13-05-2025
‘We need these measures': Latest gun safety bill debated in Oregon Senate
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multiple debates took place at an Oregon State Senate committee Monday as the legislature heard what people have to say on a bill that would toughen up gun laws in Oregon.
Senate Bill 234 is moving through the United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. If passed, it would give local governments the authority to decide rules surrounding firearms in public buildings like city halls.
'Overall, your viewers should know that SB 243, the Community Safety Firearms Act, will put safety first for Oregonians, prohibiting devices like 'bump stocks' and letting local governments decide whether to allow guns in city halls and official meeting locations,' Senator Anthony Broadman (D – Bend).
'What truly stopped me from becoming a true victim? My firearm. My ability to carry not only at home where I work, but out in public as well. To say that restricting our right to carry in a public place is crazy,' added Brian McGregor, who spoke out against the bill.
The bill also bans devices such as bump stocks that would make a semi-automatic rifle shoot more rapidly. On Monday, the public spoke to a senate committee, who voiced mixed opinions.
'We need these measures because kids are wracked with worry that a mass shooting will happen at school, and gun deaths in Oregon have increased 140% over the past decade. Rapid-fire devices that turn firearms into automatic weapons don't belong in our community. A healthy democracy allows people to visit their local leaders and attend government meetings without a threat of gun violence. More than anything, Oregonians want leaders to work together for prevention of gun deaths and injuries,' said Broadman.
'States with bans on bump stocks have a significantly reduced chance of those devices being used in shootings, leading to significantly fewer deaths and injuries,' said Steve Schneider, the firearm suicide prevention program director for Alliance For Safe Oregon.
The bill originally would require gun buyers to wait 72 hours between when a dealer requests a criminal background check from the Oregon state police, but an amendment removes this section of the bill.
'That would prevent any gun shows in Oregon from happening,' said Rick, who spoke out against the bill.
Another segment that was taken out requires a buyer to be 21 or older to purchase semi-automatics.
'The Dash 9 amendment removes the 72-hour waiting period. The minimum age provision was already proposed to be removed by an amendment,' said Broadman.
The Senate committee will vote on the bill Wednesday.
'The committee will determine next steps, potentially voting to have the bill as amended going to the Senate floor,' said Broadman.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
