Oregon passes bill that expands background checks for gun sales
The Oregon legislature passed a new piece of legislation on Monday, which would expand background checks for firearm purchases to private transfers between non-relatives. PBS reports:
Oregon’s effort is the latest after the long-running debate over gun rights intensified following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Last year, Washington state passed a ballot initiative requiring background checks on all gun sales and transfers, and Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said the group has the signatures for a similar ballot initiative in Nevada.
Supporters have tried twice before to expand background checks in Oregon, saying it closes a loophole that allows people to purchase firearms online without a review. Neither attempt made it past a Senate vote, but Democrats managed to increase their majorities in both chambers after last year’s election, partially because key candidates in the Senate were backed by billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s gun control group, Everytown for Gun Safety.
The bill that passed the state House on a 32-28 vote Monday requires background checks on most private sales and transfers, except those between close family members such as spouses or siblings. There are some exceptions, such as sharing a gun while hunting or handing over a firearm for use at a shooting range. Three Democrats joined all 25 Republicans in opposition.
Once the measure takes effect, private sales would need to happen in front of a licensed gun dealer who would run the check through Oregon State Police.
This legislation would make Oregon one of the few states in the nation to require background checks before private firearm transfers. Read the rest of the story at Net Nebraska.
