Oregon Gun Laws

Oregon has NOT adopted permitless ('constitutional') concealed carry. A valid Concealed Handgun License issued under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 is required to carry a concealed handgun on the person or to keep a concealed and readily accessible handgun in a vehicle. Open carry in a belt holster does not require a permit.

"a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly: (a) Carries any firearm concealed upon the person; (b) Possesses a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle."

ORS 166.250 (no permitless concealed carry) statute

Knowingly carrying a firearm concealed upon the person is the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm, a Class A misdemeanor, unless an exception under ORS 166.260, 166.270, 166.273, 166.274, 166.291, 166.292, or 166.410 to 166.470 applies. A person licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun is exempt by ORS 166.260(1)(i).

"Except as otherwise provided in this section or ORS 166.260, 166.270, 166.273, 166.274, 166.291, 166.292 or 166.410 to 166.470, a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly: (a) Carries any firearm concealed upon the person."

ORS 166.250(1)(a) statute

Oregon is a shall-issue state for concealed carry: the sheriff of a county SHALL issue a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to an applicant who is a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, is at least 21 years of age, is a resident of the county, has no felony conviction, has no qualifying-misdemeanor conviction within the prior four years, has no outstanding arrest warrant, is not under disqualifying mental-health orders, has not received a dishonorable discharge, is not a registered sex offender, and demonstrates handgun competence by one of seven qualifying methods (hunter education, NRA course, public/community-college/private firearms training course, law-enforcement course, organized shooting competition, military service, or current/prior firearm license).

"The sheriff of a county, upon a person's application for an Oregon concealed handgun license, upon receipt of the appropriate fees and after compliance with the procedures set out in this section, shall issue the person a concealed handgun license."

ORS 166.291 statute

CHL fees are $15 to the Department of State Police for the fingerprint check, $100 to the sheriff for initial issuance, $75 to the sheriff for renewal, and $15 to the sheriff for duplication. The CHL is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance.

"An Oregon concealed handgun license issued under ORS 166.291 and this section, unless revoked under ORS 166.293, is valid for a period of four years from the date on which it is issued."

ORS 166.291(5) and 166.292(4) statute

ORS 166.291(1)(f) lists qualifying methods to demonstrate handgun competence (hunter safety, NRA course, law-enforcement course, organized shooting competition, military service, etc.) but does not prescribe a specific minimum number of training hours. The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association offers a free online course that satisfies the educational requirement.

"Successful completion of this course satisfies the Oregon educational requirement for handgun safety training to obtain your concealed handgun license."

Oregon State Sheriffs' Association — CHL Firearms Safety Course ag

ORS 166.260 enumerates the persons exempt from the unlawful-possession-of-a-firearm statute (ORS 166.250). Categorical exemptions include parole/probation/police/reserve officers, federal officers, honorably retired law enforcement officers, persons summoned to assist officers, unloaded merchant transport, active or reserve military, and — at ORS 166.260(1)(i) — any person licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun. The exemptions in subsection (1)(d) to (i) are affirmative defenses to a 166.250 charge.

"ORS 166.250 does not apply to or affect: ... (i) A person who is licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun."

ORS 166.260 (persons not affected by ORS 166.250) statute

Notwithstanding the 'shall issue' rule of ORS 166.291(1), a sheriff may deny a CHL if the sheriff has reasonable grounds to believe the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to be a danger to self, others, or the community based on the applicant's mental or psychological state or past pattern of unlawful violence. Any act or condition that would prevent issuance is cause for revocation. A denied or revoked applicant may petition the circuit court in the applicant's county of residence within 30 days for review.

"Notwithstanding ORS 166.291 (1), and subject to review as provided in subsection (5) of this section, a sheriff may deny a concealed handgun license if the sheriff has reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to be a danger to self or others, or to the community at large."

ORS 166.293 (denial or revocation of CHL; judicial review) statute

Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not 'concealed' within the meaning of the unlawful-possession statute. Open carry of a handgun is therefore generally lawful statewide for non-prohibited adults — except where ORS 166.173 authorizes a city or county to restrict possession of LOADED firearms in public places, in which case CHL holders remain exempt.

"Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of this section."

ORS 166.250(3) statute

A city or county may adopt ordinances regulating, restricting, or prohibiting possession of LOADED firearms in public places. Such ordinances do NOT apply to law enforcement officers, military members on duty, persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun (CHL holders), persons authorized to possess a loaded firearm under ORS 166.370 (public-building exceptions), USDA employees taking wildlife, or honorably retired law enforcement officers.

"A city or county may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit the possession of loaded firearms in public places as defined in ORS 161.015. (2) Ordinances adopted under subsection (1) of this section do not apply to or affect: ... (c) A person licensed to carry a concealed handgun."

ORS 166.173 (city/county authority over loaded firearms in public places) statute

Portland's ordinance, adopted under the ORS 166.173 carve-out, makes it unlawful to knowingly possess or carry a loaded firearm in or upon a public place (including inside a vehicle on a public street) without a qualifying exemption. CHL holders are exempted by statute. Other Oregon cities — including Beaverton, Tigard, Salem, and Independence — have adopted similar ordinances.

"It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess or carry a firearm, in or upon a public place, including, but not limited to, while in or upon a vehicle in a public place, recklessly having failed to remove all the ammunition from the firearm."

Portland City Code § 14A.60.010 (Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place) ag

Without a CHL it is the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm to possess a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle. CHL holders are exempt under ORS 166.260(1)(i).

"a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly: ... (b) Possesses a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle."

ORS 166.250(1)(b) statute

A handgun is 'readily accessible' if it is in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A vehicle without a separate storage compartment (e.g., no trunk) avoids the prohibition only if the handgun is stored in a closed and locked glove compartment, center console, or other container AND the key is not inserted in the lock. Vehicles with a separate trunk satisfy the statute by storing the handgun in the trunk. Motorcycles/snowmobiles/ATVs require a locked container affixed to the vehicle or a trigger lock.

"(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, a handgun is readily accessible within the meaning of this section if the handgun is within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. (b) If a vehicle, other than a vehicle described in paragraph (c) of this subsection, has no storage location that is outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a handgun is not readily accessible within the meaning of this section if: (A) The handgun is stored in a closed and locked glove compartment, center console or other container; and (B) The key is not inserted into the lock, if the glove compartment, center console or other container unlocks with a key."

ORS 166.250(4) statute

Oregon does NOT have a 'guns in trunks' employer parking-lot protection statute. ORS Chapter 166 contains no provision shielding employees from adverse action for storing a firearm in their personal vehicle on company property. The only related statute is ORS 166.375, which authorizes specific Department of Corrections authorized staff with a valid CHL to store a personal handgun in a secured container in their parked personal vehicle on department property — a narrow government-employer carve-out, not a general workplace protection.

"Notwithstanding ORS 162.135 and 162.185 or any Department of Corrections regulation, rule, policy or provision of an employment contract to the contrary, if the department has not provided a secure and locked location for the storage of personal handguns and ammunition by authorized staff, authorized staff may possess a personal handgun and ammunition in the authorized staff member's personal vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a department parking lot."

Oregon — no employer parking-lot protection statute statute

Notwithstanding the public-employee weapons restrictions of ORS 162.135 and 162.185 and any Department of Corrections policy, if DOC has not provided a secure locked location for storage, an 'authorized staff' member with a valid Oregon CHL may possess a personal handgun and ammunition in the staff member's personal vehicle while parked in a department lot, provided the handgun is secured in a closed and locked container designed for firearm storage. This is the only Oregon parking-lot protection — narrow to a single government employer, not a general workplace 'guns in trunks' statute.

"Notwithstanding ORS 162.135 and 162.185 or any Department of Corrections regulation, rule, policy or provision of an employment contract to the contrary, if the department has not provided a secure and locked location for the storage of personal handguns and ammunition by authorized staff, authorized staff may possess a personal handgun and ammunition in the authorized staff member's personal vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a department parking lot."

