Posts Tagged ‘Senator Floyd Prozanski’

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.” Read the rest of this entry »

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.” Read the rest of this entry »

Senate Bill 676 clears the way for crop to be grown and sold in Oregon

SALEM – In a bipartisan vote, the Oregon Senate voted to join 15 other states today by passing legislation that outlines state practices for the growth and sale of industrial hemp. SB 676 authorizes the production, possession and commerce in industrial hemp commodities and products.

“Senate Bill 676 will allow farmers to re-establish industrial hemp as an agricultural crop in Oregon,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), who carried the bill on the floor. “Industrial hemp is an innovative crop that is regaining its popularity across the globe. This legislation sets the course for growing and selling this high-demand crop in Oregon.”

SB 676 identifies that industrial hemp is an agricultural product that is subject to regulation by the Department of Agriculture and requires that all growers and handlers have an industrial hemp license issued by the Department.  Additionally, the Department will establish a field inspection program, a certifications process for hemp seed, and a civil penalty procedure for violations.

“We heard a lot of positive testimony on this bill in committee,” said Senator Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “Senate Bill 676 clears the way for this product to be added to Oregon’s diverse portfolio of agricultural products.” Read the rest of this entry »

HB 3140 doubles maximum number of weeks Work Share program is available

SALEM – A bill that helps employers prevent lay-offs and keeps workers in their jobs was passed by the Senate this morning. House Bill 3140 doubles the period of time that employers and workers can take advantage of the state’s Work Share program from 26 to 52 weeks.

“Experienced workers are vital to any business’ success,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), who carried the bill on the floor. “But if business is slow, it can be hard to find enough work to keep people on payroll. The Work Share program offers one solution for those businesses that need help staying afloat in this challenging economic environment.”

The Work Share program gives qualified businesses an alternative to laying-off employees by allowing employers to reduce the weekly hours of work, with eligible employees receiving a percentage of unemployment insurance benefits to make up the reduction in wages from lost hours.
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SB 284 increases the statute of ultimate repose, or SOUR, to 10 years

The Senate passed legislation this morning that keeps courtroom doors open for consumers harmed by dangerously defective products that are greater than 8 years old.  SB 284 increases the statute of ultimate repose – age of a defective product – for product liability actions from its current limit of 8 years to 10 years. The bill also includes a “look away” provision to the state of manufacture, giving the injured party the length of time allowed in the state where the product was originated.

“A defective product can cause serious, life-altering injuries,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “This is about fairness to consumers. It’s an incremental step, but two years and the inclusion of a look away provision can make a significant difference if you’ve been hurt by a faulty product.”

A statute of ultimate repose (SOUR) limits the length of time after a consumer is harmed that a manufacturer can legally be held responsible for the defective product.  Currently, Oregonians have the 49th weakest level of protection with the majority of states having no limitation at all.  SB 284 also affords four Lake Oswego teachers who have suffered alleged harm from R type metal halide and mercury vapor light bulbs, the opportunity to pursue their case against the New Jersey based manufacturer of the bulbs.

“Some of the stories we heard in committee were heartbreaking,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Washington Co./Portland), a member of the Judiciary Committee. “There are people in this state who have lost limbs because of malfunctioning washing machines and farm equipment and they have little recourse because of Oregon’s short statute of ultimate repose. This is a step toward justice for those who may suffer from an injury in the future.”
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On Saturday, May 2, Senators Bill Morrisette, Floyd Prozanski and Vicki Walker joined Representatives Phil Barnhart, Terry Beyer, Chris Edwards, Paul Holvey, and Nancy Nathanson to inspect Go Oregon! projects at Lane Community College.

Lane Community College received $8 million in Go Oregon! state stimulus funds for deferred maintenance projects that will improve campus safety, classroom infrastructure, and energy efficiency. The LCC project will create about 250 jobs.

Below you will find a slideshow from the event. To learn more about how Go Oregon! projects are creating jobs in communities across the state, visit our comprehensive state stimulus guide here.

SALEM – The Senate passed legislation this morning reclassifying meth to a higher schedule for controlled substances and increasing the penalty for manufacturing or delivering certain drugs when they play a role in a person’s death. Senate Bill 728 passed the Senate 26-2.

“Our caucus has a commitment to cracking down on drug-related crime,” said Deputy Senate Majority Leader Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham). “Drugs can destroy neighborhoods and families. We take this issue very seriously and will continue to fight against drug abuse.”

The reclassification of methamphetamine as a Schedule I controlled substance means the drug is considered to have a high tendency of abuse and has no accepted medical use. Other examples include Heroin, Ecstasy, and LSD.

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Bipartisan metal-theft legislation moves out of Senate this morning

SALEM – The Senate took a major step towards cracking down on drug-related crime this morning with passage of Senate Bill 570 by a unanimous vote. The bill, sponsored by 89 legislators from both chambers, will create significant obstacles to persons who have long used the sale of stolen scrap metal to finance their drug habits.

“This is good legislation that will significantly curb metal theft in Oregon,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the Senate Judiciary committee. “This bill has the support of nearly every legislator in the building, of business and prosecutors, and is exemplary of what we can achieve by working together on a common problem to find a shared solution for Oregonians.”

Metal theft has become a serious safety problem across Oregon as thieves become more and more reckless in the materials they go after. In recent years metal has been stripped from school bleachers, utility electric substations, and guardrails.

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SALEM – Oregon high school students will be better protected with legislation passed by the Senate this morning. Senate Bill 48 allows the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to revoke the license and permanently bar a teacher or administrator who is found guilty by a preponderance of evidence of rape, sodomy, sexual penetration, or sex abuse of a student in grade 12 or below.

“Current law requires that a teacher’s license be revoked if they’re found guilty of inappropriate behavior with a child under sixteen,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the Judiciary Committee. “But sexual relations between a teacher and a high school student are always inappropriate. This bill spells that out.”

The Senate also passed SB 123 this morning, allowing the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to better conduct investigations of misconduct by requiring the Department of Human Services to share reports relating to child abuse for an individual who is under preliminary investigation or complaint.

”We need to make sure that all the facts are on the table when there’s an allegation of misconduct,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Washington Co./Portland). “This bill provides the Commission with the best information available so they are able to make well-informed decisions when issuing licenses.”

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Legislation will create considerable obstacles for drug-related crime

SALEM – The Senate Judiciary Committee passed out legislation this morning that strengthens deterrents to and penalties for drug-related crime. Senate Bill 570, sponsored by 89 legislators from both chambers, will create significant obstacles to persons who have long used the sale of stolen scrap metal to finance their drug habits.

“This is good legislation that will lead to a significant decline of metal theft in Oregon,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the committee. “This legislation has the support of nearly every legislator in the building, of business and prosecutors, and is exemplary of what we can achieve by working together on a common problem to meet the needs of Oregonians.”

Metal theft has become a serious safety problem across Oregon as thieves become more and more reckless in the materials they go after. In recent years metal has been stripped from school bleachers, utility electric substations, and guardrails.

“Metal thieves have been so bold as to steal a five foot statue of Sacajawea from a national park in my district,” said Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose). “Luckily, the metal purchaser who they tried to sell it to suspected foul play. This legislation sets the standard for other buyers who have every reason to suspect that metal has been taken illegally.

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