PORTLAND – The Portland City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to support tighter regulations of guns within city limits.
The proposal also includes a 7 p.m. curfew for all minors convicted of gun crimes and punishment for adults who fail to secure their weapons from children. In addition, people who have been convicted of gun crimes in the past would be restricted from entering certain high crime areas of the city, as part of the plan.
Council members said they believe the new laws would give police and prosecutors more tools to make arrests. But gun advocates have argued that the restrictions may not be legal.
“The statute specifically says any ordinance the state legislature has not approved is void," said Kevin Starrett with the Oregon Firearms Federation.
After a summer filled with gang violence, Portland’s mayor and other supporters said these new ordinances are vital to keeping residents safe. Adams said he’s well aware of the state legislature’s rules and believe the Portland ordinances address issues that would not be governed by that.
Adams said he’s ready to prove his point in court, if necessary.
"We intend to do everything we legally can to keep Portlanders safe from gun assaults and gun murders,” the mayor said.
The Oregon Firearms Federation has not yet said whether it will challenge the laws in court.
KGW reporter Scott Burton contributed to this report.