ORS 166.375 (Department of Corrections authorized staff — personal handgun in vehicle) statute

Oregon recognizes no out-of-state concealed-carry permit. ORS Chapter 166 contains no reciprocity statute equivalent to those found in shall-issue states. A person carrying a concealed firearm in Oregon must hold an Oregon CHL or qualify under another statutory exception. Several other states (notably the permitless-carry states such as AL, AK, AZ, AR, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MS, MO, MT, NH, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY and shall-issue states with broad reciprocity such as NE, NC, VA) honor the Oregon CHL.

"Except as otherwise provided in this section or ORS 166.260, 166.270, 166.273, 166.274, 166.291, 166.292 or 166.410 to 166.470, a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly: (a) Carries any firearm concealed upon the person."

ORS Chapter 166 — no out-of-state permit recognition statute

A person in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in using physical force to prevent or terminate a criminal trespass. Deadly physical force in defense of premises is justified only (a) in defense of a person under ORS 161.219, or (b) when reasonably believed necessary to prevent arson or a felony by force and violence by the trespasser. 'Premises' includes any building and any real property.

"A person in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in using physical force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate what the person reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by the other person in or upon the premises."

ORS 161.225 statute

A person is justified in using deadly physical force upon another only if the person reasonably believes the other is (1) committing or attempting a felony involving the use or threatened use of physical force against a person, (2) committing or attempting a burglary in a dwelling, or (3) using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against a person. Oregon's castle-style protection is found in the burglary-in-a-dwelling prong.

"Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 161.209, a person is not justified in using deadly physical force upon another person unless the person reasonably believes that the other person is: (1) Committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; or (2) Committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling; or (3) Using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against a person."

ORS 161.219 statute

The Oregon Supreme Court held that ORS 161.219 imposes no duty to retreat before using deadly physical force in self-defense against imminent unlawful deadly force. Although Oregon's self-defense statute does not contain an explicit 'stand your ground' clause, the Court construed the statute textually and found no requirement that a defender first attempt to escape. CourtListener serves as the court-opinion mirror; Oregon Judicial Department reports the same case at 342 Or 506.

"On a purely textual level, ORS 161.219 contains no specific reference to 'retreat,' 'escape,' or 'other means of avoiding' a deadly confrontation. Neither, in our view, does it contain any other wording that would suggest a duty of that kind."

State v. Sandoval, 342 Or 506 (2007) court

Oregon's general self-defense statute permits a person to use physical force upon another for self-defense or to defend a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force. The person may use a degree of force reasonably believed necessary. ORS 161.209 contains no textual duty to retreat, which the Oregon Supreme Court confirmed in State v. Sandoval, 342 Or 506 (2007).

"Except as provided in ORS 161.215 and 161.219, a person is justified in using physical force upon another person for self-defense or to defend a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force, and the person may use a degree of force which the person reasonably believes to be necessary for the purpose."

ORS 161.209 (use of physical force in defense of a person) statute

Oregon law does not impose a duty to proactively inform a law enforcement officer that the person is armed. The only related disclosure requirement is ORS 166.380, under which a peace officer may examine a firearm to determine whether it is loaded, and a CHL holder may present the license instead of producing the firearm for examination.

"A person who is licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun may present a valid concealed handgun license to the peace officer instead of providing the firearm to the peace officer for examination."

ORS Chapter 166 — no duty to disclose during traffic stop statute

A peace officer may examine a firearm possessed by anyone on the person while in or on a public building to determine whether the firearm is loaded. A person licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun may present the valid CHL to the peace officer instead of providing the firearm for examination.

"(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a peace officer may examine a firearm possessed by anyone on the person while in or on a public building to determine whether the firearm is a loaded firearm. (2) A person who is licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun may present a valid concealed handgun license to the peace officer instead of providing the firearm to the peace officer for examination."

ORS 166.380 (peace officer examination of firearm) statute

Any person who intentionally possesses a loaded or unloaded firearm or any other instrument used as a dangerous weapon, while in or on a public building, commits a Class C felony. Holders of a valid Oregon CHL are exempt for general public buildings under ORS 166.370(3)(g), but CHL holders carrying in the Capitol, a commercial-service airport passenger terminal with over 1 million annual boardings (e.g., PDX), or on school grounds subject to a posted ORS 166.377 policy face a Class A misdemeanor (not the felony). Firearms in a court facility are a Class C felony even for CHL holders.

