Wasco County commissioners last week sent a letter to all Oregon state legislators opposing further gun control measures, which are expected to be introduced in the current Democrat-controlled legislative session.
The letter stated the Legislature “has been moving down a path that will restrict the Second Amendment rights of responsible, law abiding Oregonians.” Wasco County Commissioner Rod Runyon proposed the letter, saying, “It seems we’ve got enough on the books already, we don’t need any more,” about gun control laws in Oregon. “I don’t think legislation stops criminals.” Runyon said a “plethora of bills” are moving forward.
Federal law requires background checks for guns sold by federally licensed gun dealers, but not sales at gun shows or any private transactions not involving a federally licensed gun dealer.
Oregon voters already closed the “gun show loophole” in 2000, requiring background checks on guns sold at gun shows.
Some 17 states and the District of Columbia already require various levels of background checks for private gun sales.
Now, one piece of proposed legislation would require background checks for private transactions, with exceptions for transfers between family, inheritances or antique gun sales.
State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, a native Texan and gun owner, is planning to introduce the private sale background check legislation, which has failed in the past two legislative sessions.
Prozanski said, “The goal of the legislation is to close the existing loophole, felons’ easy access to guns, in Oregon’s firearm background check law. Currently, about 190 gun transfers are denied every month based on the buyers’ criminal history.
“At the same time, over 19,000 lawful gun transfers occur every month in Oregon.
“In other words, law abiding citizens are still able to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
Prozanski added, “Under current law, background checks are required in all transfers at retail outlets and gun shows including those between private sellers and private buyers. The bill will just extend background checks to private transaction outside of gun shows with the exception of transfers between family members.
“The only individuals impacted by the bill are felons and individuals court ordered into out-patient mental health treatment.”
With a Democratic majority in both the state House and Senate, the bill is seen as having a better chance of passage.
The bill would require anyone selling a gun privately to call state police for a background check on criminal history and mental illness of the prospective buyer.
Runyon said the background check rules already on the books are “not very good” and aren’t effective at keeping guns out of the hands of criminals.
Runyon said he was asked in January to write a letter opposed to an additional layer of background checks. He mused, “I wonder how that will play out if the state tells us what to do anyway.”
Klamath County commissioners in December 2014 went so far as to say the county would “deny use of county funds or resources that may support or enforce additional restrictions.”
On January 21, the Wheeler County Commissioners unanimously passed a “Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance,” which opposes any expansion of the Oregon background check system.
Runyon said Wasco County’s letter might not go as far as some people wanted.
It did not state the county would not comply with additional rules. When the commission first discussed a possible letter like Klamath County, Commissioner Scott Hege questioned the notion of not complying with state rules.
Wasco County’s letter states, “The right to bear arms is an essential aspect of American liberty; when exercised in accordance with the laws already in place, it makes our families and properties safer. You cannot legislate guns out of the hands of criminals!
“When the only ones armed are criminals and the government, the freedom of the average citizen is at risk. In the words of George Mason, co-author of the Second Amendment, ‘To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them.’
“As a representative of the citizens of Oregon, please do not confuse your desire to “protect” with your responsibility to defend the rights of those you represent. We encourage you to oppose any additional restrictive laws that encroach on a fundamental constitutional right.”
Several citizens spoke to the commission supporting the letter. James Bisset said, “I’m glad you’re doing this for us.”
Runyon said, “I’m pro-gun. I’ve got permits in a number of states. It’s for protection of family. Owning a gun is a federal and state right but it keeps getting shoved farther and farther away. I don’t think legislation stops criminals.”
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