Oregon Senate Republicans
Salem, OR – Today, Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) amplified the call to extend discussion on a bill that expands background checks on private sales of firearms in the state. The Committee Chair allowed only one two-hour session for public input on SB 941 [2] this week, despite the presence of hundreds of Oregonians who appeared at the Capitol on Wednesday to speak out about the bill.
“Oregonian citizens deserve a thorough, fair and balanced public input process on any bill that could affect their constitutional rights,” said Ferrioli. “Democrat leaders have already fast-tracked controversial, highly partisan policies through this legislative session, and it is time to restore the integrity of the political process and give Oregonians a chance to express their concerns over this bill.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed a work session on SB 941 until next Monday, allowing two extra days to schedule a second public hearing to take testimony from concerned Oregonians. Senator Ferrioli called for an additional evening public hearing on the bill alongside House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), Senate Judiciary Committee Vice-Chair Jeff Kruse (R-Roseburg), and Senate Judiciary Committee Member Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer).
SB 941 [2], sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), would require background checks on all sales of firearms between private individuals.