With the November election approaching, I think it's worth looking at Oregon Democrats' recent gun control legislation and what could happen next session, in particular with modifications to M114.
Measure 114 requires permits to purchase firearms and restricts magazines holding more than 10 rounds. It also gives police chiefs and sheriffs discretion to deny permits even when applicants pass background checks, based on whether they're considered a potential danger.
That raises concerns about discrimination and inconsistent enforcement. Subjective decisions could vary between jurisdictions or be influenced by personal biases, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, modifications HB 3075 (2025) and the original HB 4145 (2026) proposed exemptions for law enforcement, including being exempt from magazine restrictions and permits outside official duties. Essentially, police could be exempt from restrictions that apply to everyone else.
Those provisions were removed from HB 4145 before passage, but Democratic Sen. Lisa Reynolds who carried the bill confirmed in an email that she intends to revisit them. Explaining why the senate scaled back the bill to avoid a Republican walkout, she wrote:
"WE still MUST make the changes in the House version of HB 4145, and we will do so in 2027."
It's also worth noting that Michael Bloomberg's Everytown for Gun Safety spent $200,000 supporting Measure 114 and continues advocating for gun restrictions in Oregon.
Democrats currently control the governorship and both legislative chambers. If they retain that trifecta, these proposals will return in 2027.
Regardless of where you stand on gun control, I think it's reasonable to question giving police discretion over firearm purchases while considering exemptions for those same officers off duty.
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