State of Oregon Archives: on Gun Control
Val Hoyle:
Require background checks for most gun transactions
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for SB 941: - Requires gun dealer to request criminal background check before delivering firearm.
- Exceptions for family members, law enforcement, and inherited firearms
-
Punishes violation by maximum of one year's imprisonment or $6,250 fine; subsequent offenses with10 years' imprisonment or $250,000 fine.
- Requires notifying local law enforcement agency when, during criminal background check, department determines
that recipient is prohibited from possessing firearm.
- Authorizes prohibiting person ordered to participate in assisted outpatient treatment from purchasing or possessing firearm during period of treatment.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate, 17-13-0; passed House 32-28-0; Majority Leader Val Hoyle voted YES; Signed by the Governor 5/11/2015
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB 941
May 11, 2015
Bud Pierce:
Oppose background checks; they won't reduce gun violence
The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution couldn't be clearer. Over the last decade, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Second Amendment applies to the states and federal enclaves and protects an individual's right to possess a firearm for
traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home. The Oregon Constitution shares the same intent.Bud Pierce believes in upholding Oregonians' clear constitutional rights and is against signing into law bills that might make us feel
better but really do nothing to cut down on gun violence. He believes the outcome of expanding background checks would mean additional government costs and bureaucracy rather than reduced gun violence. He also opposed Senate Bill 941 due to its
emergency clause that denied Oregonians the right to vote on a bill that would impact their constitutional rights. Bud Pierce believes that all Oregonians should have the right to be heard on laws--not just career politicians in Salem.
Source: 2016 Oregon gubernatorial campaign website BudPierce.com
Feb 2, 2016
Bud Pierce:
Surveillance of schools & social media, to curb gun violence
Bud Pierce is a strong supporter of the US Constitution's 2nd Amendment and gun rights under the Oregon Constitution and is equally committed to addressing gun violence in Oregon.What should be done to curb gun violence? Here's Bud Pierce's plan for
Oregon:- Commit more resources to our state's mental health services to ensure that in-patient and out-patient treatment facilities are adequate and Oregonians struggling with mental illness are not warehoused in our prisons or living on our streets.
- Provide advanced technology, including video surveillance, to better protect our schools.
- Additional monitoring of social media.
- Establish a system in which individuals can contact authorities if there is concern that gun violence may occur.
- Give law enforcement the tools to thoroughly investigate situations brought to their attention, including the temporary authority to hold weapons, only if necessary in narrow circumstances when there is an imminent danger.
Source: 2016 Oregon gubernatorial campaign website BudPierce.com
Feb 2, 2016
Casey Kulla:
Not our job to make county 2nd Amendment sanctuary
Yamhill County commissioners recently voted to make the area a Second Amendment sanctuary. What that means is that going forward, the county will choose which gun measures it wants to enforce. "The board of commissioners are saying, you sheriff, and you
district attorney, you can't enforce gun laws in the future that we don't like," Casey Kulla said. "They don't trust future elected officials to enforce the laws the way they want them enforced. What's my problem with that? It's not our job."
Source: KGW-TV NBC-8 on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Mar 30, 2021
Christine Drazan:
If a gun ban bill comes my way, I'll veto that
Senate Bill 554 broadened a ban on guns in public buildings and opened the door for additional restrictions. Drazan said that she would veto any bills that infringed on Second Amendment rights if elected governor.
However, unless the courts overturn SB554, it would remain the law."The governor has got to live within the scope of the governor's authority," Drazan said. "And if there's a gun bill that comes my way, I'll veto that."
Source: Blue Mountain Eagle on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Jul 19, 2021
Cliff Bentz:
No background checks for private gun transactions
Legislative Summary: SB941: Requires private person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check or shipping or delivering firearm to gun dealer.
The Oregonian analysis: SB 941 requires background checks for most gun transactions involving private parties to prevent sales to people legally prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and those committed for mental health treatment.
The measure includes several exemptions, including for transfers among family members and for people who lend guns for hunting and for use at firing ranges.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Apr/14/15; Passed House 32-28-0 on May/4//15; State Rep. Cliff Bentz voted NO; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/11/15
Source: The Oregonian analysis of Oregon SB941 voting records
May 4, 2015
Jason Beebe:
I very much support our right to bear arms
We have freedoms, guaranteed in the Constitution, that shall not be infringed. Freedom's guaranteed not maybe, it is a right. I very much support our right to bear arms, freedom of speech, right to assemble, heck I even agree with the freedom
of the press, I may not agree with what they say, but I respect their right to say it. Do they respect ours? Tyranny creeps in when our liberties get eroded. We are sliding down the hill right now and we have to protect our rights at all costs.
