Oregon Introducing Expansive Gun Control Bill

An Oregon Senate committee has introduced a bill that would require background checks when guns are sold or transferred to someone who is not a relative.

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the move in a party-line vote on Friday. Their decision will allow the measure to be considered when the legislative session begins next month.

The committee approved a background-check bill last year but it died when there was not enough support in the full Senate.

Democratic Sen. Floyd Prozanski of Eugene says the measure would make it harder for criminals to get access to guns.

Republican Sen. Jeff Kruse of Roseburg says it is being pushed for political reasons by Democrats who think they can use a gun-control vote against Republicans in the 2014 election.