SEN. FLOYD PROZANSKI Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee State Senator, District 4

News Advisory

March 28, 2013

CONTACT:    Kevin Moore (503) 986-1704

sen.floydprozanski@state.or.us

Senate Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearings on Gun Safety Bills

Public invited to comment on four proposals to keep Oregonians safe 

SALEM—Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) today announced that the Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled public hearings on four gun safety bills. The package of legislation is a response to public outcry for increased protections to keep our communities safe.

“We can respect the Second Amendment while taking action to keep guns out of the hands of those who are irresponsible and law-breaking,” said Prozanski. “Keeping our communities and our children safe is a top priority that everyone can get behind. These bills are based on common sense and take reasonable steps to make Oregon safer while protecting civil liberties.”

WHO:             Senate Judiciary Committee

WHAT:           Public Hearings on SB 347, SB 699, SB 700, SB 796 (see below for more information)

WHEN:           8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, April 5, 2013

WHERE:        Hearing Room 50, Oregon State Capitol, Salem, Oregon

DOCUMENTS:          Link to bills and amendments on OLIS (https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2013R1/Committees/SJUD/2013-04-05-08-30/Agenda)

“I intend to conduct a civil, orderly and respectful hearing in accordance with the Rules of the Senate,” said Prozanski.

Description of Senate Bills under Consideration (in numerical order)

Senate Bill 347 plus the -3 & -4 amendments: Prohibits Guns in K-12 Schools

· This bill establishes a statewide policy prohibiting carrying a gun into a K-12 school building.

· Local school districts can ‘opt-out’ of the policy

· Over 40 states currently restrict guns from K-12 schools

Senate Bill 699 plus the -1 & -3 amendments: Concealed Carry in Public Buildings

· The bill would require Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holders to carry their weapons concealed while in public buildings.

Senate Bill 700 as replaced by the -14 amendment: Requires Criminal Background Checks

· Requires criminal background checks before guns can be transferred between private parties

· Transfers between family members are exempted under most conditions

· By requiring these checks between private parties, we will reduce the number of criminals obtaining weapons who shouldn’t be.

Senate Bill 796 plus the -4 amendment: ‘Live Fire’ Training for CHL applicants

· Requires CHL applicants to complete ‘live fire’ training as part of the gun safety program

· Similar to obtaining a driver’s license, applicants should have to demonstrate their proficiency before the state grants permission for concealed carry.

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