SB 698 : Limiting Areas of Permissible Concealed Firearm Carry
Position: Support Status: Senate Judiciary Committee
Authorizes the governing bodies of certain public entities that own or control public buildings to adopt a policy, ordinance or regulation limiting the affirmative defense for concealed handgun licensees for the crime of possessing a firearm in a public building. Provides that in a prosecution for possessing a firearm in a building or on grounds subject to such a policy, ordinance or regulation, the concealed handgun licensee affirmative defense is not a complete defense, but results in a Class A misdemeanor conviction.
Update
4-7 (S) Public Hearing and Possible Work Session scheduled.
1-17 (S) Referred to Judiciary.
1-13 (S) Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
Chief Sponsors: Senator Reynolds, Broadman, Representative McDonald, Senator Prozanski, Representative Grayber, Kropf
Regular Sponsors: Senator Manning Jr, Representative Ruiz
Oregon OLIS information about SB 698 is here.
You can register to testify on this bill by visiting this link and clicking on “Register to Testify.” You may submit testimony here.
Language similar to SB 698 has been added to SB 243-1. Ceasefire Oregon supports both bills.
Cities, counties, districts or other entities that are defined as municipal corporations may adopt a policy prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms even if the person carrying a firearm has a valid Oregon concealed handgun license. That policy can include the building, the grounds adjacent to the building or controlled by the city, county, district or municipal entity.
A 2024 study in The Lancet found “It is unlikely that gun-free zones attract active shooters; gun-free zones may be protective against active shootings. This study challenges the proposition of repealing gun-free zones based on safety concerns.”