Posts Tagged ‘Senator Floyd Prozanski’

SB 425 eliminates defense that a pimp is unaware of a minor’s age

SALEM – The Oregon Senate took action this morning on legislation that will eliminate the defense that a person who compels a minor to prostitute is unaware of their age. SB 425 is a key piece of the Senate Democrats’ work to crack down on sex trafficking.

“SB 425 will result in harsher punishments for an appalling crime,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), who carried the bill on the floor. “We need to clearly communicate that forcing a young person into prostitution is inexcusable and people that participate in this activity will be held accountable for their actions.”

Continue reading “Senate Bill cracks down on child sex traffickers, closes loophole” »

SB 444 provides exemption to Attorney General’s ruling from 2010

SALEM – The Senate passed legislation this morning that will allow amateur beer and wine makers to share their products outside their homes and to enter amateur competitions. SB 444 was crafted in response to an Attorney General’s opinion that led to the cancellation of amateur homemade beer and wine competitions at the 2010 Oregon State Fair. That cancellation drew significant attention to how homemade beer and wine is treated in Oregon statute.

“I was shocked by last year’s ruling. My brew partner was extremely concerned because we brew at my house. Under current law, he would be subject to prosecution for transporting his portion home,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), a home brewer since 1987 who has won recognition for his beer. “This bill addresses the problems in this outdated statute and frees the home brew from unnecessary and prohibitive limitations.”

As it stands, statute put into law in the 1930s does not allow Oregonians who make homemade wine or beer to transport their beverages for consumption at another private residence. The statute also raises questions about whether receiving a prize at a homebrew competition or paying dues to a club counts as a financial payment for the beverage, which would require a license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC).

“Current law places an unreasonable limitation on a legitimate and popular hobby,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “Many of Oregon’s famous craft breweries started with people making small batches in their homes. Home brewing and winemaking is part of Oregon’s unique character and this legislation will allow it to continue and grow.”

SB 444 expands the exemption for homemade beer, wine, and fermented fruit juice from the Liquor Control Act. The bill allows Oregonians to make, keep, store, transport, and consume homemade wine, beer, and fermented fruit juice. SB 444 also allows home brewers and winemakers to pay dues or event admission fees to participate in a club or an organization activity or event that includes tasting of homemade wine, beer, and fermented fruit juice.

Additionally, home brewers and winemakers can receive a tax deduction or credit for donating beer, wine, or fermented fruit juice to a nonprofit organization.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

###

For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit orsenatemajority.org

Release of 2009 data shows that property and violent crime have both decreased

SALEM – On the same day as national data showed violent crime numbers had dropped for the third year in a row, members of the Interim Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony this afternoon that crime rates in Oregon had also dropped. A presentation on the FBI Preliminary Uniform Crime Report from 2009 indicated that both property and violent crimes are down across the state.

“The presentation we heard this afternoon indicates that crime numbers in Oregon are at their lowest point since the 1960s,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D- South Lane & North Douglas Counties), chair of the Interim Senate Judiciary Committee. “This news confirms that our approach to fighting crime and keeping our communities safe is working.”

The presentation by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission noted that violent crime was down in Oregon’s largest cities, bucking national trends.

“Increased community policing, strengthening laws on the sale of materials used to manufacture meth, and the promotion of evidence-based practices have all contributed to the lowest crime rates Oregon has seen in a generation,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Washington County/Portland).

Senate Democrats have made cracking down on meth-related crime a key piece of their legislative agenda in recent sessions. Today’s report indicated that seizures of meth labs have declined dramatically since 2004, a contrast to rising rates across the nation.

The Senate gave approval this morning to legislation that will clarify the Legislature’s intent on HB 3508, passed in the 2009 session. Specifically, Senate Bill 1007 addresses unintended consequences by clarifying that violent criminals cannot be granted 10 percent additional earned time.

“Our number one public safety priority is to keep dangerous criminals and sex offenders behind bars,” said Senator Joanne Verger (D-District 5). “Senate Bill 1007 addresses unintended consequences and will stop resentencing hearings.”

Senate Bill 1007 has several components, including:

• No more resentencing hearings: Once this bill moves through the Legislature and is signed by the Governor, resentencing hearings for additional earned time will end.
• “Time Out:” Senate Bill 1007 suspends additional earned time until July 2011.
• Expanded list of ineligible crimes: The bill adds to an already existing list of crimes for which offenders cannot be granted an additional 10 percent earned time and ensures that violent criminals and sex offenders cannot receive an additional 10 percent earned time on any crime.
• Independent audit of earned time: During the “time out,” the Secretary of State’s Audits Division will conduct a study of Oregon’s earned time program and issue its findings to the 2011 Legislature.

“Long term, our goal is to have Oregon be one of the safest states in the country, and SB 1007 helps us meet that goal,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), who carried the bill on the floor and chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.  “The information collected during the audit will allow the Legislature to make an informed decision during the next regular session about how Oregon uses earned time.” Continue reading “Senate approves bill to suspend expanded earned time, end resentencing hearings, and audit program” »

SB 528 will help address public health and safety issues

SALEM – The ongoing phase out of field burning in the Willamette Valley was pushed along this afternoon with the passage of SB 528. The bill creates a reduction of field burning of grass seed and cereal grain crops in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Linn, Benton, and Lane Counties. Open field burning is eliminated in 2010 with exceptions for burning on steep terrain and for identified grass seed species.

“Field burning is antiquated and poses significant health risks,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chief sponsor of the bill with Representative Paul Holvey in the House. “Too many people have suffered for too long by the smoke that gets trapped in the valley. This causes serious public safety risks and health problems for many Oregonians.”

Large plumes of smoke can create serious danger for drivers on surrounding roads. In 1988, eleven people were killed and 37 were injured in a crash caused by smoke from field burning that obstructed the vision of drivers on Interstate 5 outside of Albany.

The health risks associated with smoke from field burning are also well-documented. Oregonians who suffer from cardiovascular disease, the elderly, and children are particularly affected by the fine particulates released with field burning.

“I’ve seen first-hand how field burning can make life miserable for people suffering from asthma and I cannot justify how we could continue this practice,” said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene). “There are agricultural alternatives readily available that are safer for the public and less disruptive to the surrounding environment.” Continue reading “Senate approves ramp-down of field burning” »