Source: 2021 OR Senate campaign website BeebeForOregon.com
Aug 29, 2021
Jeff Merkley:
Maintain restrictions on purchase & possession of firearms
Merkley supports the following principles regarding :- Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
Source: Oregon State 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Jim Huffman:
Oppose restrictions on right to bear arms
Candidate Survey. Selected OPPOSE for: "Imposing government restrictions on an individual's right to keep and bear arms."
Source: The Abigail Adams Project: 2010 Oregon Primary Election
Aug 11, 2010
Jo Rae Perkins:
Disarming people keeps them from self-protection
The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms shall NOT be infringed. The founders felt it extremely important the citizens have the ability to protect themselves from a tyrannical government. In 1938, Hitler made it illegal for Jews to own guns
or other weapons. If you disarm the people, you keep them from self protection. The issue is not gun control. That is a fear tactic. The issue of the shootings has to do with mental illness. No one talks about banning knives.
Source: Vote Smart Oregon Congressional 2018 NPAT
Nov 1, 2018
Jo Rae Perkins:
I support the 2nd Amendment as it is written
Gun Ownership:
I support the 2nd Amendment as it is written.
Source: 2020 Oregon Senate campaign website PerkinsForUSSenate.com
Aug 17, 2020
Jo Rae Perkins:
Rated B+ by Oregon Firearms Federation
Oregon Firearms Federation - Oregon's Only No Compromise Gun Rights Organization:
Rated B+ indicating pro-2nd amendment positions.
Source: Oregon Firearms Federation on 2020 Oregon Senate endorsement
Jul 15, 2020
John Kitzhaber:
Increase restrictions on gun purchase and possession
Kitzhaber indicates he supports the following principles concerning gun issues:- Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
- Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
-
Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
- Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
- Hold gun owner legally liable if a child obtains a gun for use in a crime.
Source: Oregon Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Kate Brown:
Require more background checks on gun sales
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill Monday requiring background checks on firearm transfers between private parties, making Oregon the eighth state to require screening on nearly all gun sales.Legislative Summary: Requires private
person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check. Specifies exceptions for family members, law enforcement, inherited firearms and certain temporary transfers.
Punishes violation by maximum of one year's imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both; for second and subsequent offense, a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both. Notifies appropriate law enforcement agency when, during criminal background
check, department determines that recipient is prohibited from possessing firearm. Authorizes court to prohibit person ordered to participate in assisted outpatient treatment from purchasing or possessing firearm during period of treatment.
Source: Wall Street Journal on SB-941 Oregon voting record
May 11, 2015
Kate Brown:
Supports IP43 assault weapon ban and IP44 safe storage rules
Knute Buehler has come out against a pair of proposed gun control measures: IP 43, the proposed initiative that would limit assault weapons in Oregon; and IP 44, the proposed initiative that would make gun owners liable for the misuse of firearms and
require they lock, safely transfer and limit use of their firearms.In their submission of the proposed initiative IP43, supporters have called it "Promote Public Safety for All Through the Reduction of Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines."
Supporters call the IP44 measure "Oregonians for Safe Gun Storage and Reporting Lost/Stolen Firearms."
Gov. Kate Brown supports both proposed initiatives. Buehler's main opponents in the Republican primary, motivational speaker Greg Wooldridge
and businessman Sam Carpenter, oppose both proposed initiatives.
Both proposed initiatives are in the early stages of trying to qualify for the ballot. Supporters have until July 6 to get the issue before voters for the Nov. 6 primary.
Source: The Bend Bulletin on Oregon voting records: IP43 & IP44
Feb 24, 2017
Kevin Stine:
Gun lobby has redefined 2nd Amendment in a perverse way
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?
A: Oppose. The gun lobby has redefined the Second Amendment in a perverse way that makes the nation less safe, due to the ease of those with criminal intent of acquiring guns.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Oregon Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 1, 2016
Knute Buehler:
Opposes gun control proposals as intruding on basic freedoms
Buehler has come out against a pair of proposed gun control measures. Buehler sent out a Twitter post that he opposes IP 43, the proposed initiative that would limit assault weapons in Oregon. In their submission of the proposed initiative to the
Secretary of State, supporters have called it "Promote Public Safety for All Through the Reduction of Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines."
"There should be no confusion about my position on IP 43--I oppose it," Buehler wrote on Twitter on
March 24. "There are sensible ideas to promote school safety & reduce gun violence, but IP 43 goes too far. It intrudes on basic freedoms & is likely unconstitutional."
