Legislature wants to weaken Measure 11

HEPPNER – Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson is one of several district attorneys in the state opposing a bill that would lessen the mandatory minimum sentences imposed by Measure 11 on all but convicted murderers.

Measure 11, applying mandatory minimum sentences for major crimes, was approved by voters in 1994, and re-approved in 2000.

“I worry what’s going to happen when the Legislature gets used to overriding the public’s measures,” Nelson said.

Under the bill, inmates would be able to reduce their sentences by demonstrating good behavior or self-improvement. Currently, Measure 11 convictions include sentences with no reduction.

“Prozanski is thinking, ‘We want more flexibility, we don’t want set sentences anymore,’” Nelson said. “I worry about that.”

Most of the state’s district attorneys oppose the bill. Three DAs have endorsed it. They are from Multnomah, Wasco, and Deschutes counties.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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