Constitutional Carry in Oregon: What the Law Allows

Constitutional Carry in Oregon

Current Status

Oregon does NOT have constitutional carry (permitless carry). Oregon requires a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a concealed firearm in public. Oregon is among the 21 states that still require a permit to carry concealed guns in public, according to Everytown Research data.

Permit Requirement

Oregon maintains a concealed carry permitting system that includes:

• Training requirement: Yes, Oregon requires firearm safety training as part of the CHL application process
• Live-fire requirement: No, Oregon's required training does not include firing an actual gun

Failed Permitless Carry Initiative (2024)

An initiative was filed on March 3, 2023, by Joel Pawloski, Kerry McQuisten, and Jean Sampson to place the Oregon Right to Permitless Concealed Carry Initiative on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The initiative would have amended the Oregon Constitution to add a right to carry concealed firearms without a permit.

• Signatures required: 156,231 valid signatures
• Deadline: July 5, 2024
• Outcome: The campaign did not submit a sufficient number of signatures by the deadline, and the measure did not appear on the ballot.

Recent Legislative Developments

Rather than moving toward constitutional carry, Oregon has been moving in the opposite direction with additional firearm regulations:

• Senate Bill 243 (2025): The "Community Safety Firearms Act" passed the Oregon House on the night of June 25, 2025, in a 33-10 vote along party lines (Democrats in favor, Republicans opposed). The bill had already passed the Senate, but because the House amended it, it must return to the Senate for another vote. This bill:

  • Bans rapid-fire accessories (e.g., bump stocks)
  • Allows local governments to pass policies prohibiting concealed handgun license holders from carrying firearms into certain public buildings, with requirements for signage at entry points and website notices
  • Sets the implementation date for Measure 114 (the voter-approved 2022 law requiring a permit before purchasing a gun and banning magazines holding more than 10 rounds)

• Measure 114 - Approved by voters in 2022, this measure would require a permit to purchase firearms and ban magazines over 10 rounds. It has been enjoined by a state court since December 2022 and has never taken effect. In March 2025 the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled it facially constitutional; the Oregon Supreme Court heard argument in November 2025 with the injunction remaining in place, and a decision is expected in 2026. As of mid-2026, Measure 114 is not in effect.

• Potential for local patchwork: SB 243 would grant local governments authority to create their own concealed carry restrictions for public buildings, which critics argue could create a confusing "patchwork" of rules across the state.

Legislative Context

Oregon's Democratic-controlled legislature has consistently moved to strengthen, rather than weaken, concealed carry permitting requirements. The state's firearm fatality rate in 2023 topped the national rate by 7%, which has been cited by lawmakers as justification for maintaining and strengthening permit requirements.

As of 2025, Oregon is not among the 29 states that recognize some form of permitless/constitutional carry.

Key Takeaway

Individuals wishing to carry a concealed handgun in Oregon must obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid CHL remains illegal in Oregon.