Oregon Court of Appeals rules Measure 114 constitutional, appeals expected

The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled Measure 114, the state's gun control law requiring permits to purchase firearms and banning large-capacity magazines, is constitutional, overturning a previous ruling that deemed it unconstitutional. The decision comes after a lengthy legal battle initiated by Harney County residents challenging the measure, which was narrowly approved by voters in 2022. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield celebrated the ruling as a significant step toward enhancing public safety, emphasizing the importance of background checks and permitting in preventing gun violence. However, opponents of the measure, including the gun owners involved in the original lawsuit, are expected to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court. The measure remains on hold for 35 days to allow for an appeal, and its eventual implementation is uncertain amid ongoing legal scrutiny. The ruling aligns with a previous federal court decision stating that similar regulations do not violate the Second Amendment, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding gun control in Oregon.