PA Bill Number: HB335
Title: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons.
Description: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons. ...
Last Action: Removed from table
Last Action Date: May 1, 2024
2nd Amendment battle enters Round Two :: 05/08/2015
Coos County commissioners were wise to take a step back Tuesday from taking any immediate action concerning the firearms background check bill that’s apparently on its way to becoming law in Salem.
We’ve already taken a position against this legislation. Our argument has always been that the law doesn’t begin to address core issues of instilling firearm respect and responsibility, or the associated mental health problems that lead troubled individuals to act out with violence.
And despite the sometimes “sky-is-falling” rhetoric of at least some of the Second Amendment activists, we can appreciate their concerns about the law requiring detailed information about a firearm. This was supposed to be a background check to determine whether an individual can legally possess a gun, any gun. Requiring the make, model and serial number of a particular weapon to be exchanged can understandably lead one to question why that information matters.
Supporters of that portion of the law equate it to vehicle ownership. That’s a flawed argument. Operating a motor vehicle is considered a privilege granted by the government. Firearms possession is a constitutional right.
Still, the commissioners were right to set aside calls to immediately enact a new county ordinance in an attempt to countermand state law. Round One, for those who opposed additional background checks, has been lost. Now’s the time to plan for Round Two.
And the conditions for creating effective strategy seem to be good. During the discussion Tuesday morning there appeared to be a meeting of the minds between the commissioners in attendance (Melissa Cribbins and Bob Main) and Second Amendment activists. All three commissioners have already gone on record opposing the background checks bill. Both the commissioners and gun rights advocates appear to share the same values on this issue.
So, this is a time to analyze and strategize. Does a statewide initiative to repeal the law really have legs? If so, should the county put its efforts behind that? Should a Second Amendment ordinance be put on the November ballot, or should commissioners pass the law sooner?
All good questions that deserve robust debate. Thankfully, all sides on this issue here in Coos County appear ready to take their time and engage in that debate.
