The Second Special Session is scheduled August 10. The First Special Session in July seems to have been a trial run easing into more police reforms. Passed were common sense guidelines for use of tear gas and self-defense actions. Rep. Fred Girod said the focus of this session needs to be the budget and not policy. Senate President Peter Courtney agreed saying, “Now is the time for budget. That must be our mission this special session.” But, Speaker Kotek has other ideas to bolster the first session.

Seven policy bills have been drafted on police reforms that range from restrictions on use of tear gas, use of physical force, and identification and uniform standards. Fortunately, the budget reductions proposed doesn’t eliminate state officers, but it does eliminate a vacant project manager positions, one game enforcement position and one Firearm Instant Check System Trooper. It also defers the trooper recruit school, defers purchase of ammunition, cancels purchase of vehicles, reduces investment in State Radio System, and reduces Fleet Services support.

What I didn’t see in the budget was accounting for any added expenses that will surely happen now that the state police have taken over for federal agents guarding federal property in Portland. After the Portland Police Bureau reported overtime through July 22 costing taxpayers $5,351,383, the state police should anticipate similar if the Oregon State Police is going to effectively guard the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Federal Courthouse and the Justice Center to prevent the return of federal agents.

The special session is going to make it more difficult, if not impossible for police to be effective against rioters and some identified as terrorists. These bills emphasize enforcement misconduct. The most devastation to our protection is LC 742 replacing HB 4208 passed in the first special session. All these bills include an “emergency clause” meaning we have one chance to speak out and send testimony, and no right of challenge.

LC 742 - Regulates use of chemical incapacitants, kinetic impact projectiles and sound devices by law enforcement agencies. Creates private cause of action for person injured by unlawful use of chemical incapacitants, kinetic impact projectiles and sound devices by law enforcement agencies. Prohibits law enforcement agency from using proxy law enforcement agency to enact measures that court or statute has barred law enforcement agency from using. Prohibits law enforcement agency from acting in concert with another law enforcement agency to engage in misconduct barred by statute or court order. Eliminates immunity from claims under Oregon Tort Claims Act arising out of riot, civil commotion or mob action. Revives certain claims.

LC 745 expands HB 4203 passed in the first special session adding corrections officers to that bill and remove the use of force for self-defense or protection of others when using force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck under any circumstances.

LC 751 - Establishes Task Force on Uniform Statewide Law Enforcement Disciplinary Standards regarding alleged misconduct.

LC 763 - Directs Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to establish statewide database of reports of use of physical force by peace officers and corrections officers. Requires law enforcement units to report on use or threat of physical force, and deaths of persons in custody, to commission.

Other policy items on the agenda deal with worker’s compensation for front line workers who contract COVID-19, permitting restaurants to sell mixed drinks to go, and allowing ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day.

China is running espionage in the U.S. and targeting legislators and businesses to influence unlawful operations, says Secretary of State Pompeo. All in an attempt to gain power over U.S. citizens through riots and voter fraud.

Fox News reports that Portland’s shootings have doubled in July compared to last July with 15 murders in one month, the highest in three decades. Will putting police under fire from both sides, subjecting them to flagrant lawsuits diminish the force leaving us unprotected?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-08-03 21:09:17

Last Update: 2020-08-03 21:10:00