Oregon, along with several other states, has taken a stand to uphold federal regulations designed to mitigate gun violence. Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced the state's participation in defending two Biden Administration rules. These measures focus on restricting machine gun conversion devices and enforcing background checks for firearm sellers.
The first rule targets certain machine gun conversion devices that can transform handguns into fully automatic weapons using 3D printing technology. The second regulation mandates federal background checks for all gun sellers, aiming to close the "gun show loophole."
These efforts by state Attorneys General are intended to safeguard these policies in case the upcoming Trump Administration ceases their defense. "I am proud to join today’s effort to defend the modest gains our federal government has made on gun safety," said Rayfield. He emphasized community safety as a top priority.
Machine Gun Conversion Devices (MCDs) significantly threaten public safety by enabling firearms to fire at rates similar to military machine guns. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported a substantial increase in MCD use from 2019 through 2021.
A particular type of MCD known as Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) allows continuous fire with one trigger pull. Although ATF classified FRT-equipped firearms as illegal machine guns in 2021, a Texas federal judge ruled against this classification in 2024. Oregon and other states are working to maintain these protections if the Trump Administration halts its defense.
Alongside Oregon, jurisdictions including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington are involved in supporting these measures.
Furthermore, Congress's Bipartisan Safer Communities Act expanded background check requirements for gun sellers. This act necessitates registration as federally licensed firearms dealers for those selling guns for profit and includes mandatory criminal and mental health checks on potential buyers.
The ATF estimates this could affect up to 95,505 previously unlicensed individuals who would now need federal licenses before selling weapons. Despite President-elect Trump's campaign criticism of this rulemaking process and plans for its withdrawal upon taking office in 2024, Oregon and other states remain committed to preserving this initiative.
In addition to Oregon's participation alongside Arizona and several other states such as Colorado and Connecticut reaffirms their dedication to implementing life-saving actions like closing the "gun show loophole" through full enforcement of legislation like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.