Please contact the state House and Senate Democrat Leadership Today!
On Tuesday, May 17, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety heard House Bill 2791. HB 2791 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 now must have a fee increase from $10 to $26. Senate Bill 5538, by order of the President of the Senate, would enact that increase if approved by the Legislature.
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.
Despite a positive hearing and supportive public testimony, state Representative Mary Nolan used her veto power as Co-Chairman of the Subcommittee to block a Work Session on HB 2791. According to our advocates on the ground in Oregon, this stalling action was likely backed by the two Democrat Full Committee Co-Chairmen, state Representative Peter Buckley (D-5) and state Senator Richard Devlin (D-19), both staunch gun control supporters.
There is no reason to pay the OSP for the same service NICS provides at no charge. Please call and e-mail Senate President Peter Courtney and House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan and respectfully urge them to direct the Ways and Means Co-Chairmen to move HB 2791 forward using the following contact information for them:
Senate President Peter Courtney (D-11)
(503) 986-1600
[email protected]
House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan (D-9)
503-986-1300
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