Oregon lawmakers debate bill to tighten gun restrictions, change age requirements

Lawmakers in Oregon are currently debating a bill that aims to impose stricter regulations on gun ownership within the state. The proposed legislation would introduce a mandatory 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring gun dealers to delay sales even if a background check is approved immediately.

The bill mandates that background checks confirm the purchaser has a valid permit to purchase, along with identity and fingerprint verification. Additionally, if an individual prohibited from owning a firearm attempts to buy one, the Oregon State Police would be required to report the incident within 24 hours to law enforcement agencies, probation and parole officers, and the courts.

The legislation also seeks to criminalize the possession of "rapid fire activators," devices that increase a firearm’s rate of fire, such as bump stocks, dual triggers, and auto sears. Possession of these devices would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, while their manufacture or transfer would constitute a Class B felony.

Furthermore, the bill proposes raising the minimum age to possess most firearms to 21. Individuals aged 18 to 20 would still be permitted to possess certain firearms, such as bolt-action rifles or shotguns. However, law enforcement and active military members would be exempt from this age restriction while on duty, though they would not be allowed to carry firearms off duty if under 21.

The bill also aims to expand firearm bans in public buildings. Currently, individuals with concealed handgun licenses (CHLs) can carry handguns in many public spaces. The proposed legislation would prohibit CHL holders from carrying firearms in schools, government buildings, and airports, with mandatory signage and web postings to enforce the policy.

There have been several past attempts to make these policy changes. House Bill 2006, which would’ve raised the age to buy a firearm to 21, received a public hearing but died in committee upon adjournment in 2023.

House Minority Leader Christine Drazan (R) addressed the bill with a statement: “Oregon already has some of the most aggressive gun control laws in the nation. This overreaching bill does nothing to make our streets safer, while preventing Oregonians from their lawful right to accessing a gun.”

https://katu.com/news/politics/oregon-lawmakers-debate-bill-to-tighten-gun-restrictions-change-age-requirements-background-check-chl-concealed-hand-guns-senate-house-bill-2006
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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: March 29, 2025, 3:00 am.

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