will result in an increase in violence.

“I think the best defense for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” Stitt said.

House Bill 2597, authored by House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, passed the Senate earlier Wednesday by a vote of 40-6.

David said 15 states, including three that border Oklahoma, allow what proponents call “constitutional” — or permitless — carry.

“The Wild West has not happened in those states,” she said in a reference to the fears of opponents of the change in law.

While training will not be required, David said she encourages those who want to carry guns to have training.