House Bill 3200, an egregious attack on our Second Amendment rights was recently introduced by state Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-33) and seven other state Representatives and nine Senators. This ban on so-called “assault weapons” and standard capacity magazines would criminalize the possession and transfer of many commonly used firearms, create a registry, limit ownership to one registered “assault weapon” and three standard capacity magazines per person, and subject registered owners to “inspections” by the State Police.
HB 3200 would impose a “single-feature” test by which many semiautomatic rifles and handguns capable of accepting detachable magazines would be outlawed, as well as many commonly owned shotguns. Among the features listed in the bill are: pistol grips or thumbhole stocks; folding or telescoping stocks; any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip; and fixed magazines with the capacity to accept more than ten rounds for rifles and pistols, and more than five rounds for shotguns.
Under this bill, a person commits the crime of unlawful possession or transfer of an “assault weapon” or standard capacity magazine, a Class B felony, if the person manufactures, imports, possesses, purchases, sells or transfers one of the firearms or magazines banned by this bill. Further, all Oregonians who legally own any of the items banned prior to this bill going into effect, or receive any of these items by inheritance or bequest, would have 120 days to come into compliance by one of the following means:
- Sell the “assault weapon” or standard capacity magazine to a licensed firearms dealer.
- Surrender the “assault weapon” or standard capacity magazine to a law enforcement agency for destruction.
- Render the “assault weapon” permanently inoperable.
- If eligible, register the “assault weapon” or standard capacity magazine.
For those who wish to register their legally owned firearms and magazines, they would have to prove ownership, undergo a criminal background check, adhere to stringent and impractical storage and transportation requirements, and subject themselves to in-home inspections by law enforcement. Individuals would be limited to registering only one firearm and three magazines. All other banned firearms and magazines must be disposed of.
Law-abiding gun owners should not be treated like common criminals. These anti-gun proposals have been tried in the past as an easy “solution” - and have been proven resounding failures across the country. Criminals simply do not obey gun bans, register their firearms or comply with any gun control schemes. As a result, only law-abiding citizens will obey the law and subject themselves to registration, and be left defenseless. For more information on the misguided political term “assault weapon,” please click here. For information on ammunition magazines, please click here.
If enacted into law, this horrible attack on our freedoms would go into effect immediately. While HB 3200 has not yet been assigned to a House committee, it is very important that you contact your state Representative and Senator TODAY and urge them to oppose HB 3200 and all other infringements on the Second Amendment. You can find your elected officials and their contact information, by clicking here.
On a positive note, Senator Floyd Prozanski, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has said that he will not hear Senate Bill 346, the attempt to ban so-called “high capacity” magazines introduced by state Senator Ginny Burdick. However, other anti-gun attempts could still arise.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you informed on these and other important bills. Thank you for continuing to contact your state lawmakers - they must hear from you now!
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