Governor Brown Unveils Gun Safety Agenda

Governor Kate Brown Friday announced a new plan to address gun violence in the state.

She was joined by elected officials including Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Suzanne Bonamici, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill and others as she announces "Oregonians United to End Gun Violence."

HAVE PATCH EMAIL YOU ALL THE LATEST NEWS

"In Oregon, 2,280 Oregonians – an average of 456 people each year – died from firearms-related injuries between 2010 and 2014," said Governor Brown. "I call on each of us as Oregonians and Americans to stand united in our resolve to end this senseless loss of life."

She announced an executive order that does several things including giving Oregon State Police and local authorities more tools to track and analyze gun transactions. These tools can be used in the prosecution of illegal firearms sales and help to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands.

The order also directs the Oregon Health Authority to report annually on gun violence and its effect on public health, and when warranted, recommend polices to increase gun safety in Oregon.

Brown also announced a three-point plan for the next legislative session:

• "Close the “Charleston Loophole.” In Oregon, if the state police are unable to determine a person’s eligibility to purchase a firearm within three days, current law requires approval of the sale of the firearm. Governor Brown will prepare legislation that will make sure individuals who should not own a gun are not able to obtain one simply because authorities were unable to complete the background check within the current timelines.
• Close the “Boyfriend Loophole.” By expanding the types of relationships that qualify under “domestic violence” charges, those convicted of certain crimes of domestic violence and stalking will no longer have access to firearms.
• Ban extended-capacity magazines. Outlaw the future purchases of extended-capacity magazines in Oregon. This type of ammunition enables individuals to fire repeatedly without the need to reload and significantly increases a shooter’s ability to injure and kill large numbers of people."

Oregon does not have a strong track record in passing gun safety legislation.

In the session earlier this year - just months after the deadliest shooting in Oregon history happened at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg - the state legislature failed to pass any gun control related legislation.

That led to a series of meetings among the state's top Democrats in the Spring where they repeated vows to get bills passed in next year's session.

This story will be updated after the news conference.