Where We Stand
Section: Public Health
Policy: Guns

Guns

OMA recognizes that gun safety is a major factor in morbidity and mortality and, therefore, a public health priority.

OMA shall make known to its members the availability of gun safety educational brochures from a variety of credible sources for distribution to their patients.

The Oregon Medical Association shall introduce and support legislation making it an “A” misdemeanor to store or leave a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor (excepting minors who have passed a hunter safety course approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, or other state-approved gun safety course).

All firearm dealers are required to provide purchasers with an educational pamphlet and a written warning about the law as well as post a sign describing the law prohibiting access to minors of a loaded firearm.

OMA supports legislation requiring that anyone selling a handgun at a gun show or flea market be required to do a criminal record background check on every buyer.
Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 1998.


OMA will introduce legislation requiring that all firearms sold in Oregon be equipped with trigger locks and accompanied by educational material describing proper gun storage, handling, and the risks associated with having a gun with children in the home.
Adopted at the annual House of Delegates, 2001.


OMA supports legislation that in a case when a child brings a gun to school all firearms in the home of that child be impounded by law enforcement authorities (for a period of time to be determined by the courts) before the child is allowed to return to that home.
Adopted at the annual House of Delegates, 2001.


OMA endorses and recognizes that the month of May is “Oregon Gun Safety Month.”
Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 2001.


Return to the Where We Stand table of contents.