Oregon Lawmakers Approve Measure to Protect Addresses Amid Rising Political Violence Concerns
Oregon state lawmakers have recently passed Senate Bill 224, a bipartisan measure aimed at making it more difficult for the public to access the home addresses of elected officials. This decision is timely, following a tragic weekend incident in Minnesota where a state lawmaker was fatally shot at her home, and others were targeted.
The bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, reflecting a growing anxiety regarding political violence. "Information is so readily available… I have been doxxed," shared Democratic Sen. James Manning during discussions, recounting past threats he faced due to his voting record on gun laws. The measure stipulates that while home addresses will still be accessible, individuals must submit a public records request to obtain them, as opposed to freely accessing them on the Secretary of State’s website.
As Oregon’s legislative session nears its conclusion, lawmakers are grappling with the implications of such violence. Sen. Jeff Golden remarked on the chilling events, emphasizing the need to focus criticisms on policy rather than personal attacks against fellow lawmakers. Similarly, Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham called for a reduction in extreme partisan rhetoric, asserting that political disagreements should not foster enmity.
Amidst the legislative changes, lawmakers remain vigilant, with assurances from the governor’s office that there’s no immediate local threat. However, the recent surge in political hostility serves as a wake-up call, urging officials to approach differences with understanding rather than aggression. This story is brought to you by the Northwest News Network, a collaborative effort among public media outlets in Oregon and Washington.
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