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JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Jackson County commissioners oppose expanded gun background checks Comment By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Feb. 17, 2016 at 3:27 PM Updated Feb 17, 2016 at 5:36 PM By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Feb. 17, 2016 at 3:27 PM Updated Feb 17, 2016 at 5:36 PM » Social News All three Jackson County commissioners oppose an expansion of background checks on people trying to buy guns. Commissioner Rick Dyer said everyone on the board and all the residents of Jackson County oppose gun violence, but laws should not be passed that expand background checks. "We just don't feel this is the appropriate way, and it's ineffective," Dyer said. In a written proclamation approved Wednesday, commissioners said current background checks for gun purchasers rarely result in criminal prosecution or conviction of people who are banned from owning guns. The statement also said criminals don't follow laws already in place, and adding more restrictive laws would increase the workload on law enforcement. Commissioners said they have a duty to support the Second Amendment of the Constitution that allows people to keep and bear arms. "It's a privilege and honor to have such a proclamation for our Constitution and Second Amendment rights," Commissioner Colleen Roberts said. Commissioner Doug Breidenthal said the proclamation takes a stronger stance than the board has taken in the past, and the board needs to speak out against gun rights restrictions coming down from the state and federal governments. Meanwhile, House Bill 4147 is pending in the Oregon Legislature. The bill would eliminate a provision that allows gun sales to people who have not passed background checks if three business days pass before checks are completed. The bill also would require state officials to alert law enforcement when an individual prohibited from buying guns attempts to do so and fails a background check. In 2015, 3 percent of background checks were subject to delay. A total of 262,838 background checks for gun purchases were performed and 0.73 percent of checks resulted in denial, according to Oregon State Police. Denials can result from factors that include felony convictions, a history of domestic violence and mental health commitments. Senate Bill 1515 would ban the sale of a gun for 30 days if someone notifies authorities that the would-be buyer appears to be in a mental health crisis. Gun safety advocates, including those from Everytown For Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, plan to rally Thursday at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to show their support for gun legislation. Gun rights advocates held a rally at the Capitol Feb. 8, with many carrying guns during the event. The Oregon Legislature is in the midst of a short session expected to wrap up in early March. Staff reporter Vickie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/Vickie . By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Feb. 17, 2016 at 3:27 PM Updated Feb 17, 2016 at 5:36 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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