Oklahoma Gov. Stitt still supports ban on banks that 'discriminate' against gun companies
Gov. Kevin Stitt said he believes a ban on state contracts with companies that “discriminate” against the firearm industry will be implemented this year, mirroring a similar law that targets the energy sector.
“We think we’ll get that across the finish line," said Stitt, who gave an interview Wednesday at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, an annual firearm trade show.
Republican lawmakers advanced a bill last year that would have prohibited the state from entering into contracts with banks if those lenders' policies have qualifying conditions when loaning money to gun manufacturers.
Supporters of the bill said some banks will not lend money to gun manufacturers that produce certain types of weapons or those that sell long rifles to people under the age of 21.
The bill stalled in the state Senate.
But Stitt expressed confidence in the bill making it through this session.
"We’re not going to let big banks, processing companies, payroll companies discriminate against our assets," said Stitt, who added his confidence in the bill was based on recent meetings with legislative leaders.
Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, who co-authored the bill, said some of the nation's largest financial institutions would be impacted, including Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and PayPal.
"I'm saying these banks in New York City should not be pushing gun policy," he said during a floor debate last year.
Legislative staff said there was no known fiscal impact to the state if the bill were approved.
A similar bill that targets companies that boycott oil and gas production was successful.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Okla. Gov. supports ban on banks that 'discriminate' gun companies
