Oregon: Increased Gun Free Zone Legislation Scheduled for Monday Hearing

[Charlie T Waite]

On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider anti-self-defense legislation, Senate Bill 554.  Please contact committee members and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 554.

Senate Bill 554 will create new "gun-free zones" by giving authority to local governments, universities, and airports to prohibit concealed carry permit holders from carrying in local government buildings, colleges and universities (including their grounds), and airports (and grounds "adjacent" to all of these locations).

Punishment for a violation of these location restrictions will be a Class C felony, which is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $125,000 fine. This is especially egregious given the new "adjacent grounds" language. It would be very easy for a permit holder to unknowingly commit a serious felony. 

Further, SB 554 increases permit fees from $50 to $100 on initial applications, and from $50 to $75 for renewals. Fees substantially impact access to right-to-carry. Increasing fees on carry permits places financial burden on the Second Amendment and taxes individuals out of exercising their Constitutional Rights.

Again, please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 554.