Oregon Supreme Court refuses to overturn ruling blocking voter-approved gun measure from taking effect

OR measure restricts sale, use of magazines holding over 10 rounds of ammunition

The Oregon Supreme Court has again refused to overturn a lower court ruling blocking a voter-approved gun measure from taking effect.

In a ruling Thursday, the high court concluded it would be inappropriate to get involved while the matter is still being addressed in a trial court, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. The measure remains blocked pending a hearing on its constitutionality.

Voters in November narrowly approved the measure, which requires a permit to buy a gun and a background check to be completed before a gun can be sold or transferred. It also restricts the sale, manufacture and use of magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

2 OREGON POLICE OFFICERS FATALLY SHOOT MAN WHO WAS HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

There have been legal challenges in federal and state courts.

Firearms are displayed at a gun shop in Salem, Oregon, on Feb. 19, 2021. In a ruling on Feb. 9, 2023, the state's Supreme Court refused to overturn a ruling blocking a gun measure from taking effect.  (AP Photo/Andrew Selsky, File)

Four federal cases have been consolidated. The judge in that matter has ruled that the law could take effect while she hears further arguments but allowed the state to postpone implementing the permit requirement until the systems needed to administer it are in place. Additional testimony is expected later this month.

EUGENE TO BECOME THE FIRST OREGON CITY TO PHASE OUT GAS APPLIANCES IN NEW CONSTRUCTIONS

The case before the state Supreme Court arose from litigation in Harney County. Because the lawsuit challenged the measure under the Oregon Constitution, it held precedence in the state, legal experts have said.

In December, Circuit Court Judge Robert Raschio temporarily blocked the measure from taking effect. The Oregon Department of Justice asked the state Supreme Court to overturn that order, but the justices declined to consider the appeal. Raschio later extended his order.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The state Supreme Court said its decision Thursday does not preclude a future challenge.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said her office intends to "continue to defend the law zealously in the Harney County court. My office takes the position the law passed by Oregonians last November is totally proper and legal under the U.S. and Oregon constitutions."

Load more..