Current User:

THIS ACTION IS COMPLETED. THANK YOU!
Scope:
Status:
Background:
State of Oregon; all law enforcement units
Special Session scheduled for August 10
The Statesman Journal recently reported:
"No agreement yet over inclusion of policy bills in Oregon Legislature's special session."
That's good news. Let's keep it that way.
The Legislature will be called into session on August 10 to deal with necessary budget-balancing questions and other financial issues. When they talk about "policy bills" for this Session, they generally mean the anti-police concepts that have been queued up:
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LC 742 (text | summary) Bans use of tear gas outright, other restrictions on various munitions.
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LC 743 (text | summary) Establishes uniform standards: white or light blue shirt with dark pants. No external vests. Exceptions for SWAT/CERT. Name must appear on uniform.
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LC 746 (text | summary) Eliminates most collectively-bargained arbitration processes. Eliminates "just cause" standard. Establishes state commission to determine standards of conduct and discipline.
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LC 748 (text) Puts any instances of economic discipline of officers on a publicly searchable database at DPSST.
ORCOPS has offered to work with legislators to carefully work through these very complex and nuanced issues over the interim, but some legislators are still trying to rush these half-baked concepts through a quick session without much debate and sign them into law. This could have significant adverse impacts on the safety of officers and their families.
ORCOPS Statements:
ORCOPS is asking for changes to LC 742 (tear gas ban), and LC 743 (uniforms). ORCOPS is asking for NO votes on LC 746 (arbitration elimination) and LC 748 (discipline records)
(Note that these drafts could always change between now and when Session begins... in fact, one draft (LC 745) was amended to ORCOPS' satisfaction!)
Do this one thing: Send a message.
Even if you're already weighed in on the bills, this is different.
This message will go to Senate President Peter Courtney and ask him to hold firm on not allowing the Session to be used to rush half-baked ideas into law.
It's easy with this form. But if you'd prefer to send from your own e-mail account, e-mail Senator Courtney at sen.petercourtney@oregonlegislature.gov, and your own legislators (find out who that is with this tool).
Tips:
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Remember, it appears that Senate President Courtney is not currently interested in expanding the Session to include these bills. This message is to ask him to hold firm.
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Be firm, but polite. Lawmakers take notice of citizen input, but are not generally swayed by rudeness or cursing.
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Be careful about what personal information you include. These communications are public records. It is OK to send a message using only your first name, but please do not submit any false information.
Abbreviate this if you do not want as a public record.
Abbreviate this if you do not want as a public record.
EXAMPLE MESSAGE You can use this, edit it, or write your own message.
(Tip: Add a sentence or two about your personal connection or support of law enforcement)
Thank you! Your message has been submitted!