Buehler's campaign manager said Buehler also opposes IP 44, the proposed
initiative that would make gun owners liable for the misuse of firearms and require they lock, safely transfer and limit use of their firearms. Supporters call that proposed measure "Oregonians for Safe Gun Storage and Reporting Lost/Stolen Firearms."
Source: The Bend Bulletin on Oregon voting records: IP43 & IP44
Feb 24, 2017
Knute Buehler:
No background checks for private gun transactions
Legislative Summary: SB941: Requires private person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check or shipping or delivering firearm to gun dealer.
The Oregonian analysis: SB 941 requires background checks for most gun transactions involving private parties to prevent sales to people legally prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and those committed for mental health treatment.
The measure includes several exemptions, including for transfers among family members and for people who lend guns for hunting and for use at firing ranges.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Apr/14/15; Passed House 32-28-0 on May/4//15; State Rep. Knute Buehler voted NO; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/11/15
Source: The Oregonian analysis of Oregon SB941 voting records
May 4, 2015
Mark Callahan:
The 2nd Amendment was meant to protect the 1st Amendment
I believe that the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was meant to protect the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Contrary to what many liberals think, the right to hunt was not the original intent of the 2nd Amendment. The 2nd Amendment
was meant to protect us, as Americans, against the tyranny of the government. As a conservative, I was endorsed by the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), during my 2012 campaign for State Representative.
Source: 2016 Oregon Senate campaign website, CallahanForOregon.com
Oct 9, 2015
Monica Wehby:
Protect all constitutional rights, especially 2nd Amendment
Our founders created this country because they felt like they were being oppressed by a distant government who was not adequately representing their concerns or protecting their livelihood. The leaders of this nation banded together to create a
document that would enshrine forever what they fought for into a system of laws. The constitution they created is without question the most perfect document man has ever produced on how to balance liberty and government.
As a doctor, Monica Wehby has taken her oath to protect a patient's right to privacy very seriously. As Oregon's US Senator she will take that same seriousness to her pledge to protect and defend the US Constitution. Wehby will fight to protect all of
our constitutional rights and especially the 2nd Amendment. She will strongly oppose the UN Arms Treaty which infringes upon our right to keep and bear arms. A constitutional right is an inalienable one and our politicians must always remember that.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, MonicaForOregon.com, "Issues"
Mar 18, 2014
Nicholas Kristof:
No strong evidence that assault weapons ban saved lives
I'm not sure it's possible to get any gun legislation through Congress right now, and certainly not a ban on assault weapons. It's also true that while liberals loved the assault weapons ban for the 10 years it was in effect, there is no strong evidence
that it saved lives--but it did turn the AR-15 into a conservative icon, so that today there appear to be more AR and AK rifles in private hands than in the United States military. And most crime and deaths involve handguns, not rifles.
Source: The New York Times on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Apr 3, 2021
Nicholas Kristof:
Use executive action to crack down on ghost guns
President Biden can use executive action to crack down on "ghost guns," which avoid regulation and serial numbers because they are sold unfinished or as kits. We also need universal background checks, red flag laws, curbs on people
with violent misdemeanor records acquiring weapons, and more. But given the difficulty of pushing meaningful gun safety legislation through Congress, I understand why Biden is focusing on infrastructure rather than firearms legislation.
Source: The New York Times on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Apr 3, 2021
Paul Romero:
Against ban on semiautomatic weapons, owns one himself
He opposes a ban on semiautomatic weapons. He owns a Marlin .22 semiautomatic rifle himself. "I use it for target shooting and sage rats.
I love doing that. It's something I did as a kid, and I still enjoy it to this day," he said.
Source: The News-Review on 2020 Oregon Senate race
Sep 20, 2019
Paul Romero:
Red Flag laws are Unconstitutional, PERIOD
Q: What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?A:
- Required GUN SAFETY COURSE of which the Hunters Safety Course is adequate.
- Felons of gun related crimes, and felons who use other weapons in the course of
committing a crime, should probably not be allowed to own firearms. This is a public general safety clause.
- Red Flag laws are Unconstitutional, PERIOD.
- Limitations on magazine size, gun appearance, etc., are a violation of the 2nd Amendment.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Oregon Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Tobias Read:
Require background checks for most gun transactions
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for SB 941:- Requires gun dealer to request criminal background check before delivering firearm.
- Exceptions for family members, law enforcement, and inherited firearms
-
Punishes violation by maximum of one year's imprisonment or $6,250 fine; subsequent offenses with10 years' imprisonment or $250,000 fine.
- Requires notifying local law enforcement agency when, during criminal background check, department determines
that recipient is prohibited from possessing firearm.
