Send Comments in Today!
Gun owners in Oregon are all too familiar with the never-ending assault on the state’s firearms preemption law by state agencies, cities and counties, and local school districts. Section 166.170(1) of Oregon Revised Statutes clearly states: "Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate in any matter whatsoever the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition, is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly."
In other words, if the Oregon Legislature has not voted to prohibit the possession of firearms in certain places, a state agency, city council, county commission, or school district cannot pass a rule or ordinance to that effect.
However, as we know too well, that has not stopped these entities from attempting to pass and enforce such regulations, even though they have no legal authority to do so.
Recognizing this, Department of Administrative Services (DAS) -- the central administrative agency of Oregon government that rents, manages or operates a majority of state office buildings -- is accepting written comments and holding a public hearing on proposed rules to remedy conflicts between the state firearms preemption law and their current policies banning the possession of firearms on premises under their control.
The amended rule would state that the possession of firearms on the grounds, parking lots or premises of any building under DAS control would be governed by federal and state laws.
If the proposed rule is adopted, myriad unlawful agency restrictions on transporting and storing lawfully owned firearms in private motor vehicles will be overturned, and prohibitions on Concealed Handgun Licensees carrying for personal protection in many state buildings will be removed as well.
To view a copy of the proposed rules click here.
Please submit written comments in favor of the proposed rule changes by Monday, December 22, 2008 to:
Rules Coordinator
Department of Administrative Services, Facilities Division
1225 Ferry Street SE U100
Salem, OR 97301-4082
Or by e-mail to the Rules Coordinator: [email protected]
You may also provide oral or written comments in favor of the proposed rule changes at the public hearing set for Monday, December 22, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Department of Administrative Services, Facilities Division
1225 Ferry Street SE 2nd Floor
Salem, OR 97301
Mt. Ashland Conference Room
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