Important Priorities for Preventing Gun Violence in Oregon
FEBRUARY 2024 SHORT SESSION
Measure 114 – Oregon Permit to Purchase a Firearm, Limit High-Capacity Ammunition
Measure 114 requires a permit to purchase a firearm, hands-on training, and a successfully COMPLETED background check before a firearm is purchased. Measure 114 also limits high-capacity magazines to ten rounds.
As you know, Measure 114 was passed by Oregon voters on November 8, 2022, so it is already Oregon law. However, action by the courts and the legislature is ongoing. Technical changes ( clarifications and minor corrections) by the legislature are common following an initiative passed by the voters. We welcome this effort as long as all of the safeguards of Measure 114 are preserved and the changes do not weaken it in any way. Legislation proposing minor clarifications is likely to be proposed in the February 2024 session. The legal challenges, which were expected, are still blocking implementation but we are hopeful that the temporary stay of enforcement will be removed expeditiously so that Measure 114’s provisions making Oregon safer can be implemented soon.
Our message to the legislature:
Please move forward swiftly to make sure the permitting process is as effective, efficient, and equitable as possible.
If changes are proposed for Measure 114, please only support those that provide funding and make it stronger.
Don't approve any changes that weaken Measure 114’s strong protections to reduce gun violence in Oregon.
Proposals In January 2023 Long Session
HB2005–PASSED
HB 2005 & HB 2874 – Ban Ghost Guns
Both bills prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of firearms or firearm receivers that lack serial numbers (i.e. untraceable) and firearms that lack a metal piece (security exemplar) that allows the firearm to pass through metal detectors without being discovered (i.e., undetectable). The penalties range from a $1000 fine for the first offense to a $250,000 fine and 10 years imprisonment for three or more violations. Slightly lesser penalties are applied to the manufacture and possession of “unfinished frames or receivers.”
HB2005–PASSED
HB 2005 has been amended to incorporate the age restrictions proposed in HB 2006 and also the permission for public entities to adopt rules related to carrying of firearms in those buildings proposed in HB 2007. The amended bill (A-Engrossed version) has been moved out of the Judiciary Committee with a recommendation to the full House to pass it. It was also referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee for funding and passed out of that committee with a recommendation to approve the funding proposals on April 7th.
HB 2874–DID NOT GET OUT OF COMMITTEE
HB 2874 also provides for additional penalties and crimes. Importing or transferring 10 or more unfinished frames can lead to a fine of $375,000 and up to 20 years imprisonment. The crime of “domestic terrorism” is added with a fine of $250,000 and 10 years imprisonment with no probation.
HB 2006–DID NOT MAKE IT TO A VOTE.
HB 2006 Raises the Age to 21 for Purchase and Possession of Semiautomatic Rifles
Prohibits persons ages 18-20 from possessing or purchasing semiautomatic firearms. It permits persons ages 18-20 to possess or purchase firearms such as single-shot rifles, shotguns with pump, break and lever action, and other similar firearms primarily used for hunting. Minors (under 18) are not prohibited from having these hunting firearms if such firearms were transferred to them by the minor’s parent of guardian. Unlawful possession is a Class A misdemeanor.
HB 2007–DID NOT MAKE IT TO A FLOOR VOTE.
HB 2007 – Allows local governing bodies to adopt ordinances regarding gun possession in public areas.
Authorizes governing bodies of certain public entities that own or control public building to adopt policy, ordinance or regulation or precluding affirmative defense for possession of firearms in public building and adjacent grounds by concealed handgun licensees. Provides that in prosecution for possession of firearm in building or on grounds subject to such policy, ordinance or regulation, concealed handgun licensee affirmative defense is not complete defense, but results in Class A misdemeanor conviction punishable by 364 days' imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both.
SB 551–DID NOT MAKE IT TO A FLOOR VOTE.
SB 551 – Schools Provide Information About Secure Storage of Medications and Firearms
Requires school districts to provide specified information related to secure storage of medications and firearms. Directs the Oregon Health Authority to make information available to school districts.
SB 527–DID NOT MAKE IT TO A FLOOR VOTE
SB 527 –Gun Dealers Not Required to Sell Firearms to People Under Age of 21
Federally licensed firearms dealers who choose not to sell firearms to people under the age of 21 will not face discrimination charges.
HB 2757–PASSED
HB 2757 –Establish permanent funding for 988 crisis line
Expands and provides funding for coordinated crisis services system including 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline.
BUDGET: Renew funding, $15 million for community violence intervention and $5 million for Healing Hurt People program–PASSED
Renews funding from prior year’s allocation from the federal government program to support community violence intervention and additional funding for individual hurt due to violence.
Lift Every Voice Oregon urges Oregon voters to encourage your elected state senators and representatives to co-sponsor and support gun safety bills being considered by the 2024 Oregon Legislature. We will update this page once the bills are announced. It is critical that your elected officials know that you are their constituent, you vote, and you want them to help make our communities safer from gun violence by supporting bills that promote gun safety.