SB 1538 : Local Governments and School Districts Can Ban Concealed Weapons on Premises

Position: Support Status: Senate Judiciary Committee

Cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, school districts, colleges, and universities can prohibit concealed handgun license holders from carrying loaded, hidden guns in public buildings, including buildings owned by the state.

Update

February 27, 2020

2-12 (S) Work session held. Bill passed without recommendation and was sent to Rules Committee.
2-7 (S) Scheduled for a hearing February 12, 2020, 8:00 AM, Hearing Room 50
2-3 (S) Referred to Judiciary
2-3 (S) Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
1-27 (S) Presession Released to the Public.

Most people are not aware that Oregon law allows anyone with a concealed handgun license to carry a loaded, hidden gun into many of Oregon’s public building schools, including kindergartens, middle schools, high schools, community colleges, the Oregon University System schools, and the Capitol Building in Salem.

The requirements for an Oregon concealed handgun license (CHL) are so lax that not even Texas will recognize an Oregon CHL. The state does not require a CHL applicant to have any hands-on gun training, although some counties require that training.

SB 1538 gives the state of Oregon and Oregon cities, counties, service districts, colleges, or universities the power to control their own security concerns. The bill also expands this ability to buildings owned by the State of Oregon.

Authorizes city, county, metropolitan service district, school district, college or university to adopt ordinance or policy limiting or precluding affirmative defense for possession of firearms in public buildings by concealed handgun licensees. Modifies definition of “public building” for purposes of crime of unlawful possession of weapon in public building. Punishes violation by maximum of five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both.