Oregon Legislature Advances Comprehensive Firearm Legislation to Governor

Community Safety Firearms Act Awaits Executive Approval

Oregon lawmakers have successfully passed contentious firearm legislation that now awaits Governor Tina Kotek's signature. Senate Bill 243 cleared both legislative chambers following intense debate and partisan voting patterns.

The measure, formally titled the "Community Safety Firearms Act," represents a wide-ranging approach to firearm regulation that introduces multiple new criminal offenses and implements various restrictions on gun ownership and possession throughout the state.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 243

Public Venue Firearm Restrictions

Senate Bill 243 establishes comprehensive prohibitions on firearm possession across numerous public facilities. The legislation specifically targets several high-profile locations where guns will be banned, including:

• The State Capitol building in Salem
• Airport facilities statewide
• Educational institution grounds

These restrictions apply even to individuals who hold valid concealed handgun licenses in certain circumstances, marking a significant departure from previous firearm policies.

Enhanced Local Authority Powers

Expanded Municipal Control

One of the most significant aspects of the legislation involves granting expanded authority to local entities for implementing firearm restrictions. The bill empowers several types of institutions to establish their own gun prohibition policies:

• Educational institutions at all levels
• Universities and colleges
• Municipal governments
• School districts

Under these provisions, these entities can adopt comprehensive policies that ban firearms on their properties, superseding concealed handgun license privileges that previously allowed access to such locations.

Implementation of Ballot Measure 114

March 2026 Effective Date

Senate Bill 243 establishes March 15, 2026, as the official implementation date for Ballot Measure 114, previously known as the Reduction of Gun Violence Act. This citizen-initiated measure originally passed in 2022 with 50.65% voter approval but faced significant legal obstacles.

Constitutional Validation

The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled the measure constitutional in March 2025, clearing the path for its eventual implementation after years of legal challenges.

Magazine Capacity and Permit Requirements

Ballot Measure 114 introduces two primary restrictions:

High-Capacity Magazine Ban

The measure prohibits magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Current owners of such magazines may only use them on private property or at specifically designated locations.

Comprehensive Permit System

The legislation establishes a detailed permit process for firearm purchases that includes:

• Mandatory safety training completion
• Comprehensive background check requirements
• Fingerprinting procedures
• Permit fees reaching up to $150

Legislative Journey and Voting Records

Senate Passage and Amendments

The bill's path through the Oregon Legislature involved multiple votes and procedural steps:

Initial Senate Approval

Senate Bill 243 first passed the State Senate on May 29, 2025, with a 17-12 vote that fell strictly along partisan lines.

House Consideration and Modifications

The State House approved the measure with a more decisive 33-10 margin. However, House amendments to the original bill necessitated additional Senate review.

Final Senate Concurrence

Following House modifications, the Senate conducted a concurrence vote to approve the amended version, passing it by an 18-11 margin.

Current Status and Timeline

Executive Branch Review

House Speaker Julie Fahey has enrolled and signed Senate Bill 243, officially transmitting it to the governor's office. According to the Oregon Legislative Information System, the bill's current status is listed as "Governors Office – Awaiting Signature."

Implementation Schedule

The legislation contains provisions for a delayed effective date, scheduled to begin 91 days following the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session. The session adjourned sine die on June 27, 2025, establishing the timeline for the bill's potential activation.

This comprehensive firearm legislation represents one of the most significant gun control measures to advance through the Oregon Legislature in recent years, combining immediate restrictions with the long-awaited implementation of voter-approved ballot measures.