Oregon’s ‘Ghost Gun’ Ban Now in Effect

Oregon has enacted a new law that criminalizes the possession of homemade firearms lacking serial numbers, commonly referred to as 'ghost guns.' This legislation, effective September 1, 2023, aligns state law with existing federal requirements mandating serial numbers on firearms manufactured after October 22, 1968. The law aims to address the rising concern over untraceable firearms, which have been increasingly recovered by law enforcement agencies. In 2022 alone, the ATF seized over 25,000 ghost guns domestically. The law imposes significant penalties for violations, including fines of up to $1,000 for first-time offenders and potential felony charges for repeat offenses. Advocates for the law, including Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, argue that it is necessary for public safety and to prevent the proliferation of unregulated firearms. However, opponents, including the Oregon Firearms Federation, have filed a lawsuit claiming that the law infringes on Second Amendment rights and poses challenges for compliance. Plaintiffs argue that the law could cause 'irreparable harm' to individuals who own firearms that would be banned under the new regulations. They contend that the requirement to serialize existing firearms is impractical, as there are currently no federally licensed dealers willing to serialize guns made by others. This uncertainty raises concerns about potential legal repercussions for gun owners who may inadvertently violate the law. As the law takes effect, the debate over gun rights and regulation in Oregon continues, highlighting the ongoing tension between public safety measures and individual rights. The outcome of the legal challenges may set important precedents for similar laws in other states.