- Authorizes prohibiting person ordered to participate in assisted outpatient treatment from purchasing or possessing firearm during period of treatment.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate, 17-13-0; passed House 32-28-0; State Rep. Tobias Read voted YES; Signed by the Governor 5/11/2015
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB 941
May 11, 2015
Betsy Johnson:
Don't disarm law abiding citizens; strong background checks
I will not disarm law abiding citizens, but I will do more to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, the mentally ill,
and kids by implementing stronger background checks and raising the age to purchase certain firearms from 18 to 21.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com
Oct 6, 2022
Betsy Johnson:
Opposes bans on bump-stocks, high-capacity magazines
To liberals who want more gun safety measures, she is unapologetically pro-gun rights. She sees even attempts to ban bump-stocks and high-capacity ammunition magazines as chipping away at Second Amendment rights on gun ownership.
Kotek denounced Johnson's stance, saying: "As the nation reels from one of the deadliest school shootings in history, Betsy continues to spout the talking points of the NRA."
Source: Statesman Journal on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Jun 5, 2022
Betsy Johnson:
No background checks for private gun transactions
Legislative Summary:SB941: Requires private person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check or shipping or delivering firearm to gun dealer.
The Oregonian analysis: SB 941 requires background checks for most gun transactions involving private parties to prevent sales to people legally prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and those committed for mental health treatment.
The measure includes several exemptions, including for transfers among family members and for people who lend guns for hunting and for use at firing ranges.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Apr/14/15; State Sen. Betsy Johnson voted NO; Passed House 32-28-0 on May/4//15; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/11/15
Source: The Oregonian analysis of Oregon SB941 voting records
May 4, 2015
Christine Drazan:
Oppose Measure 114: we have enough gun laws already
Talk about guns was keyed partly to a recent shooting incident in Bend and partly to Measure 114, which if the voters pass it in November would mandate permitting and safety training before purchasing a gun. Kotek endorsed it, and noted that both of her
opponents had top ratings from the NRA.The other candidates were opposed. Drazan said that Oregon has enough gun legislation at present, and Johnson argued about release of some violent prison inmates, but appeared to oppose further gun restrictions.
Source: Capital Chronicle on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Sep 29, 2022
Tina Kotek:
Endorses Measure 114: mandate permitting & safety training
Talk about guns was keyed partly to a recent shooting incident in Bend and partly to Measure 114, which if the voters pass it in November would mandate permitting and safety training before purchasing a gun. Kotek endorsed it, and noted that both of her
opponents had top ratings from the NRA.The other candidates were opposed. Drazan said that Oregon has enough gun legislation at present, and Johnson argued about release of some violent prison inmates, but appeared to oppose further gun restrictions.
Source: Capital Chronicle on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Sep 29, 2022
Tina Kotek:
Require criminal background checks for gun purchases
Legislative Summary:SB941: Requires private person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check or shipping or delivering firearm to gun dealer.
The Oregonian analysis:SB 941 requires background checks for most gun transactions involving private parties to prevent sales to people legally prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and those committed for mental
health treatment. The measure includes several exemptions, including for transfers among family members and for people who lend guns for hunting and for use at firing ranges.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Apr/14/15; Passed House 32-28-0 on May/4//15; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/11/15
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB 941
May 11, 2015
Maxine Dexter:
Voted YES on banning undetectable "ghost guns"
HB2005: Punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearms by maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.Oregon Capital Chronicle summary May 2, 2023:
The state House passed a firearms bill that would ban untraceable guns, raise the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase powerful firearms like semiautomatic weapons and allow local agencies to ban firearms on government property.
Democratic lawmakers and supporters of House Bill 2005 said the measure would help law enforcement and keep communities safe while respecting the rights of firearm owners.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 17-3-10 on Jun/15/23; passed House 34-14-12 on Jun/21/23; State Rep. Maxine Dexter sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Tina Kotek on Jul/13/23.
Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle on Oregon voting record HB2005
Jun 21, 2023
Tina Kotek:
Signed law banning undetectable "ghost guns"
HB2005: Punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearms by maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.Oregon Capital Chronicle summary May 2, 2023:
The state House passed a firearms bill that would ban untraceable guns, raise the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase powerful firearms like semiautomatic weapons and allow local agencies to ban firearms on government property.
Democratic lawmakers and supporters of House Bill 2005 said the measure would help law enforcement and keep communities safe while respecting the rights of firearm owners.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 17-3-10 on Jun/15/23; passed House 34-14-12 on Jun/21/23; Signed by Governor Tina Kotek on Jul/13/23.
Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle on Oregon voting record HB2005
Jul 13, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026