HB 3443
Provides that each firearm possessed by a person committing the crime of felon in possession of a firearm constitutes a separately punishable offense.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Nathan Vasquez, Multnomah County District Attorney)
Committee
Judiciary
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
0%
Oppose
100%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies that a felon possessing a firearm constitutes a separate crime for each firearm they possess. It amends Oregon law to ensure that each firearm used by a felon committing this crime is treated as a distinct offense. The law specifically addresses situations involving multiple victims or repeated violations of the same provision against the same victim. This aims to increase penalties for felons who possess firearms.
Key provisions
- Each firearm possessed by a felon committing the crime of felon in possession of a firearm is a separately punishable offense.
- The law amends ORS 161.067 to define how multiple statutory violations are treated in criminal cases.
- It addresses situations where a single criminal episode involves multiple victims, creating a separate offense for each victim.
- The bill clarifies how repeated violations of the same statutory provision against the same victim are treated as separate offenses.
- It specifically lists crimes related to property (theft, unauthorized use, etc.) that contribute to the calculation of separate offenses when multiple victims are involved.
- The bill includes offenses related to sexual conduct and unlawful penetration as separate violations.
- The amendments apply to conduct occurring on or after the bill’s effective date.
Who is affected
- Felons
- Law enforcement
- Prosecutors
- Victims of crime
- Oregon residents
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed legislation argue that it is misguided and ineffective in addressing the root causes of gun violence. Many believe that the issue lies not with firearms themselves, but with individuals who misuse them, and that a more focused approach on incarceration and law enforcement reform could be a more effective solution. Some testifiers suggest that the current system is already flawed due to selective enforcement, and that new legislation may not be necessary or would even exacerbate existing problems. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential for racially biased arrests and charges, with one organization specifically stating that the bill would fail to address gun violence and provide support to victims while instead increasing harm to marginalized communities.
Source: Testimony Summaries