A proposal in the Oregon Legislature would enact a gun permit system as Measure 114 is tied up in the courts. The bill sparked debate March 27 in a Senate committee hearing.

The state will put the money toward data collection and supplies for community groups that work with people who have addictions.

Secretary of state auditors say it’s too soon to know whether Measure 110, the drug decriminalization program, will stem Oregon’s addiction crisis.

The new year brought some new laws, including ones that provide dental care, help crime victims, and offer home nurse visits for newborns.

The legislative Emergency Board has approved $10 million to address the shortage of public defenders. The Pubic Defense Services Commission needs to report to lawmakers next month on its plans for using the money.

A state judge in Burns has stepped into the legal fray over Measure 114, acting to block the firearms measure. State attorneys plan to appeal.

A federal judge in Portland said she will decide soon whether to stop Oregon’s new gun law from going into effect. Opponents made their case in a court proceeding held on Friday, Dec. 2.

Health officials in Oregon see a tough winter ahead, as Covid, influenza and the virus known as RSV set in. They urge people to get flu shots and Covid boosters, and to observe hygiene measures like hand-washing.