More Criminal Law news More news in Oregon Find Criminal Law lawyers in Oregon
On March 8, 2026, Oregon made headlines in criminal law news with the passing of a new bill that will require criminal background checks for all ammunition purchases in the state. The bill, known as HB 1873, was signed into law by Governor Kate Brown after months of debate and controversy.Under this new law, anyone looking to purchase ammunition in Oregon will be subject to the same background check process currently in place for purchasing firearms. This includes undergoing a background check through the Oregon State Police before being allowed to buy ammunition. The goal of the bill is to prevent individuals with criminal records or other disqualifying factors from obtaining ammunition and potentially committing acts of violence.Supporters of the bill argue that it is a common-sense measure to increase public safety and prevent gun violence. They point to the fact that ammunition is a crucial component of firearm use, and controlling access to it is an important step in reducing the likelihood of firearms being used in criminal activities.Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and imposes unnecessary burdens on responsible gun owners. They also question the effectiveness of such measures in preventing gun violence, arguing that criminals will simply find other ways to obtain ammunition if they are unable to purchase it legally.Despite the contentious nature of the bill, it ultimately passed in the Oregon legislature with a narrow majority and was signed into law by Governor Brown. It is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027, giving retailers and gun owners ample time to adjust to the new requirements.This new law marks a significant change in the landscape of gun control legislation in Oregon and has sparked a broader debate on the balance between public safety and individual rights. As the state prepares to implement these new regulations, both supporters and opponents will be closely monitoring their impact on crime rates and gun-related incidents in Oregon.