SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statements after the Oregon Senate followed the House’s vote and passed SB 243. The legislation would ban the sale and possession of rapid fire devices like bump stocks and Glock switches, and empower local governments to ban guns in certain local municipal buildings.
“Today is a leap forward for Oregon: stopping the flood of dangerous weapons and paving the way to protect our communities from gun violence at the buildings where they should feel the safest,” said Alexa Hasman, a volunteer leader with the Oregon chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We thank lawmakers for taking one more step to close Oregon’s machine gun loophole. For far too long, these dangerous devices have terrorized our communities unpunished and unchecked. We urge Governor Tina Kotek to sign this bill to save lives and protect our families from senseless acts of gun violence.”
“This is a basic, common sense decision that keeps everyone safer from gun violence,” said Elise Gutiérrez-Encinas, a volunteer from the Students Demand Action group at Jesuit High School in Portland. “Guns are the number one killer of my generation and it’s encouraging to see Oregon lawmakers continue to address America’s gun violence crisis with the urgency it deserves. Today is a huge victory for gun safety, a victory we will only continue to build on.”
Throughout the legislative session, volunteers with Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action in Oregon have supported gun safety policies, including HB 3076. As the session concludes without the passage of additional gun safety measures, volunteers are continuing to advocate for the creation of a state firearm dealer licensing and inspection program. The proposed legislation would aim to ensure firearm dealers secure their inventory against theft and are equipped to identify signs of straw purchasing to help prevent gun trafficking in future sessions.
In an average year, 625 people die and 719 are wounded by guns in Oregon. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Oregon, and an average of 34 children and teens die by guns every year. Gun violence costs Oregon $8.1 billion each year, of which $89.1 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Oregon is available here.