July 29, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Sheriff Rice issues statement on new ATF gun rule
Main
January 31, 2023
Sheriff Rice issues statement on new ATF gun rule

Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddy Rice is joining several other sheriff offices across Oklahoma refusing to enforce a new gun rule.

OCSO refuses to enforce federal mandate

Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddy Rice is joining several other sheriff offices across Oklahoma refusing to enforce a new gun rule. On Jan. 13, United States Attorney General Merrick Garland signed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) final rule 2021R-08F, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces,’” amending ATF’s regulations to clarify when a rifle is designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder. In a statement issued by the OCSO, Sheriff Rice stated “this rule states that pistol stabilizing braces are to be removed or registered with the ATF within 120 days of the ruling being placed on the federal register or any person found in possession of a pistol brace equipped firearm is subject to potential federal felony criminal charges. This rule places AR-15 style pistols in the same regulated class as National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms which require federal registration and the payment of a $200 tax to own and possess.” Sheriff Rice emphasized in his statement that “this rule is a gross federal overreach and Okmulgee County deputies will not take action on those found to be in possession of pistol-braced weapons unless they are committing felony crimes with the weapon. The Oklahoma Second Amendment Sanctuary Act clearly states that law enforcement in the State of Oklahoma cannot enforce any federal, state, county, or municipal act, law, executive order, administrative order, court order, rule, policy, or regulation ordering the buy-back, confiscation or surrender of any firearms, firearm accessories or ammunition from law-abiding citizens of this state and that it is an unlawful infringement on the right to keep and bear arms. Oklahoma State Statute 211289 also clearly states that citizens may pursue civil action against any law enforcement agency and/ or officer within the state if their rights are in fact infringed upon. “Due to this, Sheriff Rice proudly joins other Oklahoma sheriffs from across the state in taking a stand against ATF overreach and constitutional infringements, and will continue to enforce all applicable state laws related to the use of a firearm used in the commission of felony crimes, but will not enforce any pistol brace rule or ban at this time.” According to the ATF, the rule outlines the factors the agency would consider when evaluating firearms equipped with a purported “stabilizing brace” (or other rearward attachment) to determine whether these weapons would be considered a “rifle” or “short-barreled rifle” under the Gun Control Act of 1968, or a “rifle” or “firearm” subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. The rule’s amended definition of “rifle” clarifies that the term “designed, redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder” includes a weapon that is equipped with an accessory, component, or other rearward attachment (e.g., a “stabilizing brace”) that provides surface area that allows the weapon to be fired from the shoulder, provided other factors, as listed in the definition, indicate the weapon is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder. The ATF states this rule does not affect “stabilizing braces” that are objectively designed and intended as a “stabilizing brace” for use by individuals with disabilities, and not for shouldering the weapon as a rifle. Such stabilizing braces are designed to conform to the arm and not as a buttstock. However, if the firearm with the “stabilizing brace” is a short-barreled rifle, it needs to be registered within 120-days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. Those affected by the rules are: • Unlicensed Possessors • Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) not under the NFA as a Class One Importer or Class Two Manufacturer SOT • FFL Importers or Manufacturers under the GCA that ARE Qualified under the NFA Class One Importer or Class Two Manufacturer SOT • Certain Governmental Entities For more information, visit www.atf.gov/ rules-and-regulations/factoring-criteria-firearms- attached-stabilizing-braces.
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
this is a test
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
this is a test
Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
this is a test
A: Main
Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
this is a test
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
A: Main
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
this is a test
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
this is a test
News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
this is a test
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
this is a test
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
this is a test
News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy