Latest news with #SenateMajorityOffice
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Oregon legislature passes bill aiming to close ‘problematic' loopholes in domestic violence cases
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday, aiming to close a loophole when it comes to sentencing in domestic violence cases. , which was passed with bipartisan support, restores the courts' ability to impose separate sentences for certain acts of violence, including strangulation and assault, in domestic violence cases. The bill aims to address 'fallout' from the 2024 Oregon Court of Appeals decision in State v. Miles, the Democratic Senate Majority Office said. Oregon Coast safari park owner arrested, 44 guns, 80 grams of meth seized The decision 'interpreted the domestic violence statute in a way that requires courts to merge multiple charges—such as strangulation, assault, and menacing—into a single conviction if they all fall under the broad statutory definition of 'abuse,'' the Majority Office explained. 'Right now, Oregon law treats strangulation and fourth-degree assault as distinct crimes, except when they happen in the context of domestic violence. Why? In the 2024 State v. Miles case, the Court of Appeals ruled that when a jury finds that when an offense constituted domestic violence, it essentially requires a merging of charges for multiple offenses into a single offense,' Rep. Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone/Oregon City) testified in a May 7 Senate Committee on Judiciary public hearing on the bill. 'This means that in a case where an abuser strangled, menaced and assaulted a victim, they could only be convicted of one charge instead of the three separate acts of harm they truly caused to their victim,' Hartman said. 'What is even more concerning is the State v. Miles case only conferred this interpretation to crimes of domestic violence, meaning, if those same three offenses were committed in a non-domestic setting, the defendant would be convicted of all three offenses.' Estacada man allegedly brought 270 pounds of meth from California to Oregon Rachel Erickson, a prosecutor for domestic violence cases in Clackamas County — speaking on behalf of the Oregon District Attorneys Association during the committee hearing — described the Miles decision as 'problematic.' 'First, it minimizes the harm to survivors of domestic violence. Second, a defense criminal history under Miles no longer accurately reflects his or her conduct. Third, and most troublingly, this rule only applies to domestic violence crimes. So, if a person is convicted of strangulation and assault in the fourth degree not constituting domestic violence – so, under situations where its stranger-on-stranger or not a domestic relationship – then that person would have both convictions,' Erickson said in support of the bill. The bill clarifies that the 'constituting domestic violence' designation is not part of a criminal offense for the purpose of a merger, the Senate Majority Office continued. Under the bill, courts can sentence each charge independently as in non-domestic violence settings. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Following the bill's passage out of the Oregon legislature on Tuesday, Rep. Hartman released a statement, saying, 'I find it deeply troubling that Oregon law, as it stands, can treat strangulation and assault as one offense simply because the victim is a partner or spouse,' adding, 'Strangulation is not just another form of assault—it's a lethal act of control. Victims of domestic violence deserve better than to see the harm they endured minimized by a technicality.' 'This bill ensures that the law doesn't erase the severity of each violent act just because the victim is a partner,' furthered Sara Sen. Gelser Blouin, who led the bill through the Senate. 'Each act matters. Each survivor matters.' The bill now heads to Governor Tina Kotek's desk for signature. If you or someone you know is seeking help, below is a list of local and national resources: YWCA Clark County (Safe Choice) in Vancouver, WA Domestic Violence Help in Vancouver, WA 24-HR Hotline: 360-695-0501 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 Multnomah County – Resources for Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence and Trafficking Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Oregon senator, retired tech exec Aaron Woods dies at 75
Woods, who joined the Oregon Senate in January 2023 after a long career in technology including as a senior executive at Xerox, was remembered for his compassionate approach and dedication to public service. This story is available courtesy of Portland Business Journal media partner KGW-TV. Oregon Sen. Aaron Woods, a Democrat representing Wilsonville, Charbonneau and King City, died Saturday surrounded by his family, according to statements from the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus and Senate Majority Office. Woods, who joined the Oregon Senate in January 2023 after a long career in technology including as a senior executive at Xerox, was remembered for his compassionate approach and dedication to public service. "Above all, Aaron Woods was thoughtful," said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) in a statement released by the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus. "In a building that too often highlights division, he stood out as someone who led with compassion, listened with humility, and treated everyone with respect." A U.S. Army veteran who grew up on Chicago's South Side, Woods moved to Oregon in 1996 when recruited by Tektronix, according to the Senate Majority Office. He co-chaired the Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology and the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. "Senator Woods was a respected colleague and a dedicated public servant. In the Senate we relied on his decades of private sector experience to inform our economic development policymaking, and we appreciated his thoughtful approach to complex issues," said Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D-Portland, Boring & Damascus) in a statement from the Senate Majority Office. Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) called Woods "a kind and trusted friend" in the same release. "Aaron had a deep heart for public service. He loved being in the Senate and loved working on behalf of the people in his community. He brought a unique and important perspective to our work," Wagner said. The Oregon House Republican Caucus stated that Woods was dedicated to serving the people of Oregon in a statement. 'Senator Woods was dedicated to serving the people of Oregon. He will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to work across the aisle, and his desire to do what is best for our state. He will be missed.' Gov. Tina Kotek also recognized Woods' passing in comments shared by the Senate Majority Office. "Aaron often said that growing up on the south side of Chicago, he never expected to be an elected official. But to me, he was an exact fit. His life was defined by care and service to his country, his community, and family," Kotek said. Woods is survived by five adult children. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley, according to the Senate Majority Office. The Oregon Secretary of State has been informed of the Senate seat vacancy as part of the process for appointing the next senator for Senate District 13.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oregon Senate passes bill protecting Oregonians who alert others of their rights
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would protect Oregonians who alert others of their constitutional rights without being found guilty of interfering with law enforcement. The United States Constitution and the Oregon Constitution lay out freedoms, including freedoms of speech and association, along with due process and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Under Senate Bill 1191, the act of informing someone about these rights does not qualify as a crime of preventing law enforcement from carrying out their duties, obstructing the government or judicial processes. The Democratic Senate Majority Office said the Senate acted on the measure in a bipartisan vote 'knowing the federal administration has boasted about deploying law enforcement to punish political opposition.' 'Ticking time bomb': Oregon lawmakers consider funds for Cascadia-ready Columbia Boulevard bridge 'If you see someone being questioned, it's okay to say, 'Hey you have the right to an attorney,'' said Senator James I. Manning, Jr (D – Eugene, Elmira & Veneta), chief sponsor of the measure. 'It's not against the law as long as no one physically intervenes. Free speech is what this is about, and we need to defend it against growing threats.' During the bill's public hearing in March, Manning explained, 'One of the reasons that I brought this bill forward, we know across the nation there are some states that if a person is advising someone that 'You don't have to answer that,' or 'You can have an attorney,' those folks could be brought up on charges or something like that.' The senator added this bill will protect people who inform others about their rights, especially in cases concerning immigration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'We're in crisis,' Manning said. 'That is the purpose of this, to make sure that all of the good folks out there, providing classes, giving information, know that you just by advising someone, you won't be held liable for that because you advised them of their legal constitutional rights.' The senator also pointed to his past experience in law enforcement, serving as a state corrections officer and police officer before he was elected to the Oregon legislature. 'When I was an officer, I recall an apprehension that I made and there were some family members that were out. As I was applying the handcuffs, someone yelled out, 'Don't say anything. Be quiet until you get your attorney.' In some states, I could charge that person with obstruction, just by yelling out,' Manning said during an April 2 work session on the bill. Multnomah County launches by-name database for tracking homeless population The bill comes as some organizations in Oregon, including some religious organizations, offer 'know your rights' trainings to help immigrant communities. During the March public hearing, Britt Conroy, the public policy director for , testified in favor of the bill, which will support EMO's work. 'For Ecumenical Ministry, as an organization that provides immigration 'know your rights' training from Astoria to Portland, Madras to Ashland, we are continually engaged with the community in providing folks information that helps them to make decisions and counter abuses. We welcome very much this legislation and look forward to it moving forward,' Conroy said. Reverend Dr. Mark Knutson, of Portland's Augustana Lutheran Church, also testified in favor of the bill, detailing his experience serving the immigrant community at the sanctuary church. 'I speak strongly in favor of SB 1191. It's a bill that clarifies some things that need to be clarified in this troubling time we're living in. Augustana, as you know, is a sanctuary church since we came there in the mid-90s,' Rev. Knutson testified, noting Augustana has trained hundreds of other congregations on sanctuary church initiatives. DON'T MISS: 'This is a first': Local pastor claims he was denied entry to Portland ICE facility for routine check-in 'Being able to teach other congregations about teaching rights and knowing rights on this issue of immigration is very important and for individuals and families to know this because a lot of people are going to sleep, as you know so well, with a lot of fear at night in this current time that we're in. And so, this very common-sense law allows us to continue what we're doing,' Knutson said, adding there are thousands of sanctuary churches across the country. 'For people to feel safe, secure and know their rights is extremely important in a democracy,' the reverend added. Senate Democrats were joined by 11 Republicans in support of the bill in a 28-1 vote. The lone vote against the bill was cast by Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). KOIN 6 News reached out to Sen. Bonham's office for statements on his vote. This story will be updated if we receive a response. The bill now heads to the Oregon House for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oregon Senate votes to raise minimum age for marriage to 18 years old
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Senate has voted to raise the minimum age for marriage to 18 years old. Oregon's current law states that a 17-year-old can marry so long as they have one parent or guardian's permission. If passed, Senate Bill 548 would have Oregon join the list of 13 other states with a minimum age of 18. Oregon gun control law is constitutional, according to state appeals court 'Whatever outdated values underpinned the current law, Oregonians today understand how potentially abusive and dangerous it is for children, especially girls, to be legally married as minors,' said Sen. Janeen Sollman (D-Forest Grove). According to the Senate Majority Office, the state's current policy has 'allowed more than 2,900 adult men to get Oregon marriage licenses with teenage girls between 2000 and 2021.' Sollman, a co-sponsor for the bill, said, 'Our hearts break to contemplate the situations those children endured.' The Senate Majority Office also shared that marriage to a 17-year-old can shield pedophiles from charges — as it is illegal for an adult to have a sexual relationship with a minor at least three years younger than them, but not if the two are married. Washington sues county for illegally helping federal immigration enforcement, suit claims Those under the age of 18 often struggle to find legal counsel or file protective orders. And in cases of abuse, the minor cannot be shielded by child protective services. 'This has nothing to do with maturity. No one wakes up on their 18th birthday with newfound wisdom or ability to make decisions,' said Becca Powell with the human rights charity Unchained At Last. 'But what they do wake up with is all the rights of adulthood they didn't have the day before.' The bill is now headed to the Oregon House of Representatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
