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Eugene council approves consent calendar, including policy removing concealed-weapon affirmative defense at official meeting buildings
Summary
On Sept. 22 the council approved Consent Calendar 1 (vote 6-1), which included a resolution adopting a policy stating the affirmative defense described in ORS related to possession of firearms will not apply in city buildings where official meetings are held; the council must post signage and list applicable buildings before enforcing the policy.
The Eugene City Council on Sept. 22 approved Consent Calendar 1 by a 6-1 vote, adopting several routine items and a resolution that removes a specific affirmative defense for firearm possession in municipal buildings where official meetings occur.
The consent calendar approved: city council minutes; the council's tentative agenda; a resolution requesting that jurisdiction over a portion of Gillum Road be transferred to the city; an ordinance vacating a portion of Veil Harris Parkway; and a resolution adopting a policy declaring that the affirmative defense described in ORS (relating to possession of firearms in public buildings) does not apply in city buildings where official meetings are held.
City attorney explanation
A city attorney explained during council questions that, under the statutory scheme, Oregon law prohibits bringing a weapon into a public building but listed several affirmative defenses. Until recently, holding a concealed-carry permit functioned as an affirmative defense that allowed permit-holders to lawfully carry into some public buildings. New state legislation allows local governments to adopt a policy stating that the concealed-carry affirmative defense does not apply within specified local buildings. The council resolution adopts that option for buildings where official meetings are conducted.
Implementation and enforcement
Council staff said the new policy requires the city to post online the specific buildings to which the policy applies and to post signs at affected entrances before enforcement begins. The city attorney noted that the criminal penalty for violating the statute, if prosecuted and convicted, can include jail and a fine; staff said enforcement would follow normal arrest and prosecution procedures.
Vote and next steps
The motion to approve Consent Calendar 1 was moved by the council vice president and seconded by Councilor Lanka; the motion passed 6-1. Council did not otherwise amend the listed items during the meeting.
Ending note
Councilors took no additional votes on the firearm policy beyond approving it on the consent calendar. Staff will post the buildings covered on the city website and install entrance signage as required by statute and the adopted policy before enforcement begins.
