Using the parliamentary procedure of a motion to withdraw a bill from a committee, Oregon Senate Republicans have forced a vote on Senate Joint Resolution 202, which if passed would appear on the November 2022 ballot. The proposed resolution is sponsored by Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend).

SJR 202 would ask voters to amend Oregon’s Constitution to require their democratically elected representatives in the Senate to approve or reject any effort by the Governor to let criminals out of prison. Oregon is only one of three states in the country to have no oversite of these powers.

The move comes days after a new public opinion poll showed that Oregonians are increasingly concerned about rising crime. Only 27% responded that they favored the Governor’s recent commutations and pardons.

“Portland’s crime problems are creeping into Clackamas County and it is making our communities more dangerous,” Senator Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) said. “This is a common-sense reform that should have been debated and voted on. After the last few years of extreme government overreach, Oregonians deserve oversite and accountability. This bill would have given Oregonians a voice in public safety. I am profoundly disappointed that this important piece of legislation did not pass.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The motion to withdraw from committee failed, with six yes votes and three Republicans absent or excused. All 18 Senate Democrats voted to keep the bill in the Judiciary committee, where it now resides. It is not expected to get a hearing.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-18 12:51:05

Last Update: 2022-02-18 13:48:30