| SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE State Capitol
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News Release
June 24, 2011
CONTACT: Molly Woon (503) 986-1074
Public safety measures receive Senate votes
Bills addressing DUII, strangulation pass this morning
SALEM – A number of bills in the public safety areas received final legislative approval this morning by the Oregon Senate.
“Protecting public safety is a key priority for Oregon Senate Democrats,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “From preventing crime at its roots, to appropriately punishing offenders, to helping reduce recidivism, these bills demonstrate a commitment to keep communities in Oregon safe.”
One bill passed today has been listed as a 2011 agenda item for the Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance, co-chaired by Rosenbaum. HB 2940 will help appropriately align punishment with the severity of a crime by increasing the penalty for strangulation, making the crime a Class C felony subject to a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $125,000 fine.
“We are committed to holding criminals accountable to the full extent of the law,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Voters sent a message in November that they want stricter penalties for drunk driving offenders. We have heard them loud and clear and have worked to implement this voter-approved crime measure while working on other legislation that increases supervision over people who are convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicants.”
Legislation approved by the Senate this morning related to driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) offenders included:
· Ignition interlock for DUI offenders – HB 3075 requires the installation of ignition interlock devices as a condition for entering into a diversion program for DUII. The bill also requires a provider of an interlock device to notify the court of evidence of non-installation or tampering with the device.
· Greater penalties for DUI Offenders –HB 2104 increases the fees paid by persons convicted a DUII from $130 to $230 and raises the filing fee for the diversion agreement from $261 to $361. These increased fees will be dedicated to the Intoxicated Driver Program Fund (IDPF) to support indigent DUII treatment, interpreter services, and the ignition interlock program.
Other public safety related bills passed this morning include:
· Memorial signs for fallen officers – In lieu of personal roadside memorials that are often removed, fall into disarray, or serve as distractions, House Bill 3039 creates a limited, but official way to memorialize deceased police officers on state highways. The bill outlines a process for the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain roadside memorial signs for police officers who are killed in line of duty. The measure also creates a Roadside Memorial Fund to pay for installation and maintenance of these roadside memorial signs.
· Alcohol and Drug Treatment planning – HB 3110 permanently establishes the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, which is charged with producing a plan for the funding and effective delivery of alcohol and drug treatment and prevention services in Oregon. The bill also establishes a Governor-appointed Director of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to assist in carrying out the responsibilities of the Commission.
· Reducing recidivism through post-prison work opportunities – One of the most important factors in reducing the chances of an ex-offender re-offending after release from prison is employment. HB 3309 authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish an on-the-job training program for offenders released back into the community from DOC and who need training to secure jobs or retain employment.
All bills now go to the Governor for his consideration.
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