Oregon House Passes Bill Aimed at Regulating Rapid-Fire Gun Devices
In a contentious session marked by passionate debate, Oregon House Democrats successfully passed Senate Bill 243 on Wednesday, a measure designed to ban rapid-fire activators that can convert semi-automatic firearms into high-capacity firing devices. Passing by a party-line vote of 33-10, the bill aims to address concerns regarding gun violence, particularly incidents involving mass shootings.
Democrats argued that the bill targets dangerous accessories like bump stocks and Glock switches, which serve no legitimate recreational purpose and are designed to amplify harm. Rep. Sarah McDonald emphasized the measure’s aim to mitigate violence, stating, "They are designed to maximize harm, damage, and death." Additionally, the legislation permits local governments to restrict carrying firearms in specific venues, including those hosting city or school meetings.
Despite Democrats’ victory, Republicans expressed staunch opposition, claiming the bill penalizes responsible gun owners in an effort to address issues stemming from mental health crises. Rep. Bobby Levy criticized the legislation as an attack on Second Amendment rights, while Rep. Jeff Helfrich, a retired police officer, warned it fails to enhance safety and merely infringes on lawful ownership.
Compounding the tension, Democrats withdrew another proposed measure, House Bill 3076, that would have mandated licensing for gun dealers. It remains unclear what concessions were made to achieve this result.
The debate attracted widespread public attention, garnering over 2,300 written testimonies in support and opposition. The legislation now awaits review in the Senate, where it must reconcile amendments concerning a delayed implementation of Measure 114, which seeks to limit magazine capacity and tighten background checks. Advocates for the bill argue it’s a necessary step towards enhancing public safety in a climate increasingly burdened by gun-related tragedies.
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