Supreme Court Ruling on Assault-Style Firearm and Magazine Bans Supports Oregon’s Measure 114

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The June 2, 2025 rulings by SCOTUS is good news for Measure 114

On June 2, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed state-level bans on assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines to stand by declining to hear challenges to such laws in Maryland and Rhode Island. This decision sends a powerful signal that Oregon’s Measure 114 — which includes a high-capacity magazine ban — is on firm constitutional ground.

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What the Ruling Means for Oregon

• Measure 114’s magazine restrictions align with the laws the Court let stand. Just like Rhode Island’s law (which bans magazines holding more than 10 rounds), Oregon’s Measure 114 prohibits the sale, transfer, and manufacture of high-capacity magazines — and the Court’s refusal to intervene effectively upholds the constitutionality of such limits.
• The decision suggests that states retain broad authority to enact public safety laws aimed at reducing mass shootings, including limits on magazine capacity and access to certain firearms. This is particularly relevant to Oregon, where voters passed Measure 114 in response to rising gun violence.
• Measure 114 did not include an assault weapon ban.

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The Justices’ Views

• While the Court did not explain its decision to deny review (as is customary), Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented, claiming that such bans infringe on Second Amendment rights.
• Importantly, Justice Brett Kavanaugh issued a statement noting that while he has concerns about such bans, he expects the Court will “address the AR–15 issue soon” — but for now, the bans remain valid.
• The majority of the Court declined to intervene, allowing lower court rulings upholding the bans to stand. This reinforces legal precedent supporting state-level measures like Measure 114.

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Key Takeaways for Oregon

• The Supreme Court’s inaction gives states like Oregon a green light to enforce public safety laws like Measure 114, including its magazine limit.
• The ruling sets no new restrictions on Oregon’s ability to regulate firearms and instead shows that bans on high-capacity magazines can withstand constitutional challenges — especially when supported by strong public safety justifications.
• Oregon lawmakers and advocates now have a stronger legal footing to defend Measure 114 against ongoing legal challenges, knowing the nation’s highest court has signaled that such restrictions are within constitutional bounds.

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Looking Ahead

Although the Court may revisit the issue in future terms, for now, Oregon’s Measure 114 and similar laws across the country are effectively upheld. The ruling represents a major win for public safety advocates and provides reassurance that states can take decisive action to reduce gun violence without violating the Second Amendment.