Oregon
Oregon House resolution may end walkouts; voters would get final say
A resolution in the Oregon Legislature could bring an end to extended walkouts like the record six-week boycott last year.
Joint House Resolution 202 would do away with the requirement that two-thirds of lawmakers have to be present to vote on bills. The resolution would change it to a simple majority to continue business in the House or Senate.
If the resolution passes, it would be a proposed Oregon constitutional amendment that voters would decide on in November.
Several lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, will not be able to run for re-election because of their participation in last year’s walkout.
Voters approved a measure in 2022 to prohibit them from running for re-election in their next term if they had 10 unexcused absences. The Oregon Supreme Court upheld the measure after a challenge by Knopp and others.
