Oregon: Gun Bills Scheduled for Hearings, Your Action Needed

Tomorrow, the Oregon Legislature has scheduled work sessions for both Senate Bill 913, the ivory regulation bill, and House Bill 3093, a bill to improve Oregon’s concealed carry reciprocity.

As previously reported, SB 913 was introduced with the intent of curbing poaching and helping to end the illegal ivory trade.  Unfortunately, SB 913 would not accomplish its purported objective.  The bill would, however, harm those who have no part in these activities; firearm owners, sportsmen, hunters, recreational shooters and gun collectors who have legally purchased firearms (knives, jewelry, antiques and other items) that have incorporated ivory features for decades.  Nevertheless, under SB 913, the sale, offering for sale, possession with intent to sell or importation for purchase or sale of any ivory, ivory product, rhino horn and rhino horn product would be prohibited, absent limited exceptions. SB 913 passed the Senate in April and is scheduled for a work session in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow where a vote could occur.  Please contact the committee members and politely urge them to OPPOSE SB 913 and vote NO. Committee contact information can be found below.

HB 3093, sponsored by state Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-60) and Bill Post (R-25), would improve Oregon’s firearm laws to allow for the recognition of out of state permits.  To qualify, a state must recognize Oregon concealed handgun permits and meet the specified training requirement.  HB 3093 would also require the Oregon Department of Justice to maintain a list of those states that qualify. Several amendments have been introduced to the bill including the “Dash 9” amendment.  The Dash 9 amendment appears to be a mask to cover the deeply flawed background check legislation signed into law earlier this session in Senate Bill 941.  The amendment however will do little if anything to fix the issues inherent in Senate Bill 941.  Even with the amendment the law will remain far more restrictive than California's flawed laws.  HB 3093 passed the House in April with only a single “NO” vote and is scheduled for a work session in the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow.  Please contact the committee members and politely urge them to SUPPORT HB 3093 without any amendments.  Committee contact information can be found below.

House Judiciary Committee:

Representative Jeff Barker (D-28), Chair
(503) 986-1428
[email protected]  

Representative Andy Olson (R-15), Vice-Chair
(503) 986-1415
[email protected]  

Representative Jennifer Williamson (D-36), Vice-Chair
(503) 986-1436
[email protected]  

Representative Brent Barton (D-40)
(503) 986-1440
[email protected]  

Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-33)
(503) 986-1433
[email protected]  

Representative Wayne Krieger (R-1)
(503) 986-1401
[email protected]  

Representative Ann Lininger (D-38)
(503) 986-1438
[email protected]  

Representative Bill Post (R-25)
(503) 986-1425
[email protected]  

Representative Sherrie Sprenger (R-17)
(503) 986-1417
[email protected]  

Senate Judiciary Committee Members:

Senator Ginny Burdick (D-18)
(503) 986-1718
[email protected]

Senator Sarah Gelser (D-8)
(503) 986-1708
[email protected]  

Senator Jeff Kruse (R-1)
(503) 986-1701
[email protected] 

Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-4)
(503) 986-1704
[email protected] 

Senator Kim Thatcher (R-13)
(503) 986-1713
[email protected]