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. REMOVED FROM AGENDA
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.
This bill was scheduled for a hearing and possible work session on April 7 but has been removed from the Senate Judiciary Committee’s agenda.
Language similar to SB 698 has been added to SB 243-1. Ceasefire Oregon supports both bills. Unfortunately, SB 243-3 weakens the proposed language in SB 243-1.
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.”