Law requiring background checks for private gun purchases taking affect

Medford, Ore. — A new law requiring background checks for private gun sales will start Sunday, August 8th.

The measure requires criminal and mental health checks for private gun transfers.

The federal government has long required those checks for sales by licensed dealers.

The private sale background checks will be conducted through licensed dealers, the state will charge $10 per background check, in addition to whatever fee the dealer charges.

Exemptions of the law include transfers among family members, loans for hunting purposes and use at shooting ranges or target shooting.