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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 FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... OREGON LEGISLATURE Oregon Senate passes bill keeping domestic abusers from having guns Comment By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted May. 21, 2015 at 6:26 PM By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted May. 21, 2015 at 6:26 PM » Social News SALEM — The Oregon Senate approved a measure on Thursday aimed at making it harder for people convicted of domestic violence or under a restraining order to keep their firearms. Bill sponsor Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson said the bill was crafted to mirror a federal law that prohibits anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or subject to a restraining order that was upheld after a hearing from possessing a firearm. But, Monnes Anderson said, there aren't enough federal agents in Oregon to enforce the federal law. She says having a state law means local officers can enforce it. "Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms by domestic violence offenders, but because this law is not codified in Oregon, our law enforcement officers can't enforce the law and victims are not safe," Monnes Anderson said. Opponents said the bill was another attempt to limit their Second Amendment right to bear arms, an especially contentious point with gun rights advocates after the Legislature pushed through and Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill expanding background checks to cover nearly every private sale. "It is drafted as a virtual dare to either vote for gun control or to vote against protecting the safety of women," said Sen. Doug Whitsett, a Republican from Klamath Falls. Democrats and Republicans also sparred over whether the bill was necessary. Keizer Republican Sen. Kim Thatcher argued the Oregon Supreme Court had already affirmed that state officials could enforce federal law, but other lawmakers said federal laws weren't being enforced in their districts. "If this level of confusion exists, that is exactly why this bill is needed," said Sen. Sara Gelser, a Corvallis Democrat. Eriks Gabliks, director of the state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, said state officers are not authorized to enforce federal laws unless they're part of a task force that deputizes them with those powers. But there aren't task forces targeting convicted domestic abusers possessing firearms, he said. Because the bill had been narrowed from its original language to match the federal version, it drew bipartisan support from senators and passed 24-6. It now goes to the House. By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Sheila V. Kumar The Associated Press Posted May. 21, 2015 at 6:26 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