'Ghost Gun' ban goes into effect Sept. 1

Oregon's new ban on “ghost guns” goes into effect September 1.

Ghost guns have created real and serious risks to public safety, according to Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.

Ghost guns are the fastest-growing gun safety problem facing our country, according to the Oregon Department of Justice.

"They are becoming a weapon of choice for violent criminals, gun traffickers, and others who cannot legally obtain firearms. They have also been used in incidents of gunfire on school grounds and unintentional shootings by children," the Oregon Department of Justice states in a Fact Sheet.

In 2023, the Oregon legislature passed HB 2005 banning “ghost guns” – firearms that do not include a serial number and are home-built or assembled using parts purchased separately. Often obtained online, ghost gun parts can be assembled privately using components that do not require a background check.

“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns,"' Rosenblum said. "Oregonians who own guns lacking serial numbers will be in violation of the law after September 1. For the safety of your families and communities please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance."

Under the new state law, possession of unserialized firearms or firearm components is a violation for first time offenses, with a fine of up to $1,000. Repeat offenses are a crime that may result in higher fines and potentially jail or prison time.

To help gun-owners understand their responsibilities, the Oregon Department of Justice has issued an easy-to-follow fact sheet that explains the key points of the new law and provides a link to a list of federally licensed gun dealers in Oregon that are authorized to serialize firearms.

See the Fact Sheet at https://www.doj.state.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NR_DOJ_QA.pdf