Tina Kotek on Crime

Police not trained to deal with a mental health crisis

Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions

Oregon Public Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person. The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; State Rep. Christine Drazan voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20

Voted YES on reducing sentences for non-violent offenses

• Whereas Oregon [should] focus prison resources on violent offenders
• Whereas Oregon can direct savings from averted prison growth toward investments in our local communities
• Therefore, Be It Enacted:
• MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance.
• CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter, or assault resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
• [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of [serious or violent] crimes.