Oregon NICS Legislation to be Considered in Committee

On Tuesday, May 17, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety will hear House Bill 2791 at 3:00 p.m. in room H-170.  This bill would transfer background checks for firearms purchases from the Oregon State Police (OSP) to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). 

Sponsored by state Representative Kim Thatcher (R-25), HB 2791 would remove the Department of State Police as the designated state point of contact for purposes of NICS for firearms purchases.  OSP charges $10 to complete a background check while there is no cost for NICS to the gun purchaser.  In fact, you are now paying for the same service twice.  In public testimony, the OSP stated that they must have a fee increase from $10 to $26.  Senate Bill 5538, by order of the President of the Senate, would enact that increase.

Nearly tripling the price of a background check from $10 to $26 will have a significant negative fiscal impact on gun dealers and non-profit organizations.  Friends of NRA held 23 banquets across Oregon last year.  Over the last three years they have returned approximately $600,000 to Oregon through grants and program sponsorships.  One of the large income producers is the raffle and auction of firearms.  A $16 increase would have a crippling affect on these activities.  Elimination of the fee would add to funds returned to Oregon.

There is no reason to pay the OSP for the same service NICS furnishes at no charge.  If possible, please attend this hearing and voice your support for HB 2791.  Testimony will be limited on HB 2791 and seating is at a premium in room H-170, so arrive early.  Please also contact members of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety and respectfully urge them to support HB 2791.  Contact information for this committee can be found below.

Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety:
Senator Jackie Winters, Co-Chairman
(503) 986-1710
[email protected]

Representative Mary Nolan, Co-Chairman
(503) 986-1436
[email protected]

Representative Greg Smith, Co-Chairman
(503) 986-1457
[email protected]

Representative Jeff Barker, Co-Vice Chairman
(503) 986-1428
[email protected]

Representative Wally Hicks, Co-Vice Chairman
(503) 986-1403
[email protected]

Senator Rod Monroe
(503) 986-1724
[email protected]

Senator Joanne Verger
(503) 986-1705
[email protected]