Oregon lawmakers are deliberating a series of controversial gun control bills as legal battles continue over the voter-approved Measure 114. The proposed legislation aims to increase fees for gun permits, enforce a 72-hour waiting period for purchases, and reinforce the ban on high-capacity magazines, addressing rising gun death rates which increased by 31% between 2013 and 2022. Advocates argue these measures are critical for public safety, citing alarming statistics, such as firearms being the fifth leading cause of death among Oregon youth.
Opposition from House Republicans highlights a growing divide, with claims that current regulations are sufficient. Critics of the new proposals express concerns over the financial burden on law-abiding citizens and the potential infringement on Second Amendment rights. As the Oregon Supreme Court reviews Measure 114, which seeks to mandate gun safety training and background checks, the outcome could significantly shape the landscape of gun ownership in the state and beyond.
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