Gun Control

Lawmakers in 2022 banned the sale of ammo magazines holding more than 10 bullets in an effort to thwart deadly mass shootings. However, a gun store in Kelso continued to sell the clips and drew a fine from the Washington State Attorney General in July 2023.

The potential for new Oregon firearm restrictions is driving Rogue Valley residents to gun stores.

Three bills that would alter Oregon’s gun laws are advancing to the floor of both legislative chambers.

Ballot Measure 114 bans purchases of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. It also requires a permit before purchasing a firearm.

The Maine Legislature approved gun safety legislation including background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited people.

Yesterday, a Harney County Circuit Court judge ruled that Measure 114 violates Oregon’s state constitution. The law, which voters passed last year to regulate firearms, has yet to go into effect because of multiple court challenges.

Legislators in Oregon are making a fourth attempt to ban “ghost guns,” untraceable and undetectable firearms that are assembled at home. They have proliferated in recent years. The legislation is one of three bills put forward this session to address gun violence in the state.

The measure, which narrowly passed this month, bans magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds and requires Oregonians to get a permit to buy a gun.

If Measure 114 passes, anyone wanting to purchase a gun in Oregon would have to first obtain a permit by completing a gun safety class and submitting to a federal criminal background check.

A new "merchant code" for credit cards will categorize purchases made at gun stores. But there are limitations on its usefulness — including that most guns in the U.S. aren't bought at such outlets.