New "Hoodie Bill" in Oklahoma - Hannah Kalan 6th Period

One of Oklahoma's senators proposed a bill recently that would add to an already existing law stating that it is illegal to wear a hood, mask, or covering that conceals the wearers identity during a crime. The proposed addition of the law includes numerous exemptions as well, such as during Halloween or for religious beliefs, medical concerns, and weather protection. It actually exempts wearing hoods publicly under most circumstances, other than while committing a crime, which is already in Oklahoma law. So, why then would this new bill need to be added?  Multiple critics of the bill thought that it might be due to racial profiling, and it's created a negative feeling for the proposal which will be hard for the senator and it's supporters to justify.

Personally, the bill makes no sense to me. The original law doesn't either as those who are committing a crime will probably still break that law by concealing their identity to keep from getting caught in the first place. The new proposal may even be considered a violation of freedom if it were to get passed. Say, if someone were to just wear their hood and not be under one of those specific exceptions, they could be arrested, and I find that kind of appalling.


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