"Any person who intentionally possesses a loaded or unloaded firearm or any other instrument used as a dangerous weapon, while in or on a public building, shall upon conviction be guilty of a Class C felony."

ORS 166.370(1)(a) statute

Intentional possession of a firearm in a court facility is a Class C felony. The CHL exemption that applies to general public buildings does NOT apply to court facilities under ORS 166.370(3)(g) — court facilities are specifically carved out by ORS 166.370(2)(a)(A).

"A person who intentionally possesses: (A) A firearm in a court facility is guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony. A person who intentionally possesses a firearm in a court facility shall surrender the firearm to a law enforcement officer."

ORS 166.370(2) (court facility) statute

The governing board of a public university, community college, or K-12 school district may adopt a policy that the CHL exception in ORS 166.370(3)(g) does NOT apply on the schools' grounds. The board must post visible signage at all normal entry points and publish the policy on its website. This provision was enacted by 2021 SB 554 (the Cindy Yuille and Steve Forsyth Act).

"The governing board of a public university listed in ORS 352.002, the Oregon Health and Science University Board of Directors, the governing board of a community college or a district school board as defined in ORS 332.002 may adopt a policy providing that the affirmative defense described in ORS 166.370 (3)(g), concerning persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun under ORS 166.291 and 166.292, does not apply to the possession of firearms on the grounds of the schools controlled by the board."

ORS 166.377 (schools, colleges, universities) statute

A person may possess a firearm in the passenger terminal of a commercial service airport ONLY if the firearm is unloaded and in a locked hard-sided container for transport as checked baggage in accordance with federal law. CHL holders are not exempt at airports with over 1 million annual boardings (which includes Portland International).

"A person who possesses a firearm in the passenger terminal of a commercial service airport, if the firearm is unloaded and in a locked hard-sided container for the purposes of transporting the firearm as checked baggage in accordance with federal law."

ORS 166.370(3)(k) (commercial airport) statute

Oregon is a point-of-contact state for federally licensed dealer transfers: before delivering a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver to a purchaser, a gun dealer must request a criminal history record check from the Oregon Department of State Police, which determines within 30 minutes whether the purchaser is qualified or disqualified and issues a unique approval number.

"a gun dealer shall comply with the following before a firearm or an unfinished frame or receiver is delivered to a purchaser: ... (d) The gun dealer shall, by telephone or computer, verify that the purchaser has a valid permit-to-purchase a firearm issued under ORS 166.505, and request that the department conduct a criminal history record check on the purchaser."

ORS 166.412 statute

Oregon requires a background check on private (unlicensed) firearm transfers: the transferor and transferee must appear in person before a gun dealer, who runs the criminal history record check and facilitates the transfer. ORS 166.435(4) exempts transfers to immediate family (spouse, parent/stepparent, child/stepchild, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt/uncle, first cousin, niece/nephew, and their spouses/domestic partners), transfers at shooting ranges or while hunting under the transferor's supervision, repair transfers, and law-enforcement transfers, among others.

"Except as provided in ORS 166.436 and 166.438 and subsection (4) of this section, a transferor may not transfer a firearm to a transferee unless the transfer is completed through a gun dealer as described in subsection (3) of this section."

ORS 166.435 (universal background check on private transfers) statute

The Oregon State Police Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) conducts firearm background checks on all transfers from federally licensed dealers and on private transfers under ORS 166.435. FICS retains records for five years and charges a $10 fee per transaction. OSP states that approximately 96% of checks are approved within minutes; about 3% enter a delayed/pended status.

"Oregon law mandates that 'a background check for all transfers including those that take place at a gun show and between private citizens' is necessary."

Oregon State Police — Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) ag

ORS 166.436 authorizes the Oregon State Police to receive background-check requests from non-dealer transferors at gun shows. The transferor must verify the recipient has a valid permit-to-purchase under ORS 166.505 (currently enjoined) and provide identifying information to OSP. The transferor may not transfer the firearm unless the department issues a unique approval number. The statute is cross-referenced in ORS 166.435 as an exception path. OSP may retain background-check records consistent with ORS 166.412(7).

