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House Vote Sends Bill Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence to Governor

Senate Bill 525 will keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers
June 12, 2015

When domestic abusers have access to firearms, their intimate partners are significantly more likely to be killed. Today, the Oregon House of Representatives voted 51-8 to pass Senate Bill 525, which aims to protect victims by prohibiting certain domestic violence offenders from possessing guns.

SB 525 conforms Oregon law with the federal Violence Against Women Act, which has been in place since the mid-’90s. The Act prohibits gun possession by domestic abusers who are subject to a restraining order or have been convicted of domestic violence crimes.

The bill was carried on the House floor by Rep. Carla Piluso (D-Gresham), the first woman to serve as the Chief of Police for the City of Gresham. As Police Chief, Rep. Piluso established a special unit dedicated solely to investigating domestic violence crimes. In her speech in support of the bill, Rep. Piluso cited heartbreaking scenes she witnessed while investigating domestic violence crimes. 

“Just because a restraining order is in place, it doesn’t mean victims are guaranteed protection from their abuser,” Rep. Piluso says. “If a weapon is within reach of an abuser, the risk of homicidal violence is extreme.

That is why Senate Bill 525 is so necessary. It will save the lives of women and children who are the victims of violence in the home.” Senate Bill 525 passed with broad, bipartisan support. It has the support of the Oregon Law Center, Children First for Oregon, the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, and Americans for Responsible Solutions, among others.

SB 525 passed in the Senate last month, and will now go to Governor Brown for her signature. 

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