Representative Thatcher: CHL Privacy law has been signed!

By In the news
In: 2nd Amendment, Gov. Kitzhaber, Oregon House, Oregon Senate
Wednesday April 11, 2012

Rep. Kim Thatcher

(Salem) After learning that Governor John Kitzhaber signed House Bill 4045, the Concealed Handgun License (CHL) privacy bill, into law today, State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, Newberg, St. Paul) said she wanted to thank the Governor for his actions.

“The Governor and I don’t usually agree on many things but I am gratified to see that he is willing to help protect CHL holders from identity thieves and other criminals who might seek to do them harm,” said Thatcher. “While this new law may not provide the strongest confidentiality safeguards possible, it is a huge improvement which will provide reasonable guidelines for law enforcement agencies, CHL holders and the public regarding access to these records. I appreciate the Governor for taking a stand on this important issue.”

Up to now sensitive information contained in concealed handgun applications and other documents regarding CHL holders or applicants was released to the public by a variety of government agencies. That information often included home addresses, phone numbers, military service, date of birth, prescription drug use, and types of firearms in the home. “Even releasing the name of a person issued a CHL is not appropriate; it defeats the whole purpose of the term ‘concealed’,” added Thatcher.

“I would especially like to thank the hundreds of Oregonians across state who took the time to call and write their legislators and the governor urging support for this new law,” added Thatcher. HB 4045 was backed by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and three Chief Co-Sponsors: State Representatives Jeff Barker (D-Aloha), Val Hoyle (D-West Eugene) and Wayne Krieger (R-Gold Beach).

Similar legislation (House Bill 2787) was adopted by the House of Representatives in 2011 by a vote of 42-18 and another measure (House Bill 2727) passed the House 54-4 in 2009.  The new law received final approval from the House in March by a vote of 54-6 and 24-5 in the Oregon Senate in February.

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