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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Barbershop-style singers help local schools ... Water plant upgrade to increase water bills ... Giving back to the givers ... Barbershop-style singers help local schools ... Water plant upgrade to increase water bills ... Giving back to the givers ... LEGISLATURE Oregon committee advances bill expanding gun-sale background checks Comment By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 5:24 PM By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 5:24 PM » Social News   SALEM — Despite staunch opposition from gun-rights activists, an Oregon Senate committee advanced a proposal Monday that requires background checks before any private gun sales that don't involve close relatives. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the measure requiring gun buyers and sellers who aren't related to appear in person before a licensed dealer who can run a background check through the Oregon State Police. Proponents say the plan closes a loophole that wasn't anticipated before the advent of Internet gun transactions and makes it harder for people with mental illnesses and violent criminal records to get guns. Critics say background check requirements are difficult to enforce and disproportionally burden law-abiding citizens while trampling Second Amendment rights. The bill passed 3-2, with a pair of Republicans voting "no." In opposition, Sen. Kim Thatcher, a Keizer Republican, introduced an amendment that would have removed the background checkrequirement and made it a misdemeanor to transfer a firearm to someone on a prohibited list, which includes felons, violent offenders, minors and the mentally ill. Her revisions weren't included. Roseburg Republican Sen. Jeff Kruse, meanwhile, said he may bring a substitute measure on the Senate floor, where the bill now heads. The committee vote was a key early step for one of the most heavily debated issues of the session. A hearing on the bill last week drew hours of testimony, including emotional support from relatives of victims killed in the Clackamas mall shooting and passionate opposition from law enforcement officials who said they wouldn't enforce the bill if it passes. Oregon law already goes further than federal law by requiring background checks at gun shows. This bill would make it the sixth state to pass a law requiring such background checks since the Connecticut elementary school shooting rampage. Two previous attempts to expand background checks in Oregon have failed. Democrats increased their Senate majority by two seats in last year's election, however, and supporters think they have enough votes to pass the proposal into law this session. By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 5:24 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... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site 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. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501