Chapter 434 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

SB 976

Relating to a law enforcement medal of ultimate sacrifice; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 176.260, 176.262 and 176.264.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) The Law Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice is established. Upon nomination by the Governor’s Commission on the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor established under ORS 176.262, the Governor or the Governor’s designee may award the medal in the name of the state to the family of a law enforcement officer who has died while performing his or her duties as a law enforcement officer or who was killed because of his or her employment as a law enforcement officer.

(2) The medal shall be bronze and consist of a police shield overlaid by a sheriff’s star with the seal of the State of Oregon in the center and the words “Law Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice” within the design. The medal shall be suspended from a ring that is attached to a gold ribbon with a blue edge. The reverse side of the medal shall be inscribed with the words “Awarded by a grateful state for the ultimate sacrifice by a law enforcement family.”

SECTION 2. ORS 176.260 is amended to read:

176.260. (1) The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor is established. Upon nomination by the Governor’s Commission on the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor established [in] under ORS 176.262, the Governor or the Governor’s designee may award the medal in the name of the state to a law enforcement officer who has been distinguished by exceptionally honorable and meritorious conduct. The medal may be awarded posthumously to a representative of the deceased law enforcement officer.

(2) The medal shall be bronze and consist of a police shield overlaid by a sheriff’s star with the seal of the State of Oregon in the center and the words “Law Enforcement Medal of Honor” within the design. The medal shall be suspended from a ring that is attached to a navy blue ribbon with a gold edge [or a green ribbon with a gold edge]. The recipient of the medal may choose the color of the ribbon. The reverse side of the medal shall be inscribed with the words “For exceptionally honorable and meritorious conduct in performing services as a law enforcement officer.”

SECTION 3. ORS 176.262 is amended to read:

176.262. (1) The Governor’s Commission on the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor is established consisting of [six] seven members appointed by the Governor as follows:

(a) One member shall be a representative of the Governor’s office;

(b) One member shall be a representative of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training;

(d) One member shall be a representative of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association;

(e) One member shall be a representative of a statewide organization of police officers; [and]

(f) One member shall be a representative of a statewide organization of peace officers[.]; and

(g) One member shall be a surviving family member of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

(2) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor whose term begins on July 1 next following. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

(3) The commission shall:

(a) Adopt rules establishing qualifications for nomination as a recipient of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and the Law Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice;

(b) Meet at least once every six months to consider candidates for nomination for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and the Law Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice; and

(4) The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training shall provide staff for the commission.

(5) The commission may seek and accept contributions of funds and assistance from any source for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of ORS 176.260. All funds received by the commission under this subsection shall be paid into the State Treasury and deposited into the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Account established in ORS 176.264.

(6) A member of the commission is not entitled to compensation nor to reimbursement for travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of duties as a member of the commission.

SECTION 4. ORS 176.264 is amended to read:

176.264. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Account is established separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the account shall be credited to the account. The account consists of moneys deposited in the account under ORS 176.262. Moneys in the account are continuously appropriated to the Governor for the purpose of paying costs incurred in purchasing and awarding the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor under ORS 176.260 and the Law Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice under section 1 of this 2011 Act.

Approved by the Governor June 17, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 17, 2011

Effective date January 1, 2012

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