​Oregon State Shooting Association 
(OSSA) (www.ossa.org)  

​OSSA Oregon Firearms Bill Analysis and Updates
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SB604 Updates

  • 1/22/21   Assigned to committee
 ​

OSSA Disposition

Opposed, as written

SB604 Summary

SB 604         SB604 Text
  • Requires person to obtain permit before purchasing or otherwise receiving firearm under circumstances requiring criminal background check. Specifies qualifications for permit and procedures for applying for and issuing permit.
  • Punishes transferor, when firearm is transferred to recipient without valid permit, by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both.  
  • Additional info:  specifies training requirements, requires retention of firearms purchase records.

OSSA SB604  Analysis

SB604 Analysis and Comments:
  • The Oregon State Shooting Association supports and is active today in safety training, shooting sports program development of our diverse citizens within Oregon to exercise their responsible use of firearms.  
  • SB604’s intent is to implement a firearms purchaser permit system which completes similar background checks, as is done currently with each firearm purchase, requires firearms safety training, and establishes and maintains a database of valid firearms purchasers with the Oregon State Police.   For a fee of $20 the permit is valid for 5 years and requires renewal with updated background check and retraining at the time of renewal.
  • To obtain a firearms purchaser permit one must (A) Is not prohibited from purchasing or otherwise receiving a firearm under state or federal law; (B) Is not the subject of an order described in ORS 166.525 to 166.543 (extreme risk protection order); (C) Provides proof of completion of a firearm safety course; and (D) Pays the fee of $20, (E) Files a complete application including fingerprints (which must be returned), photo.
  • The effective addition that this bill offers over the current federal background check system is the institution of the training requirement.  The remaining background checks are duplicates of those that are, and will continue to be, in place as a part of each firearms purchase, today.
  • The training requirements are flexible and include National Associations (like NRA, NSSF,…) safety courses, law enforcement training, security guard, and concealed handgun license training that includes a “safety component”.  The allowed sources of training do however omit military training.  
  • The current wording indicates that a permit is issued “Within 30 days,…” if the applicant meets the requirements and “if the sheriff or police department has verified …”.  Unfortunately, this wording implies that if the sheriff or police department do not complete the verification, for any reason (lack of manpower, funding,…) the permit will not be issued.  
  • The Oregon State Shooting Association views the firearms purchase permit process proposed is better placed at the national level and must replace the current background check system at each firearm purchase.  Yes the permit should be verified as still valid.
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