With just over 80 percent of the vote counted as of this writing, voters in Oregon are close to approving a radical new gun control measure in the state. Measure 114 would require state residents to obtain a permit in order to purchase a firearm, and require them to receive hands-on training with an instructor prior to purchasing.
A background check would need to be passed prior to obtaining a permit to purchase a weapon.
In addition, Measure 114 would eliminate person-to-person transfers of weapons, often referred to as “gun show loopholes,” and ban magazines that hold more than ten rounds. People who already own such magazines would be exempt from the new law.
Among the Oregon counties with the most votes left to count is Clackamas County in the northwestern portion of the state. In early returns, citizens of the county have voted for the measure by 51.5 percent, with 48.5 percent against. Statewide, Measure 114 approval is currently leading by just under 26,000 votes, with only about 20 percent of the vote yet to be counted.
Backers of Measure 114 have already claimed victory in the razor-thin contest.
“There’s more work to be done, but right now, we are going to celebrate with so much joy in our hearts, knowing that brighter and better days are ahead,” said Mark Knutson of Portland’s Augustana Lutheran Church, an avid supporter of the new legislation. “We began this historic campaign to save lives with faith, and we remain hopeful as we wait for all of the votes to be counted.”
“We thank everyone that helped put Measure 114 on the ballot and supported us every step of the way, gathering signatures, knocking on doors, making phone calls, and turning those precious ballots in,” Knutson told a crowd gathered at his church on Wednesday. “We are eternally grateful for your strength and dedication.”
While the measure is being sold as simply a “permit to purchase” and a “minor inconvenience” to gun buyers, opponents of the bill argue that the measure will make it next to impossible to purchase a gun in the state.
“In fact, this measure will make it almost impossible to purchase a firearm in Oregon. Not only will gun buyers be locked out, it will essentially destroy gun dealers as well,” read a statement from the Oregon Firearms Federation.
Stop 114, a group dedicated to defeating the measure, claims that the measure is “dangerous, misleading,” and “extreme,” and argues that, if passed, it “will virtually eliminate your ability to defend yourself and your family.”
The group finds the measure unrealistic for logistic reasons as well.
“The measure only allows those approved by police to provide the required ‘training’ to apply for a permit,” Stop 114 points out. “Police in Oregon are underfunded and understaffed. There is no plan in place to actually provide any training and virtually no police have the facilities or manpower to provide classes.”
Stop 114 further argues that police in Oregon may not be able take on this duty in addition to their law enforcement duties.
“Police in urban areas are already not responding to most violent crimes. Police in rural areas are spread thin and rarely have the facilities for the required class,” according to the organization.
Just implementing the new measure will cost $51 million, and the state admits that the long-term financial impacts of the new law are unclear.
The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) estimates that carrying out the requirements of the new law could cost sheriffs in the state up $40 million annually. Predictions of cost for local police departments are approximately $51.2 million in the first year and $47.5 million in subsequent years.
“If this measure does become law, OSSA will work to address the training requirements as we can within our resources, and we will certainly help local Sheriffs to the extent possible with providing training, but it is going to be nearly impossible to provide adequate training facilities and staffing without significant state funding assistance,” said Jason Myers of OSSA.
The measure was opposed by numerous state sheriffs and local police departments, who don’t yet know how they are supposed to pay for the plan’s implementation.
The people who endorse laws such as Measure 114 in Oregon may have the best of intentions, but they ignore one universal fact: Those who use guns in crimes do not care if they’re following gun laws. This measure only puts more unnecessary and meaningless roadblocks in the way of responsible gun owners who wish to protect their families and others.
If Measure 114 does end up passing, it faces an arduous battle in the courts.
