Jessica Bates, a widow who lost her husband in 2017, wants to adopt two chlldren. The state says no, citing her opposition to gender issues. Now, she is suing in federal court.
Around Oregon
Advocates urge more funding for fish and wildlife programs in Oregon
Lawmakers heard testimony last week urging them to boost funding to support the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s programs.
New finding: Lack of humidity, not rainfall, is bigger problem for trees
An OSU team untangles the complicated way Northwest trees battle for survival during droughts. A story originally published in Climate Insight details the findings.
Dozens testify against firearm bill that critics say tries to circumvent the courts
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.
Oregon schools may be required to electronically notify families, employees of threats
A legislative proposal in the Orergon House would require schools to alert parents, guardians and employees of safety threats. The development comes as a school shooting in Tennessee on Monday, March 27, left seven dead.
Despite Oregon’s high opioid abuse rates, legislators slow to improve drug monitoring tool
AT THE CAPITOL: Oregon has lagged other states in using tools that can detect prescription drug abuses. Legislators now propose ways to catch up with audit recommendations made years ago.
Legislators propose a ‘little tighter’ state budget as federal relief money runs out
Money for schools and housing would increase under a budget proposal from two key Oregon legislators. They want state agencies to leave unfilled jobs empty as a way to save money.
Oregon GOP legislators ask for special prosecutor in bourbon scandal
AT THE CAPITOL: Republican leaders in the Oregon Legislature are calling for an investigation into OLCC’s costly new warehouse. They also want a probe into the so-called bourbon scandal. Gov. Tina Kotek earlier requested such an investigation.
Oregon lawmakers hear testimony on abortion, gender-affirming care
AT THE CAPITOL: Legislators listened to hours of testimony on Monday, March 20, about the controversial House Bill 2002. The Oregon legislation comes in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and putting abortion rights in the hands of states.
Oregon could tighten climate regulations for data centers, cryptocurrency farms
A 2021 law exempted local publicly-owned and co-op power utilities, common in eastern Oregon, from emissions rules. Proposed legislation to close that loophole is drawing stiff opposition.