Raschio makes it official
By Terry Murry on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY – Harney County Circuit Court Judge Robert Raschio has made it official. He has entered the final order that strikes down Measure 114, which was narrowly approved by voters in 2022.
Raschio ruled verbally against the new gun control law in November. He signed the general judgement this week, finalizing that earlier opinion. Raschio ruled that the law violates the right to bear arms as written in the Oregon Constitution. The suit was brought by two gun owners in Harney County.
The law bans high-capacity magazines and establishes a process including background checks and gun safety training prior to a permit being issued. Many law enforcement agencies has said as it is written, it is unenforceable. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum vowed to appeal the ruling when it was issued verbally in November.
Meanwhile, a federal challenge to Measure 114 is also in the works. Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan and some of his peers are named plaintiffs in that action that questions if it is legal under the U.S. Constitution. A Portland judge ruled that the law could stand, and the plaintiffs intend to appeal that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California and, if necessary, to the U.S. Supreme Court.
MyCB file photo of Judge Robert Raschio (left) visiting with Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) in Salem.
