SJR 203
Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution establishing a right to be free from enforcement of the law by secret police.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
92%
Oppose
8%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution that would establish a fundamental right for Oregon residents to be free from law enforcement conducted by secret police. Specifically, it prohibits law enforcement officers from operating under cover identities and mandates that they wear identifiable badges or uniforms while performing their duties, with limited exceptions. The amendment aims to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities. It will be put to a vote of the people at the next general election.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
James Manning Jr.
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of SJR 203 advocate for banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks and requiring them to wear uniforms with badge numbers, citing concerns about eroding public trust, promoting accountability, and ensuring transparency. Many the importance of identifying law enforcement personnel to prevent potential disasters and build trust between communities and law enforcement. Some argue that this measure is necessary to hold ICE agents accountable for their actions, while others believe it will signal that Oregon has its citizens' backs. Supporters also express concerns about masked, anonymous law enforcement officers and their potential impact on civil liberties, highlighting the need for clear legislation and prosecution in Oregon. Overall, proponents of SJR 203 aim to promote transparency, accountability, and public safety by requiring law enforcement officers to be identifiable during official duties.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of Oregon's sanctuary status argue that it contradicts federal law and the US Constitution, potentially leading to a civil war. They also express concerns about fairness, equity, and safety, citing the need for uniform identity/identification levels for all participants in potentially illegal activities. Additionally, some testifiers question the necessity of a potential constitutional amendment to regulate mask-wearing by protestors and criminals, suggesting that existing laws may be sufficient. Others worry about the impact on plain clothes law enforcement officers and their families, as well as immigration enforcement. Many believe that enforcing laws is a more effective way to maintain order and safety in communities than relying on law enforcement. Some also argue that requiring law enforcement to provide their badge numbers under SJR203 would be unnecessary and dangerous for their safety and violate basic self-protection rights, while others express frustration with the proposed bill's potential impact on border issues and concerns about protecting protesters' identities from potential backlash or harm.
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