Oregon Legislature (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
On Thursday, the Oregon Senate passed a bill that proponents say will make the public safer. But opponents say it will have the opposite effect and will infringe on the right to self-defense.
THE ISSUE: People with concealed handgun licenses have legal protections to possess a firearm in public buildings, including schools and airports.
THE BILL: Senate Bill 554
WHAT IT DOES: The bill allows school districts and other local governments to ban firearms from their buildings. Jurisdictions that opt to ban firearms have to post signs outside their buildings signaling that guns aren’t allowed.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Proponents say that allowing local governments to ban firearms will make them safer.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: Excused
Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: No
Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: Absent
WHAT’S NEXT: The bill heads to the Oregon House for consideration.
CORRECTION: State Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, joined six Republicans in voting against the measure. An earlier version said the measure passed on a party line vote. Salem Reporter apologizes for the error.
-Jake Thomas
