Oregon court rules voter-approved gun law constitutional

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled on March 11, that Oregon Ballot Measure 114, a voter-approved gun control law, is constitutional under the state’s constitution, overturning a previous decision by a Harney County judge who had blocked its enforcement. The measure, which mandates permits for firearm purchases and restricts magazine capacity to ten rounds, remains on hold as opponents indicate plans to appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court.

The appellate court’s decision reverses a 2023 ruling by Harney County Circuit Judge Robert S. Raschio, who had found Measure 114 unconstitutional under Oregon’s right to bear arms.

The law, passed by voters in 2022, remains blocked from enforcement pending further appeals. Tony Aiello Jr., representing Oregon gun owners who filed the lawsuit challenging Measure 114, vowed to take the case to the Oregon Supreme Court.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised the ruling as a victory for public safety, while the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus stated that the measure infringes on constitutional rights and imposes excessive barriers to gun ownership.

Measure 114, approved by Oregon voters in November 2022 with 50.6% of the vote, introduces additional firearm regulations in the state. The law requires individuals to obtain a permit before purchasing firearms, mandates successful completion of a gun safety course and a background check, and bans the sale of magazines holding more than ten rounds. Despite its approval by voters in a referendum, the measure has faced legal challenges that have delayed its implementation.

A separate federal lawsuit challenging Measure 114 is still under review by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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