Knute Buehler on Gun Control

Opposes gun control proposals as intruding on basic freedoms

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."

No background checks for private gun transactions

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