A highly debated firearm bill is now on its way to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk after lawmakers in both the Oregon House and Senate approved Senate Bill 243.
SB 243, officially known as the “Community Safety Firearms Act”, is a comprehensive gun control measure that creates new firearm-related crimes and restrictions.
This bill criminalizes the possession, transport, manufacture, sale, or transfer of devices like bump stocks, binary trigger systems, and forced reset triggers. The imposition of these gun control measures constitutes another regulatory barrier on law-abiding citizens’ ability to own firearm accessories and peacefully customize their firearms.
Further, SB 243 imposes restrictions on firearm possession in public venues. The bill specifically bans firearm possession in certain public buildings, including the State Capitol in Salem, airports, and school grounds, even for licensed concealed handgun carriers in some cases.
Another aspect of this bill is its provision that empowers local authorities to impose heavy-handed restrictions on gun possession. Under this bill, schools, universities, and local governments are granted the power to adopt policies banning firearms on their premises, even for individuals who possess valid concealed handgun licenses. In effect, SB 243 would create a patchwork of regulations that complicates lawful firearm ownership and use.
In addition, this bill sets the implementation date for Ballot Measure 114 for March 15, 2026, which bans magazines holding more than 10 rounds and requires permits before gun purchases are made. Ballot Measure 114, also known as the Reduction of Gun Violence Act, was approved by voters in 2022 with 50.65% support. The measure faced legal challenges but was ruled constitutional by the Oregon Court of Appeals in March 2025.
The permit process established by Ballot Measure 114 requires safety training, background checks, fingerprinting, and fees up to $150, while existing high-capacity magazine owners can only use these accessories on private property or designated locations.
SB 243 was originally passed in the State Senate on May 29, 2025 by a 17-12 vote, along party lines. The bill was passed by a 33-10 vote in the State House. After amendments were made to the bill in the House, SB 243 was kicked back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. It ended up being approved by a 18-11 vote.
As of now, Senate Bill 243 has been enrolled and signed by House Speaker Julie Fahey. According to the Oregon Legislative Information System, the bill’s current location is listed as “Governors Office – Awaiting Signature.”
The bill is slated to go into effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session adjourns sine die, which occurred on June 27, 2025.
Democrats have naturally been the loudest boosters of this legislation. They argue that rapid-fire devices essentially turn semi-automatic weapons into machine guns, referencing the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting where such devices were used to kill 60 people and wound hundreds of other attendees at a music festival.
By contrast, Republicans have opposed the measure, arguing it does nothing to address mental health issues that often contribute to gun violence. A press release disseminated by the Oregon Senate Republican Restart Caucus noted that 77% of Oregon’s firearm deaths between 2019-2023 were suicides rather than homicides. They also argued the bill punishes law-abiding gun owners while failing to address the root causes of gun violence.
With SB 243 on Kotek’s desk, Oregon is poised to enact one of the state’s most significant gun control measures in recent years.
About José Niño
José Niño is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. You can contact him via Facebook and X/Twitter. Subscribe to his Substack newsletter by visiting “Jose Nino Unfiltered” on Substack.com.
