Lawmakers in Oregon have approved legislation delaying the implementation of the voter-approved gun control measure, Measure 114.
Under the revised proposal, House Bill 4145 pushes the effective date of the measure from March 15 to Jan. 1, 2028. The bill passed both the Oregon Senate and the Oregon House of Representatives with overwhelming support.
Measure 114 was narrowly approved by voters in 2022 but has been stalled by legal challenges. The case is now before the Oregon Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on whether the law complies with the state constitution’s right-to-bear-arms protections.
The measure would require people to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm and close the so-called “Charleston loophole” by requiring a completed background check before a gun can be transferred to a buyer. It also limits ammunition magazines to 10 rounds or fewer.
Earlier versions of House Bill 4145 included changes to the law such as raising permit fees and extending the time allowed for authorities to process gun permits. Those provisions were removed in the final version approved by lawmakers.
State Rep. Jason Kropf, a Democrat from Bend who supported the amended bill, said lawmakers may revisit broader changes in the future if the courts allow the measure to move forward.
Republicans praised the stripped-down bill for eliminating proposed fee increases and other regulatory changes. State Sen. Christine Drazan, a Republican from Canby and candidate for governor, said the delay protects the rights of lawful gun owners.
Advocates behind the original ballot initiative, including Lift Every Voice Oregon and the Oregon chapter of Moms Demand Action, criticized the delay but said it may give the state additional time to build the permit-to-purchase system if the courts ultimately uphold the law.
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