Gun control bill on the November ballot
OHA Board Member Paul Donheffner speaks with Gary Lewis, himself an OHA Board Member, about the detrimental effects of Measure 114 (previously called IP17). Find out more at garylewisoutdoors.com.
IP17, which will now be Measure 114, has qualified for the November ballot. The measure is being billed as ‘common sense’ gun control to curb gun violence however it goes far beyond that statement and will do nothing to address criminal gun violence.
The measure contains several changes to firearms ownership and purchasing ability including a new permit-to-purchase procedure administered by a police chief or county sheriff that would include a background check including fingerprinting and photographing of purchaser. Additionally, the purchaser must show proof of an approved firearms training course that includes a live fire component. The permit-to-purchase, if approved, is valid for 5 years.
As part of the permit-to-purchase procedure, a searchable database will be created and maintained of all permits issued, including expired permits. All firearms purchased by a permit-holder will be recorded in the database and the information is allowed to be stored for an indefinite period of time. The initiative also states that a valid permit-to-purchase must be verified before any firearm transfer at a gun show. “Large capacity” magazines, defined as holding more than 10 rounds, would also be banned from sale, possession, or use.
While OHA understands the need for action against gun violence, we believe these purchase restrictions will only affect legal firearms owners who already conform to the current laws in place and will have no substantial affect to the criminal aspect of gun violence. Additionally, the searchable database containing purchaser information and an itemized list of purchased firearms takes this measure far beyond ‘common sense’ gun control. OHA will continue to stand with our partners against this measure.
Looking ahead to the 2023 Legislative Session
OHA continues our long-standing track record of being a presence in the state’s Capitol and advocating for our mission statement of protecting Oregon’s wildlife, habitat, and hunting heritage. Looking ahead to the 2023 legislative session, we foresee another session full of legislative concepts that we will need to engage on to ensure we continue to protect our rights. Continue to check this page for future updates as the session draws near.
To find out more about the legislative process, bills, and legislators go to the Oregon State Legislature page.
To learn more about these bills, visit
www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws