Last Thursday, the Multnomah Board of County Commissioners gave final and unanimous approval to a restrictive firearms ordinance cosponsored by Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and Chairman Jeff Cogen. These unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding gun owners will go into effect on May 25. A full explanation of the ordinance can be found here.
The new set of laws includes many misguided policies. These include reporting the loss or theft of a firearm within 48 hours of “knowing” a firearm is stolen, with penalty for failure set at a fine of $2,500. A person reporting who does not know the serial number of the firearm can also be assessed a $200 administrative fee. This type of law irresponsibly targets innocent citizens who are in fact victims of crimes themselves - who might be grieving or hospitalized during this arbitrary 48 hour period. Another flawed provision in the ordinance limits the ability for self-defense in public places by prohibiting possession of a loaded firearm or magazine in a public place on a person or in a vehicle with limited exceptions. Further, if a peace officer asks to inspect a firearm or magazine a person may not refuse the request.
Contact all County Commissioners (using the information provided below) and voice your displeasure with this ordinance. Ask them to focus on REAL solutions – not on failed policies that target law-abiding gun owners and have no effect on crime.
Multnomah County Commissioners:
Commissioner Jeff Cogen, Chairman
Phone: 503-988-3308
Commissioner Deborah Kafoury
Phone: 503-988-3093
Commissioner Loretta Smith
Phone: 503-988-3093
Commissioner Judy Shiprack
Phone: 503-988-5217
Commissioner Diane McKeel
Phone: 503-988-5213