The Oregon legislature met for a special session on Monday that lasted late into the evening. Lawmakers passed 11 bills in 15 hours during this session, and a variety of policy proposals were brought forth, in regards to budget cuts, police reform, and unemployment benefits.
Many of these proposals were introduced to the lawmakers for the first time on Monday, several of which had not been given public hearings. Only written testimony on the bills was accepted, as verbal testimony from the public was not allowed due to the coronavirus.
The session was focused on alleviating the $1.2 billion deficit in the current two-year budget. Two out of three bills proposed to aid unemployed workers were passed. State Bill 1701 will allow unemployed or part-time workers to earn up to $300 a week and still qualify for full benefits, which more than doubles the amount that part-time workers can earn without losing benefits.
The bill was suggested by Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle and had strong backing from the hospitality industry, who have not been able to offer workers full time hours and that worry low pay will prevent employees from returning in order to avoid losing benefits. The Oregon Employment Department will now have to modify their already overworked computer system, a task that could take more than 300 hours.
The other unemployment benefit bill which passed is SB 1703. This will allow the state’s Department of Revenue to share information with the Oregon Employment Department in regards to self-employment. This will help OED officials to verify Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims.
The third proposed bill which did not pass is SB 1702, which would have benefited school employees. The bill would have eliminated the need for the OED to determine whether workers would be returning to their jobs at the end of summer on a case-by-case basis. This would have made it easier and quicker for school workers to access benefits. The bill died in committee after being blocked by two Republicans and a key Democrat.
The special session resulted in nearly $400 million cut from general funds. Most of the budget cuts affect human services. Two correctional facilities, which were proposed to be cut, were saved. Investments in the state’s public school system were preserved through pulling $400 million from a reserve fund enabling a $9 billion fund for schools to remain intact.
House Bill 4301 was supported by both parties as it tightens regulations for the use of chokeholds. The bill bars the use of chokeholds in most circumstances. HB 4301 also requires police to explore all alternatives before using deadly physical force, pepper spray, or stun guns, and give a warning if there is a “reasonable opportunity to do so.” The bill cites exceptions in instances when the suspect “poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury” or when they are defending themselves or others.
The special session also included several changes to the Legislature’s policies in regards to internal harassment cases. A July OPB report outlines the current issues with the system. Impacted parties will now have a say in whether their grievances are aired publicly or settled privately. Lawmakers and other state officials are no longer required to self-report allegations against themselves.
By Emily Weninger
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