"Prior to transferring a firearm at a gun show, a transferor who is not a gun dealer shall by telephone verify that the transferee has a valid permit-to-purchase a firearm under ORS 166.505, and request that the department conduct a criminal background check on the recipient."

ORS 166.436 (Department of State Police background checks for gun-show / private transfers) statute

ORS 166.505, enacted by Measure 114 (Chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2023), would require a person to obtain a permit-to-purchase from a police chief or county sheriff before acquiring any firearm. Qualifications include passing a criminal background check, not being the subject of an ERPO under ORS 166.525-166.543, not presenting reasonable grounds to be considered a danger, completing an in-person live-fire firearm safety course, and paying the statutory fee. Applicants must submit to fingerprinting and photographing. The statute is codified but its implementation has been permanently enjoined since November 21, 2023 in Arnold v. Kotek; the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed on March 12, 2025 (Arnold v. Kotek, 338 Or App 556), Oregon Supreme Court review is pending, and 2026 HB 4145 further delays implementation to January 1, 2028 if the measure is upheld. As of June 6, 2026 no permit-to-purchase is required.

"A person may apply for a permit-to-purchase a firearm or firearms under this section to the police chief or county sheriff with jurisdiction over the residence of the person making the application, or their designees, hereinafter referred to as 'permit agent.'"

ORS 166.505 (Measure 114 permit-to-purchase — currently enjoined) statute

Under federal law, a federally licensed dealer may not sell a handgun to anyone under 21 or a long gun to anyone under 18. Oregon does not impose a higher state-level FFL purchase age; ORS 166.470 prohibits selling, gifting, or otherwise transferring a handgun to a person under 21 and a long gun to a person under 18, with limited family/hunting exceptions for minors.

"A licensee may not sell a handgun to anyone under the age of 21. A licensee may not sell a long gun to anyone under the age of 18."

18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) (federal FFL minimum age) / ORS 166.470 atf

Oregon does not require firearm registration. ORS Chapter 166 contains no firearm registry statute, and ORS 166.170 vests sole authority to regulate firearms in the Legislative Assembly.

"Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate in any matter whatsoever the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition, is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly."

ORS 166.170 (state preemption — no registry) statute

Oregon has an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, enacted by SB 719 (2017) and effective January 1, 2018. A law enforcement officer or a family or household member may petition a court for an ERPO prohibiting the respondent from having custody or control of, purchasing, possessing, receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive a deadly weapon. The court issues the order on clear and convincing evidence that the respondent presents a risk in the near future, including imminent risk of suicide or of causing physical injury to another person.

"A law enforcement officer or a family or household member of a person may file a petition requesting that the court issue an extreme risk protection order enjoining the person from having in the person's custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, a deadly weapon."

ORS 166.525 to 166.543 (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) statute

Oregon has no state assault-weapon ban. ORS Chapter 166 imposes no restriction on semi-automatic firearms based on configuration, features, or 'assault weapon' status. ORS 166.170 preempts local governments from enacting such restrictions.

"Except as expressly authorized by state statute, no county, city or other municipal corporation or district may enact civil or criminal ordinances, including but not limited to zoning ordinances, to regulate, restrict or prohibit the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition. Ordinances that are contrary to this subsection are void."

ORS Chapter 166 — no state assault-weapon ban statute

ORS 166.355, enacted by voter-approved Ballot Measure 114 in November 2022, prohibits the manufacture, importation, possession, use, purchase, sale, or transfer of detachable magazines over 10 rounds, subject to grandfathering for pre-December 8, 2022 owners and certain location-of-use restrictions. The statute is codified but its implementation has been permanently enjoined by the Harney County Circuit Court in Arnold v. Kotek (Case No. 22CV41008). The Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the injunction on March 12, 2025 in Arnold v. Kotek, 338 Or App 556 (2025), but the Oregon Supreme Court is reviewing and the ban remains unenforced as of June 6, 2026.

