Lawmakers condemn unethical process behind passing gun bill

House Republicans Condemn Unethical Process, Advancement of Gun Bill that Attacks Second Amendment Rights
 By Oregon House Republican Caucus,

SALEM, Ore. — Today, House Democrats passed House Bill 4145 — a bill that resurrects the failed framework of Measure 114 by implementing the same operational problems and constitutional concerns, but without delivering meaningful public safety improvements.

By doubling the permit processing time from 30 to 60 days, nearly tripling the permit fee from $65 to $150, and creating a permanent registry, House Bill 4145 makes it more difficult and more expensive to exercise the constitutionally protected right to bear arms while doing nothing to deter crime or stop illegal gun possession.

“HB 4145 tells the forgotten Oregonian something loud and clear: If you follow the law, you get more fees. If you follow the rules, you get more delays. If you want to defend your home, you must first ask permission from the same government that can’t keep fentanyl off our streets or repeat offenders in jail,” said Representative Ed Diehl (R-Stayton).

“This bill proves Oregon Democrats care more about control than public safety, targeting law-abiding Oregonians while failing to address the criminals actually driving crime,” added Representative Dwayne Yunker (R-Grants Pass).

In more than 1800 pieces of submitted testimony, more than 1300 Oregonians—74% oppose this bill that increases barriers, costs, and delays— while adding $8 million to the General Fund next biennium at a time when Legislature is tasked with balancing the budget. Further, the bill advanced out of controversy—after a vote flipped following a hallway conversation, in the middle of a vote count, that has now sparked allegations, complaints, and public concern.

“What occurred in committee surrounding this bill should concern every member of this chamber—regardless of party or position on the policy itself, said Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany).  “When a member casts a vote and is then removed from the committee room, and upon return changes that vote while visibly shaken, that raises serious questions about the integrity of our deliberative process. This institution functions on trust. When that trust is strained, we all should take notice.”

In floor remarks, Representative Darcey Edwards (R-Banks) said this bill will also negatively impact victims of domestic violence.

“For many survivors escaping abusive relationships, a concealed handgun permit represents a vital, often last-line defense against a potentially armed abuser. These fee hikes and delays could force vulnerable individuals—frequently women and lower-income families already facing economic hardship—to wait longer or forgo protection altogether, heightening their risk during a dangerous escape period,” she said.

Representative Alek Skarlatos (R-Winston) said requiring federal backgrounds checks in addition to state background checks is redundant, while limiting access to courts creates constitutional challenges.

“This bill is an undemocratic attempt by the majority party to strip Oregonians of their Second Amendment rights,” he said. “As a survivor of a terrorist attack on a gun-free continent, I know firsthand that these sweeping gun restrictions do not stop gun-related crimes.”