LOC News
LOC Supports Bill Making it a Crime to Threaten a Public Official
This week there was action on multiple bills that could impact city interests in the human resource and governance arenas. The LOC continued to advocate on legislation that would make employee strikes more likely, on ethics reform, and on public official safety.
The specific developments include the following:
- SB 473, which creates a crime for threatening a public official, was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. The bill was requested by the city of Eugene and has the LOC’s full support. Concerns with the bill were raised in the public hearing and the committee chair, Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), directed staff to call a workgroup for additional discussion on the bill.
- SB 916, which would allow striking workers to receive unemployment insurance, was scheduled for an informational meeting, but had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Informational meetings allow a legislative committee to receive specific information from invited witnesses. In this case, the meeting would have allowed the committee time to question the Oregon Employment Department on the potential impacts of the legislation. The LOC continues to oppose this legislation and urges city leaders to contact their state senators and urge them to vote no on this bill.
- The House Rules Committee announced the formation of an informal workgroup to address concerns raised by the LOC about the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. Initial conversations have taken place with legislators, but mediating may be a lengthy process.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/14/25