SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate has voted to make private the identities of applicants for concealed handgun licenses. Senators defeated a separate measure that would have made it illegal for license-holders to carry a gun on school grounds.
Gun-rights proponents have tried for years to convince the Legislature to declare that information about people licensed to carry hidden weapons should not be public record. The measure includes limited exemptions for law enforcement and for the news media reporting stories about people accused of committing crimes involving a gun.
The Senate approved the measure Thursday, sending it to the House.
Some Democrats wanted to extend Oregon’s ban on guns in schools to include people licensed to carry concealed weapons. Two Democrats joined all 14 Republicans in opposition.
Proponents say guns create a dangerous environment. Opponents contend people with gun permits could protect from a shooter.
