4-205 | VOTE NO

 

FACT SHEET

 

Clatsop County Measure 4-205

 

 

 

Question: 

 

Should Clatsop County prohibit use of county resources for enforcement of certain firearms regulations and allow fines for violations? 

Effect:

 

  

A “YES” vote on Measure 4-205 would prohibit the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office from enforcing existing and future gun laws.

A “NO” vote on Measure 4-205 allows for the ongoing enforcement of existing and future gun laws by Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.

Summary:

 

 

        Approval would prohibit Clatsop County employees or officials (i.e., Sheriff’s Deputies) from enforcing any Extraterritorial Act relating to firearms or using any County resources to enforce such acts relating to firearms.  

        The measure defines Extraterritorial Act as any local, state, or federal law or regulation that restricts a person’s right to keep and bear firearms, accessories, or ammunition.  

        Approval would prohibit enforcement of the following related to firearms: 

o    Any tax, levy, or fee on the purchase or ownership of firearms or related items;

o    Any tracking requirements; o Background checks;

o    Confiscation orders (e.g., Red Flag orders where a person is deemed a threat to themselves or others);

o    Limits on the ownership of firearms or accessories; and, o Any restriction on the open or concealed carrying of firearms. 

        Violation of this ordinance could result in a fine of up to $2,000 per county employee or $4,000 for a county agency.

        Does not apply to convicted felons or persons prohibited from possession of firearms by court order. The ordinance also does not allow the possession of firearms in state or federal buildings. 

 

 

 

We Recommend Voting “NO” on Measure 4-205 Because:

 

        Prohibits County employees from enforcing gun laws; includes a civil action penalty against Clatsop County employees for doing their jobs.

        Likely not constitutional.  Attempts to invalidate enforcement of existing federal, state, and local gun laws that have been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Courts decide the constitutionality of laws, not counties.

        Localities cannot contradict state law. Enforcement of Oregon gun laws would be subverted by the passage of Measure 4-205.

        Local ordinances like this are a recipe for chaos; they undermine the rule of law, cause confusion, foster distrust in law enforcement, and may deter people from reporting individuals who may hurt themselves or others.

        Measure 4-205 is dangerous because it will deter the use of safety measures like background checks and Red Flag laws (where police or family members can petition a court to order temporary removal of firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves) that have been proven to save lives and are supported by the vast majority of Americans. 

        Domestic violence restraining orders and red flag petitions could decline because persons needing protection think law enforcement won't remove firearms from someone, even when warranted. More incidents of domestic violence might go unreported as a result.  The presence of a firearm during a domestic violence situation makes it 5 times more likely that a person will be shot and killed.

        Oregon does not accept concealed weapon permits from other states. People who travel to Clatsop County cannot carry concealed weapons without following Oregon gun laws.  Passage of 4-205 would subvert the requirement to follow Oregon gun laws, resulting in situations where anyone from anywhere in the world could carry their gun - concealed or open – in Clatsop County with no restrictions.

        Measure 4-205 creates more danger because self-appointed, so-called "militias" think there is local support for their actions and they will not be held to commonsense gun safety laws or held accountable for their actions.  Passage of Measure 4-205 would likely also result in an increase in vigilantism.

        The vast majority of Americans support common-sense gun laws that keep our communities safe. The organizations supporting this ballot initiative do not express the will of the people.

        Every day, one hundred people die from gun violence in this country, and hundreds more are wounded.