Oregon legislative stall continues as gun, abortion bills wait

The Republican effort to hit the breaks on the 2023 legislative session continued for a third day Friday when only 18 senators showed up, two short of the 20 needed for a quorum.

Five unexcused absences — four Republicans and an Independent — have brought legislative business in the Senate to a halt since Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, insists that the walkout is not prompted by opposition to controversial legislation on gun restrictions and abortion rights but instead by the behavior of Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, and a 1979 law requiring bill summaries be written in a manner that it easily understandable by most adults.

But the walkout has successfully delayed votes on two bills: House Bill 2002 and 2005.

HB 2002 would expand protections for abortion and gender-affirming care while HB 2005 would raise age limits on purchasing and possessing certain guns, prohibit unserialized 'ghost guns', and allow local governments to prohibit concealed weapons in government buildings and property.

It has also delayed debate and votes on Senate Joint Resolution 33, which would enshrine access to abortion, gender-affirming care and marriage between same-sex individuals in the state constitution.

They are "legislative priorities" Democrats are unwilling to budge on, Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, said.

"It is abundantly clear that there is a concerted effort to undermine the will of the people and bring the Legislature to a halt in violation of the constitution of the state of Oregon and the voters who put their sacred trust in our service," said Wagner on his dias on Friday.

While Republicans continue their absence, a related effort to delay HB 2002's vote in the Senate has hit a speed bump.

Marion County Circuit Judge David Leith on Thursday denied a petition from Sen. Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook, state Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, and Oregon Right To Life to stop legislative action on the bill. A status check hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

The underlying lawsuit's argument is the same as the Senate Republicans' — that the description in the bill summary violates state law and statute.

“Oregon voters were clear. Now, a judge has weighed in. It's time for Oregon Senate Republicans to do their jobs," Lieber said in a statement Friday. "It should bother all Oregonians that Republicans are threatening to violate a constitutional amendment their constituents just approved — all to deny Oregonians access to abortion."

Friday marked the third unexcused absence for senators Daniel Bonham, R-the Dalles; Brian Boquist, I-rural Polk and Yamhill counties; Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek; and Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls.

It was the first for Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena.

Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, made an appearance. He had been absent Wednesday and Thursday.

On Thursday, Knopp said he and Wagner have not had a conversation.

The breakdown in communication between the legislative party leaders began four weeks ago, according to both. But Knopp's office told the Statesman Journal the minority leader had a "productive phone conversation" with a different Democratic leader Thursday: Gov. Tina Kotek.

Knopp's office did not elaborate on the conversation between the two. In an email to the Statesman Journal, Kotek's office said the "governor listened to his concerns and reiterated that he is making choices" and asked Knopp to "choose to get back to work to do the people’s business."

The Senate has scheduled rare floor sessions for Saturday and Sunday this weekend. It's unclear if Republicans will continue the attendance tactic.

Wagner said he will not be granting excused absences to either Democrats or Republicans moving forward unless they were extreme circumstances.

"We have a constitutional obligation to adjourn this session after 160 days," he said.

The Oregon Legislative session must end by Sunday, June 25. There are still dozens of bills both chambers have on their agendas.

The Oregon House has continued to pass bills that are now stuck in the Senate and lawmakers still have to determine the state's budget for the next two years.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Republican, Independent senators continue walkout to halt work