Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregonians could no longer go snooping at the courthouse to find out which of their friends and neighbors have a concealed weapons permit under a bill moving through the Legislature.  

The Oregon House Monday voted 54-to-4 to limit the public release of information about concealed handgun license holders.  

Republican Representative Kim Thatcher says there’s no reason why concealed weapons owners should be subject to public records laws.

Kim Thatcher: “These people are not public bodies, they are not public agencies, they are not conducting the peoples’ business.”

The bill would exempt gun permit information from disclosure under Oregon’s open records law in most situations.

Local sheriffs could make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.  Some sheriffs are already refusing to issue the information.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

Online:

Oregon House Bill 2727-A