Attorney General Dan Rayfield recently joined other states in two gun rights cases in Texas, supporting Biden administration rules aimed at improving gun safety. These rules focus on requiring background checks and banning devices that convert handguns into rapid-fire weapons.
What Are the Cases About?
The first case involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) enforcing a rule against “forced-reset triggers.” These are devices that can be made using a 3D printer and transform a handgun into a machine gun, capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. The rule classifies these guns as illegal machine guns under federal law.
A federal judge in Texas previously blocked the ATF from enforcing this rule after groups like the National Association for Gun Rights and Texas Gun Rights, Inc., filed a lawsuit. The Biden administration is appealing this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The second case focuses on closing the “gun show loophole,” which allows people to sell guns without passing a federal background check. A Biden administration rule seeks to change this by requiring anyone selling guns to get a license and undergo background checks.
Why Is Oregon Involved?
Rayfield and attorneys general from 14 other states argue that overturning these rules could lead to more gun violence, higher law enforcement costs, and increased health care expenses. Rayfield stated that allowing forced-reset triggers and unregulated gun sales would be a setback in efforts to reduce gun violence.
In his words, “Any decision that permits forced-reset triggers under federal law would undo progress on gun safety, especially when Oregon residents are asking for stricter measures to reduce gun violence.”
Oregon’s Gun Safety History
In 2022, Oregon voters passed Measure 114, which bans high-capacity magazines and requires gun buyers to complete safety training and pass a federal background check as part of a permit process. However, this law has been tied up in legal challenges.
A Harney County judge ruled against Measure 114, prompting the state to appeal. Arguments were heard by a three-judge appeals panel in October, but the legal battle continues.
States Joining Oregon
Several states have joined Oregon in supporting these Biden administration rules. For the forced-reset trigger case, states including New Jersey, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, and Massachusetts are involved.
In the case regarding background checks for gun sellers, 14 states, including Arizona, Maryland, Nevada, and Washington, joined Oregon in filing a motion in favor of the rule.
The Bigger Picture
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to reverse Biden administration rules related to gun rights. This has made it even more crucial for states like Oregon to step in and support federal efforts to enhance gun safety.
The ATF estimates that closing the gun show loophole could require nearly 100,000 individuals to obtain a federal gun license, helping to regulate gun sales and reduce illegal transactions.
Conclusion
Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s actions reflect Oregon’s commitment to prioritizing gun safety and reducing violence. These cases in Texas are part of a broader effort to uphold federal gun safety measures and protect communities from the dangers of unregulated weapons.
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