Oregon Lawmakers Intensify Gun Control Efforts Following Court Ruling

Oregon lawmakers are ramping up their efforts to impose stricter gun control measures after a state Court of Appeals ruling deemed Measure 114 constitutional. This ruling has emboldened legislators in the Beaver State to pursue additional firearm regulations, even as the state faces scrutiny for alleged violations of Second Amendment rights.

Background on Measure 114

Measure 114, which has sparked considerable debate and legal challenges, requires citizens to obtain a permit before purchasing firearms. Critics have labeled it an infringement on the rights guaranteed by the Oregon State Constitution, particularly Article 1, Section 27, which affirms the public’s right to bear arms.

New Legislative Proposals

As reported by KGW, Oregon’s Democratic lawmakers are advocating for several new gun control bills:

• House Bill 3075: This bill aims to establish enforcement mechanisms for Measure 114, preparing for its implementation contingent upon resolving ongoing legal challenges.
• House Bill 3076: This legislation seeks to initiate a state licensing program for firearms retailers, which has already progressed out of committee.
• Senate Bill 243: The proposed bill would introduce a 72-hour waiting period for all gun purchases, comparable to the existing measures in neighboring Washington.

Legal Challenges to Measure 114

In light of these legislative moves, two residents from Harney County, Joseph Arnold and Cliff Asmussen, have petitioned the Oregon Supreme Court. They seek to challenge the constitutionality of Measure 114, with their case supported by the Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation. Their legal representation includes attorneys Tony Aiello Jr. and Tyler Smith.

“To obtain the Permit,” their motion states, “Oregonians must pay for and complete two classes; undergo an in-person psychological evaluation with law enforcement; pass two background checks; undergo fingerprinting and photographing; wait up to 30 days to appeal an indecision or denial; and pay a $65 fee.”

Federal Attention on Gun Control Practices

Oregon’s legislative developments come as the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) has called for federal scrutiny. The CCRKBA has recommended a dozen states, including Oregon, for investigation by the Department of Justice’s newly-established Second Amendment Task Force led by Attorney General Pam Bondi. This Task Force is tasked with ensuring that state laws do not violate the Second Amendment.

William Kirk, a civil rights attorney and president of Washington Gun Law, commented on the CCRKBA’s recommendations, agreeing that several states have enacted laws that diminish Second Amendment rights to mere government-regulated privileges.

Concerns of Local Gun Owners

As lawmakers advance new legislation, voices from within the community express frustration. Rep. Greg Smith, a Republican from eastern Oregon, highlighted the sentiments of his constituents, stating, “Gosh, enough is enough. How much more are they going to do to us?” The prevailing opinion in some districts suggests a growing impatience with further restrictions on gun ownership.

Conclusion

The legislative landscape in Oregon remains highly contentious as lawmakers push for more stringent gun control measures amidst ongoing legal battles surrounding Measure 114. With the backdrop of federal oversight from the Department of Justice and active community resistance, the future of gun rights in Oregon is uncertain. Stakeholders on both sides continue to engage in heated discussions, reflecting broader national debates over gun control and Second Amendment rights.