Oregon Supreme Court Hears Appeal Challenging Measure 114 Gun Control Law

Oregon Supreme Court justices on Thursday took under advisement an appeal by two Harney County gun owners challenging Measure 114’s gun control regulations.

This is not the first time that Harney County has proactively attempted to block te restrictions imposed by the new regulations.

Although Measure 114 was approved by public vote in November 2022, a Harney County Circuit Court judge blocked it from starting, followed by a ruling a year later that the gun control measure violated the state constitution.

Unconstitutional Ruling by Harney County Circuit Court Judge was Overturned by the Oregon Court of Appeals

This ruling was overturned by the Oregon Court of Appeals in March 2025, after finding that Measure 114 did not violate the constitution.

Appellants Want Decision Reversed

At the Supreme Court hearing this week, the lawyers for the two Harney gun owners argued that the decision by the Appeals Court was wrong and should be reversed. The state’s attorney, however, urged the court to uphold the earlier decision.

Measure 114 limits the capacity of gun magazines to no more than 10 rounds and closes the Charleston Loophole, which stipulates that a background check be conducted and completed before the transfer of a firearm to a prospective owner. The legislation also calls for a permit to be issued to prospective gun owners.

Further restrictions include proof of specified firearms training for permit seekers, which can be completed in part online and in-person demonstrations. Applicants must also demonstrate to a law enforcement agency-certified instructor that they are able to lock, load, unload, fire, and store a firearm.