Multnomah County adopts ordinance restricting concealed handguns in some county buildings

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an emergency ordinance amending county code Chapter 15 to restrict concealed firearms in certain county buildings and to require clear signage at entrances.

Commissioners said the change implements authority granted by recent state legislation. Commissioner Joan Singleton and Commissioner Brim Edwards led the ordinance presentation and told the board the move is intended to make county buildings safer and more welcoming for residents, employees and visitors.

Staff told the board the change responds to Senate Bill 243 (referred to in the presentation as the Community Safety Firearms Act), which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2025, and gives governing bodies the ability to adopt policies restricting concealed firearms in public buildings. County counsel and operations staff briefed commissioners on administrative steps for implementation.

Under the ordinance as described at the meeting, the county would remove an affirmative defense for people who hold concealed-handgun licenses; the ordinance would require posting prominent signs at normal points of public entry to notice the restriction and the loss of that affirmative defense. Officials said violations could lead to exclusion from the applicable building. Staff identified several exemptions consistent with the statute as presented: persons authorized by the Multnomah County sheriff, government employees authorized or required by their employment to carry, and security guards at FDIC-insured financial institutions, among others noted by staff.

Commissioner Moyer asked about timing; county staff indicated a series of administrative steps to determine which buildings are eligible and that signage and communications would be required before the restriction is enforceable. County staff estimated initial implementation work could begin within about 45–60 days, but noted signage must be posted for the policy to be enforceable.

Public testimony included Charles Johnson, who said he supports broader gun-safety efforts and urged the county to pair the ordinance with outreach, signage clarity and community education. Several commissioners emphasized the ordinance is one tool among many to address gun violence and asked staff to produce clear communications and to work with frontline employees during implementation.

The roll-call vote recorded Commissioners Moyer, Singleton, Brim Edwards, Jones Dixon and Chair (recorded as) Veil Peterson as voting yes. The board adopted the ordinance by emergency declaration.