SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed a bill requiring background checks on firearm transfers between private parties.

Brown’s action Monday makes Oregon the eighth state to require background checks on nearly all gun sales.

The Democratic governor says Oregon has an obligation to protect communities from gun violence.

The law takes effect immediately. It says that private gun sales between people who aren’t related must take place in front of a licensed gun dealer who can run a background check.

Republicans vehemently oppose the measure. They say it will only burden gun owners who are committed to following the law and won’t change the behavior of people willing to break it.