Oregon s Measure 114: Key Hearing Highlights on Gun Control and Public Safety

The hearing on Oregon’s Measure 114 brought together state officials, legal teams, advocates, and a mass shooting survivor in a pivotal moment for gun control policy in Oregon. Measure 114, approved by voters in 2022 but halted by a Harney County judge, would require permits for firearm purchases and ban high-capacity magazines. The law’s future remains uncertain as it faces challenges on both state and federal levels.

Oregon Senior Assistant Attorney General Robert Koch defended Measure 114, arguing that modern firearm capabilities exceed what was intended by Oregon’s 1850s constitution and that large-capacity magazines, which were not available at the time, are not necessary for a firearm to function. Koch emphasized that the measure could enhance public safety without infringing on the right to own firearms, pointing to the deadly impact of such weaponry in recent mass shootings.

Opposing counsel Tony Aiello argued that Measure 114 imposes unconstitutional barriers for gun ownership, complicating the purchase process with an additional permit requirement that could create delays. This requirement could restrict access to firearms, despite existing background checks.

The case has drawn considerable attention from advocacy groups on both sides. Supporters of Measure 114 include the Alliance for a Safe Oregon and national organizations such as the Brady Center and Giffords Law Center, which emphasize the law’s potential to reduce gun violence. Meanwhile, gun rights advocates like the Gun Owners Foundation argue the measure infringes on constitutional rights.

Among those attending the hearing was Joshua Friedlein, a survivor of the 2015 Umpqua Community College shooting, who shared his perspective on the measure’s importance. Having experienced the impact of gun violence firsthand, Friedlein sees Measure 114 as essential for preventing similar tragedies. He reflected on the trauma he still endures and the need for policies that consider both legal standards and the human toll of gun violence.

The appeals court’s decision could take months and will determine whether Measure 114 will be implemented in Oregon. As it awaits this ruling, a parallel federal appeal is also ongoing, with a previous U.S. District Court ruling upholding the measure.

 

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