Prosecutors, advocates clash over bill to remove harassment from firearm-possession disqualifier

Salem, Ore. — March 18, 2025: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard sharply different views on Senate Bill 11-72, which would remove the crime of harassment from the list of qualifying misdemeanors that can trigger a state prohibition on possessing firearms or ammunition when the victim is a family or household member.

A staff overview described the measure as providing that “the crime of harassment is not a qualifying misdemeanor for purposes of the statute prohibiting the possession of firearms and ammunition based on being the subject of certain court orders or being convicted of certain crimes.” The bill arose after contrasting appellate rulings in State v. Eggers over whether harassment’s element of “offensive touching” amounts to the “use of physical force” language that courts have used to determine qualifying misdemeanors.

Senator Mike McLean (testifying from the dais) framed the bill as an opportunity to resolve differing appellate interpretations. He described Eggers and the two courts’…