Oregon Senate Amends Major Gun Control Bill

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The Oregon Senate Rules Committee has approved an amendment to House Bill 4145 that significantly rewrites key portions of the legislation intended to modify the state's Ballot Measure 114 gun control law. The amendment removes provisions to double gun permit fees and extend waiting periods, while retaining the large capacity magazine ban and delaying the law's effective date until 2028.

Why it matters

This amendment represents a major shift in the gun control debate in Oregon, as lawmakers attempt to balance public safety concerns with the legal challenges facing Ballot Measure 114. The changes could impact the implementation timeline and specific provisions of the state's new gun regulations.

The details

The Rules Committee amendment approved the bill by a 4-1 vote, deleting sections that would have doubled gun permit fees and extended the waiting period from 30 to 60 days. However, the amendment keeps the large capacity magazine ban and delays the law's effective date until January 1, 2028. It also modifies the affirmative defense language, allowing prosecution to be stayed during court injunctions and setting timelines for dealers and manufacturers to act after certain court rulings.

• The amendment was approved on March 5, 2026.
• The Oregon Legislature's 2026 session must end by law on March 8, 2026.

What’s next

The amended bill is now in the hands of the full Oregon Senate. If approved, it will then have to go back to the House of Representatives for approval in its new form before the legislative session ends on March 8, 2026.