"Notwithstanding ORS 166.250 to 166.470, and except as expressly provided in subsections (3) to (5) of this section, a person commits the crime of unlawful manufacture, importation, possession, use, purchase, sale or otherwise transferring of large-capacity magazines if the person manufactures, possesses, uses, purchases, sells or otherwise transfers any large-capacity magazine in Oregon on or after December 8, 2022."

ORS 166.355 (Measure 114 large-capacity magazine ban — currently enjoined) statute

On March 12, 2025, the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the Harney County Circuit Court's judgment that Measure 114 violated Article I, section 27 of the Oregon Constitution, holding that the permit-to-purchase requirement and large-capacity magazine restriction are constitutionally permissible regulations of the right to bear arms. Plaintiffs sought review in the Oregon Supreme Court, which heard oral argument November 6, 2025; the case remains pending. The trial-court injunction remains in place pending the Oregon Supreme Court's decision.

"338 Or App 556"

Arnold v. Kotek, 338 Or App 556 (2025) court

Knowingly possessing a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or firearms silencer is a Class B felony in Oregon. It is an affirmative defense — and a peace officer may not arrest a person — if the NFA item is registered as required under federal law and the possessor has the documentation in immediate possession.

"A person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun or firearms silencer if the person knowingly possesses any machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun or firearms silencer. ... (4) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of violating subsection (1) of this section that the machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun or firearms silencer was registered as required under federal law."

ORS 166.272 statute

Suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and machine guns are regulated under the federal National Firearms Act and require ATF registration. Oregon recognizes federal NFA registration as an affirmative defense to ORS 166.272.

"The National Firearms Act (NFA) imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms and mandates the registration of those firearms."

26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (National Firearms Act) / ATF atf

Oregon preempts local firearm regulation: regulatory authority is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly, and ordinances contrary to that exclusivity are void. The Legislature has carved out narrow local authority for: (a) regulation of discharge by counties and cities (ORS 166.171, 166.172), (b) regulation of possession of LOADED firearms in public places by cities and counties — but not against CHL holders (ORS 166.173), (c) firearms in publicly leased buildings under specific conditions (ORS 166.174), (d) used-firearm purchase regulation by cities (ORS 166.175), and (e) preservation of pre-November 2, 1995 county discharge ordinances (ORS 166.176).

"Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate in any matter whatsoever the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition, is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly."

ORS 166.170 statute

ORS 166.171 carves out one of the narrow exceptions to Oregon's preemption statute (ORS 166.170). A county may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the discharge of firearms within its boundaries. The ordinances may not apply to (a) lawful defense of person or property, (b) lawful hunting, (c) landowners and their guests where discharge will not endanger adjacent persons or property, (d) shooting on a public or private range, (e) target shooting on public land outside an urban growth boundary, or (f) federal USDA employees lawfully taking wildlife.

"A county may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit the discharge of firearms within their boundaries."

ORS 166.171 (county authority to regulate firearm discharge) statute

Companion to ORS 166.171: a city may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the discharge of firearms within city boundaries, with the same statutory carve-outs for lawful self-defense, shooting ranges, and USDA employees lawfully taking wildlife. ORS 166.171 and 166.172 together with ORS 166.173-166.176 constitute the entire field of permissible local firearm regulation in Oregon.

"A city may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit the discharge of firearms within the city's boundaries."

ORS 166.172 (city authority to regulate firearm discharge) statute

Signed June 1, 2021 by Governor Kate Brown and effective September 25, 2021, SB 554 imposed a statewide safe-storage requirement (trigger or cable lock, locked container, or gun room), authorized governing boards of K-12 districts, community colleges, and public universities to opt out of the CHL exception for school grounds, made it a Class A misdemeanor (rather than the underlying Class C felony) for a CHL holder to possess a firearm in the Capitol or in the passenger terminal of a commercial-service airport with over 1 million annual boardings (including PDX), imposed a 72-hour loss/theft reporting duty, and increased CHL fees from $50 to $100 issuance / $75 renewal.

"SECTION 1. Sections 2 to 6 of this 2021 Act shall be known and may be cited as the Cindy Yuille and Steve Forsyth Act."

