HB 3097
Increases sentencing guidelines for felony attempting to elude a police officer.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Oregon District Attorneys Association)
Committee
Judiciary
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
89%
Oppose
11%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill increases the penalties for felony attempting to elude a police officer in Oregon. Specifically, it amends Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 811.540 to classify the offense as a Class C felony if the attempt involves damage to property or if the defendant is also convicted of related offenses like careless driving or driving under the influence. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (OCJC) will adjust sentencing guidelines based on factors such as prior convictions, the presence of a minor passenger, or causing physical injury.
Key provisions
- Increases the felony classification for attempting to elude a police officer to a Class C felony under certain circumstances.
- Establishes a Class A misdemeanor classification for attempting to elude a police officer without causing damage or other qualifying offenses.
- The OCJC will classify the offense as crime category 6 when damage to property occurs or when the defendant is convicted of related offenses.
- The OCJC will classify the offense as crime category 8 if the defendant has prior convictions, a minor passenger was present, or caused physical injury.
- Defines ‘criminal episode’ and ‘person felony’ for sentencing purposes.
- Specifies that the amendments apply to conduct occurring on or after the bill’s effective date.
Who is affected
- Individuals accused of attempting to elude a police officer
- Police officers
- Oregon District Attorneys
- Motor vehicle operators
- Passengers in motor vehicles
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3097 emphasize the need for enhanced accountability and increased funding for mental health services in schools. They argue that current laws do not adequately address reckless behavior during attempted elusions, which can put both law enforcement officers and innocent lives at risk. Advocates for the bill believe that increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, particularly in cases involving aggravating circumstances, will enhance public safety and promote a culture of accountability. Additionally, supporters highlight the importance of providing additional resources for students struggling with mental health issues, which they believe is crucial for addressing the root causes of reckless behavior.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of elevating the crime of reckless endangerment to a higher seriousness level argue that it will lead to increased incarceration rates, diverting funds away from other social services. They claim that this change could result in elevated "reckless endangering elude" being classified as a Level 6 offense, potentially increasing the number of people sent to prison and straining corrections and probation systems. The broad definition of a person crime also raises concerns about unintended consequences, while alternative solutions are proposed that could be cheaper and lead to real healing, such as reducing the seriousness level or addressing underlying issues through education and behavioral health services.