Oregon Democrats are advancing a bill aimed at implementing significant reforms to the state’s gun regulations.
Senate Bill 243, if approved, would establish a 72-hour waiting period for individuals purchasing firearms. This period would begin when a dealer submits a request for a criminal background check to the Oregon State Police and would last until the buyer is cleared to obtain the weapon.
The legislation aims to prohibit rapid-fire devices, including bump stocks and various attachments that enhance the firing speed of semi-automatic rifles. Oregonians under the age of 21 would be prohibited from purchasing semi-automatic weapons, while local governments would gain the power to establish firearm regulations in public buildings.
Senate President Rob Wagner, a Democrat, stated on Monday, “We’ll have to see what happens in terms of the final iteration, but I definitely expect that there will be firearm safety legislation that gets considered in the Senate this session.”
SB 243 consolidates four earlier proposals, and this legislation is expected to spark controversy among lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session. On Monday, Wagner recognised that firearm legislation creates significant tension between the parties. He noted that Democrats typically craft bills in a way that reduces the likelihood of filibusters and contentious debates with Republicans.
“That presents challenges for some of my colleagues across the aisle due to the strong emotions they encounter from their supporters,” Wagner stated.
On Thursday, House Minority Leader Christine Drazan expressed her criticism of the legislation in a statement.
Oregon is known for having some of the strictest gun control laws in the country. Drazan criticised the bill, stating, “This overreaching legislation fails to enhance street safety and infringes on the lawful rights of Oregonians to access firearms.”
Just weeks after the Oregon Court of Appeals determined that the voter-approved Measure 114 is in line with the state constitution, this decision has been made. In a recent decision, a California appeals court upheld a state law that prohibits gun magazines containing more than 10 rounds of ammunition, allowing the regulation to continue in effect. Both rulings provide legal support for advocates seeking increased firearm restrictions, yet they are expected to encounter further scrutiny in appellate courts.
With Democrats in control of both legislative chambers in Oregon, they are positioned to enact laws through party-line votes. Historically, legislation concerning firearms has faced significant opposition from Republicans, often leading to walkouts. In the 2021 legislative session, there were reports of constituents threatening recalls and violence towards Republican party members who chose not to walk out on a controversial bill.
Senator Floyd Prozanski, a Democrat from Eugene, is one of the legislators backing the proposed bill. The legislation aims to prevent impulsive gun purchases that may result in violence or self-harm, while also ensuring that rapid-fire weapons do not fall into the hands of mass shooters.
“I’m a gun owner,” Prozanski shared with OPB last week. “I hold the view that individuals ought to possess the right to carry firearms.” I recognise that there are responsibilities involved in this situation. It is my belief that specific categories of weaponry ought to be designated solely for military use, rather than being accessible to the general public.
A public hearing for the bill is set to take place before the Senate Committee on Judiciary at 3 p.m. this Thursday. So far, hundreds of individuals have provided written testimony. Numerous testimonies have emerged against the bill, arguing that its passage would violate the constitutional right to bear arms. Proponents of the bill argue that it has the potential to enhance safety and reduce gun violence.
The proposed legislation aims to restrict gun ownership for individuals under 21, allowing exceptions for certain rifles and shotguns commonly utilised in hunting activities. The collection includes single-shot rifles, double-barrel shotguns, and .22 calibre rifles.
A proposed measure would prohibit firearm possession for individuals under 18 years old, with an exception allowing temporary possession of specific firearms if they are transferred to the minor by a parent or guardian. Exemptions will also apply to police and military personnel.
Oregon boasts some of the most stringent gun laws in the United States, at least in theory. Measure 114, while not currently in effect due to a pending legal appeal period following this month’s court ruling, prohibits the purchase of magazines that contain more than 10 rounds of ammunition and mandates a permit for gun purchases. The permit requires the buyer to successfully undergo a criminal background check and finish a gun safety course.
