02/03/2025
VOTE:NO – Died In Committee
Committee assigned to bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Committees/HEMGGV/Overview
Modifies terminology by changing statutory references to “militia” to “national guard.”
This isn’t as straight forward as it appears. The changes references to the “militia” in Oregon law to…”national guard.” Oregon law defines the “unorganized militia” as “… all able-bodied residents of the state between the ages of 18 and 45 who are not serving in any force of the organized militia or who are not on the state retired list and who are or who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States; subject, however, to such exemptions from military duty as are created by the laws of the United States.”
AMENDED to modify terminology by changing statutory references to “militia” to [“national guard.”] “National Guard.” Removes “unorganized militia.” Removes all references to an “unorganized militia” that wouldn’t give citizens the legal right to form a militia, but also doesn’t prohibit it either.
This is an insult to the “National Guard,” words that actually mean something. Sponsors of this bill haven’t empowered the National Guard, but have stripped them of their status. For what?
The ‘militia” are the people. And that terrifies the left. And they will do all they can to crush it. This bill is one more attempt to remind Oregonians that they are subjects and not citizens.
This bill is even more onerous than you describe. As I said in my submitted testimony, this is another attempt by certain legislators to impede, restrict or abolish the legal and constitutional rights of Oregon gun owners.
By redefining the word “militia” to ‘national guard’, will make it easier to push legislation to restrict gun ownership and possession!
This bill MUST be defeated!
Please vote no on SB 947. There is no reason to change the word Militia to National Guard. They are 2 different entities and should stay that way. Changing this will only lead to confusion.
I will vote No on Bill SB947
All comments to this bill are valid & I agree 100%.