Led by Citizens, Oregon is Moving Forward to Reduce Gun Violence

In 2025, Oregon’s lawmakers passed some important legislation such as the 2025 ban on rapid-fire conversion devices and additional restrictions on concealed carry in public. These steps matter and will save lives.

We firmly believe that lawmakers want to do more—and with continued public support and partnership, they will.

Because Oregonians are calling for more. They expect the legislature to match the courage shown by volunteers, survivors, and organizations like Ceasefire Oregon and the chief petitioners of Lift Every Voice Oregon (LEVO) when we passed Measure 114 in 2022. And Oregonians expect change.

Ceasefire Oregon, the Ceasefire Oregon Action Fund, and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation will continue empowering Oregonians to lead.

We will continue to provide the facts, the data, the history, and, we hope, the inspiration that encourages all those working to stop violence. We will continue:

• Working with legislators
  
• Supporting evidence-based policies
  
• Partnering with LEVO and community leaders
  
• Engaging survivors
  
• Educating the public
  
• Providing policy expertise grounded in research
  

We will continue to talk about uncomfortable truths.

The Firearms-Dealer Licensing and Suicide Prevention: Two Missed Opportunities Oregon Lawmakers Must Correct

During the 2025 legislative session, Oregon lawmakers missed an opportunity to enforce current state and federal laws and a much-needed opportunity to reduce suicide in Oregon.

A missed chance to stop the flow of arms into the illegal market

HB 3076, the Firearms Dealer Licensing bill, was traded away by Democratic leadership. The bill would have required all federally licensed firearms dealers in Oregon to also be licensed by the state of Oregon. Federal oversight of gun dealers is now inconsistent, understaffed, and insufficient to protect communities. Firearms dealer licensing is one of the best ways to enforce laws already on the books.

State licensing will reduce the number of firearms entering the illegal market. Oregon licenses pharmacies, food stores, and even nail salons. We should join the other 27 states who already license arms dealers.

A missed chance to reduce the very high rates of firearm-suicide

Rural Oregonians suffer from a firearm suicide rate of 15.4 per 100,000, 66% higher than the firearm suicide rate of non-rural Oregonians. In 2025, SB 243 gave Oregon legislators a chance to reduce that rate and save lives by requiring a waiting period between purchase and possession of a firearm. Studies show that waiting periods reduce both firearm suicide and homicide. Tragically, the waiting period requirement was removed at the demand of a Democratic legislator.

Oregon’s Path Forward

Oregonians have already proven their commitment to safer communities. Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Action Fund helped transform that commitment into real policy. Together we will keep pushing for:

• Implementation and full funding of Measure 114
  
• State licensing of all firearms dealers
  
• Waiting periods long enough to prevent suicide
  
• Stronger storage, accountability, and public-health-driven laws

Thanks the courage of everyday residents, we are already well on our way to a safer Oregon but we cannot stop now. We, the sister organizations of Ceasefire Oregon, are aware of our tough reputation. We know we bring facts, studies, data, talking points, and innovative ideas to gun violence prevention in Oregon. “Our Plan to Reduce Gun Violence” was the foundation for the Denver Accord and we called for the National Firearm Injury Prevention Bureau.

We know our work saves lives. And we know nothing is possible without you. Our deepest thanks to everyone who supports us, who fights hard for good bills, and who supports Measure 114. You have saved lives and made a difference.

Ask your legislators the hard questions and demand the best from those you elected. In other words — lead the way.

Penny, Joanne, Jennifer, and the entire team of the Ceasefire Oregon organizations.