New restrictions on concealed carry passed the Oregon legislature last week and are now headed to Gov. Tina Kotek’s (D) desk.
Grants Pass Tribune noted that the legislation, Senate Bill 243, “empowers cities, counties, and other local jurisdictions to impose restrictions on the carrying of concealed handguns within publicly owned buildings.” The bill does this by “[empowering] cities, counties, and other local jurisdictions to impose restrictions on the carrying of concealed handguns within publicly owned buildings.”
SB 243 also bans the possession of bump stocks and/or trigger cranks.
Oregon Public Radio quoted state Rep, Jeff Helfrich (R) addressing the legislation, saying, ““This bill does not make people safer. This bill punishes law-abiding citizens.”
SB 243 also sets an effective date of March 15, 2026, for Ballot Measure 114.
BM 114 is a ballot measure passed in 2022 but blocked from implementation via various lawsuits. The measure requires Oregonians to acquire a permit before purchasing a gun and limits ammunition magazines to ten rounds.
AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio, a member of Gun Owners of America, and the director of global marketing for Lone Star Hunts. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal in 2010 and has a Ph.D. in Military History. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_hawkins. You can sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange. Reach him directly at
