Numerous Public Safety Bills Get the "OK"
September 6, 2011
KOHD Channel 9

SALEM, Ore. -- Final approval in a few public safety related bills passed the Senate Friday morning.  HB 2940 will increase the penalty for strangulation, making it a class C felony with a maximum penalty of five years and a $125,000 fine.  This bill has been listed in the 2011 Women's Health and Wellness Alliance agenda.

Two of the other bills are in regards to DUII charges.  One bill would require ignition interlock (HB 3075) devices for drivers entering a DUII diversion program.  The other would increase the fines for convicted DUII offenders (HB 2104) and raise prices on diversion programs.

Other public safety bills address were ones regarding memorials on state highways for fallen law enforcement (HB 3039), the establishment of the Drug and Alcohol Policy Commission (HB 3110), and an additional bill on training programs for convicts to provide better re-integration into society (HB 3309).

"From preventing crime at its roots, to appropriately punishing offenders, to helping reduce recidivism, these bills demonstrate a commitment to keep communities in Oregon safe," said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland).

All bills now go to the Governor for approval.