Dems continue to press for weakening Measure 11
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HEPPNER – The Oregon Legislature is considering ways to weaken the mandatory minimum prison sentences that were established by voters in Measure 11. Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) said that the legislature does have the power to change the Oregon Constitution.
“If the majority party could garner 40 votes, they can modify it without going to the voters,” he said. “As it stands right now, the majority party is shy four votes.”
Smith thinks it is doubtful if that any four Republicans would side with the Democrat majority on weakening the mandatory minimum sentences.
“The reality is that Oregonians value public safety and believe those folks who are habitual in their criminal activities need to be held accountable,” he said.
A public hearing was held yesterday (Tuesday) on Senate Bill 401, which aims to change what Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) refers to as “an outdated law.” The bill would return control of all sentences back to judges. Oregon voters approved Measure 11’s mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes twice.
The bill is scheduled for a work session before the Senate Judiciary and Ballot Measure 110 Implementation Committee at 8 a.m. on April 7.
