OHA Legislative Report
Hunting bills, gun initiatives introduced
By Al Elkins, OHA Lobbyist
The 2020 Legislative Session is underway with 256 bills already introduced for the “short” 35-day session. So, it’s pretty much a sprint to the finish line. Here are some of the bills we are following:
HB 4052 Residency Bill
This bill is one that OHA requested as part of our anti-poaching campaign. The language in the bill changes some ambiguity in statute related to the definition of residency. OHA supports this bill.
HB 4091 Sage Grouse Fund
This bill establishes a “Sage-Grouse Mitigation Program In-Lieu Fee Fund.” The money in the fund goes to ODFW to support, restore, protect, or increase habitat for sage grouse. OHA supports this bill.
SB 1543 Group Sports Pac
This bill sets up special opportunities for vets to hunt and fish by establish a “Group Sports PAC.” OHA is working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other groups to determine what the impact of this bill would be on the hunting community.
HB 4005 Gun Storage Bill
This bill requires a gun owner or possessor of firearm to secure firearm with trigger or cable lock, in locked container or in gun room except in specified circumstances. OHA will be submitting testimony on our concerns about the bill. OHA is working with a variety of other organizations in opposing this bill and others coming up in the short legislative session.
HB 4075 Bans Coyote Contests
This bill bans coyote hunting contests. We are currently working on an amendment to the bill that would allow OHA chapters to continue their current coyote contests.
Update on Gun Petitions
IP 40 – Requires locked gun storage, reporting stolen guns, strict liability for injuries. OHA appealed the draft ballot title, in cooperation with the NRA, and our case is awaiting a decision by the Oregon Supreme Court.
IP 60 – Regulates semi-automatic guns and large capacity magazines. Comment period closed on Jan. 29, with and final ballot title due from Attorney General on Feb. 13.
IP 61 – Sale/transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms requires gun dealer, safety course, waiting period, age 21. Comment period closed Jan. 31, with and final ballot title due from Attorney General on Feb. 15.
IP 62 – Prohibits firearm magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition; provides for exceptions. Allows persons who have magazines over 10 to keep them. Comment period closed Jan. 31, with and final ballot title due from Attorney General on Feb. 15.
OHA is working with a variety of other organizations in opposing these measures.
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