Senate GOP amplifies call for more public testimony on anti-gun bill

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 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, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), would require background checks on all sales of firearms between private individuals.