The 2009 Oregon Legislative Session is underway.  Take a look at what we are working on this year.

One of the avenues for change that we use is working with the Oregon legislature. Our staff and members have created a well worn path to Salem to encourage state legislators to bring about change.  Here is what we are working on in 2009:

Youth Justice

In 1994 Oregon adopted statutory changes to the way both youth and adults charged with certain crimes were treated.  For adults, this meant a mandatory minimum sentence regardless of criminal history or circumstance.  For youth aged 15, 16 and 17, this meant an automatic transfer from juvenile court to adult court based solely on the charged offense and then the same mandatory sentences given to adults.  

1. Second Look is a Smart Investment: “Second Look” is an existing policy in Oregon that is not available to youth who are convicted of a Measure 11 offense.  Under Second Look, youth who have served half of their sentence have an opportunity to go back before a judge.
2. Waiver Hearings: Rather than automatically being treated as adults, youth charged with these crimes would receive hearings.  At the hearing an adult court judge would determine whether adult court is the best approach for accountability, public safety, and the rehabilitation of the juvenile.

Victim Services

Most victims of crime struggle to rebuild their psychological, physical, and financial health in the aftermath of crime.  Stable services to assist people during this difficult time are vital to the safety and wellbeing of Oregon’s citizens, families, communities, and the entire State.

1. Save the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS): ODSVS provides core services to victims of crime at the time of their greatest need.  These services are already underfunded; cuts to ODSVS would leave victims in danger without a safe place to turn.
2. Provide Domestic Violence Services in Child Welfare Offices: Domestic violence often forces children into the Child Welfare system.  Provide adequate funding to station domestic violence advocates at Child Welfare offices throughout the state.

Justice Re-investment

The Department of Corrections budget is $1.3 billion this biennium.  Oregon spends a higher percentage of its general fund budget on prisons than any other state in the country.  With so much of our diminishing finances going to Corrections, we need to be sure each dollar gets the best possible return.

1. Suspend Future Prison Construction:  DOC is requesting money to build another prison.  When the interest we will pay for the construction costs is included, this prison will cost tax payers well over $400 million, conservatively estimated.  Now is not the time for prison construction.  Savings from these anticipated costs can be used to increase community-based and prison-based treatment and mental health services which would have a greater impact on reducing future crime while saving the state money in the long run.
2. Increased Earned Time:  Even small increases in the amount of time prisoners can earn off of their sentence can save Oregon millions of dollars.  Washington State found that their increased earned time policies had no detrimental impact on public safety while creating huge savings.