OR House Republicans condemn ‘unconstitutional’ gun bills

SALEM – The Oregon House of Representatives Judiciary Committee has passed two bills on to the floor that tighten up requirements of the state’s controversial gun control measure, Ballot Measure 114. In a prepared news release, the GOP stated the measures “significantly reduce the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms while doing nothing to reduce crime and uphold public safety.

House Bill 3075 increases the firearm permit provisions in Ballot Measure 114. It adds additional eligibility requirements and fees while it doubles the wait time to issue permits to 60 days.

House Bill 3076 directs the Department of Justice to create a state licensing program. Republicans point out that adds unnecessary oversight to an industry that already follows extensive federal regulations which include background checks and compliance laws.

“These bills force additional, expensive regulations on law-abiding citizens that many of them cannot afford,” Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) said. “And writing a blank check to the Department of Justice to enforce what’s already codified in federal law is bad policy. Enough is enough.”

Rep. Alek Skarlatos (R-Winston) said the bills target law-abiding Oregon gun owners. “They will ban standard-size magazines, impose fees on the exercise of a constitutional right, and place prohibitive regulations on every local gunsmith and gun store, forcing these small businesses to close.”

---

• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 

---