Oregon Laws 2021, Chapter 146 (SB 554) — Cindy Yuille and Steve Forsyth Act statute

Measure 114, approved by Oregon voters on November 8, 2022 (50.65% yes / 49.35% no) and codified as Chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2023 (now in ORS 166.355, 166.412, 166.435, 166.503, 166.505, 166.508, 166.512), would create a state permit-to-purchase requirement (fingerprinting, background check, completed firearms safety training course with in-person live-fire demonstration) and ban manufacture/transfer of magazines over 10 rounds. The measure is statutorily enacted but its operation has been continuously enjoined since November 21, 2023 by the Harney County Circuit Court in Arnold v. Kotek. As of June 6, 2026, no permit-to-purchase is required and the magazine ban is not enforced.

"The Act that comprises chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2023 (Ballot Measure 114 (2022)), was proposed by initiative petition and was approved by the people at the regular general election held on November 8, 2022."

Oregon Ballot Measure 114 (2022) / Chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2023 secondary

On March 12, 2025, the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the Harney County Circuit Court's November 2023 judgment that Measure 114 violated Article I, section 27 of the Oregon Constitution. The Court of Appeals upheld both the permit-to-purchase requirement and the large-capacity magazine ban as 'reasonable regulation' under Oregon's right-to-bear-arms clause. Plaintiffs sought Oregon Supreme Court review, which heard oral argument on November 6, 2025; a decision was pending as of June 6, 2026. The injunction remained in place pending appeal.

"338 Or App 556"

Arnold v. Kotek, 338 Or App 556 (2025) court

Signed by Governor Brown in August 2017, SB 719 created Oregon's Extreme Risk Protection Order law (effective January 1, 2018), codified at ORS 166.525-166.543. It allows law enforcement officers and family or household members to petition a court to temporarily prohibit a respondent from possessing deadly weapons on a finding of clear and convincing evidence of imminent risk of suicide or of causing physical injury to another person.

"Senate Bill 719"

Oregon Laws 2017 (SB 719) — Extreme Risk Protection Orders statute

Passed both chambers in March 2026, HB 4145 extends the agency review window for permit-to-purchase applications from 30 to 60 days, raises maximum renewal fees from $50 to $110, and pushes back implementation of Measure 114's permit-to-purchase requirement to January 1, 2028 if and when the Oregon Supreme Court upholds the measure.

2026 HB 4145

The Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the Harney County Circuit Court's judgment that Measure 114 violated Article I, section 27 of the Oregon Constitution. The court held that the permit-to-purchase requirement and large-capacity magazine restriction are constitutionally permissible 'reasonable regulation.' The Oregon Supreme Court accepted review; oral argument November 6, 2025; ruling pending; trial-court injunction remains in place pending appeal.

Arnold v. Kotek, 338 Or App 556 (2025)

Voter-approved measure (codified as Chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2023) creates a state permit-to-purchase requirement and bans detachable magazines over 10 rounds. The Harney County Circuit Court permanently enjoined the measure on November 21, 2023 in Arnold v. Kotek (Case No. 22CV41008). The Oregon Court of Appeals reversed on March 12, 2025 (Arnold v. Kotek, 338 Or App 556), and the Oregon Supreme Court heard oral argument November 6, 2025 with a ruling pending. As of June 6, 2026, the law is NOT in effect.

Chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2023 (Ballot Measure 114, 2022)

Oregon Laws 2021, Chapter 146 imposed a statewide safe-storage requirement, authorized K-12, community college, and public university governing boards to opt out of the CHL exception for school grounds (ORS 166.377), made it a Class A misdemeanor (vs. Class C felony) for CHL holders to possess a firearm in the Capitol or in the passenger terminal of a commercial-service airport with over 1 million boardings (PDX), required 72-hour loss/theft reporting, and raised CHL fees to $100 initial / $75 renewal.

Oregon Laws 2021, Chapter 146 (SB 554)

Created Oregon's red-flag law (codified at ORS 166.525-166.543) allowing law enforcement officers and family/household members to petition a court for an order temporarily prohibiting the respondent from possessing deadly weapons.

Oregon Laws 2017, SB 719