DUII drivers, domestic violence among bill topics
Gov. Kulongoski has signed 10 pieces of legislation designed to protect the environment, ensure safe construction for new homes, and prevent discrimination in housing.
Additionally, to enhance penalties for drunken drivers, increase Oregon’s emergency management preparedness and prevent domestic violence, the governor has signed:
SB 420 to create the Environmental Justice Task Force, charged with working with state agencies to better educate low-income Oregonians and minority populations on the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
This legislation “ensures the fair environmental involvement of all Oregonians regardless of race, age, gender, national origin, education or income level.”
HB 2112 to prohibit the use of barrier-type exterior insulation and finish, such as synthetic stucco, in new construction for all homes and buildings. These types of exterior insulation have proven to have damaging health effects.
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SB 725 to expand the definition of discrimination to include housing policy and creates a procedure for proving discrimination in housing. This legislation also allows the Bureau of Labor and Industries or the attorney general to investigate and initiate case proceedings for violations of state and federal fair housing laws.
HB 3186 requiring landlords who are converting apartments into condominiums to give tenants additional information in their 120-day notice of a pending conversion.
Additionally, it prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without cause during the 120-day notice period and prohibits unscheduled rent increases during this period.
HB 2895 changes the time period during which health-care providers must make a report to law enforcement from five days to 72 hours of coming into contact with a motor vehicle accident victim whose blood test reveals an alcohol content above the legal limit.
HB 2740 enhances penalties for repeat impaired drivers that cause death or serious injury. Under this new offense, an impaired driver with previous convictions for first- or second-degree manslaughter or a prior conviction for criminally negligent homicide conviction based on DUII triggers a 240-month mandatory minimum sentence.
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SB 946 improves employment protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It expands unpaid leave to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who are obtaining legal help, law enforcement assistance, receiving medical attention or the services of a domestic violence shelter, or rape crisis center, psychological counseling or relocation.
HB 2961 sets a $10 filing fee for certain domestic relations pleadings to go into the Domestic Violence Clinical Legal Education Account. The revenue from the account will help fund legal clinics at University of Oregon at Eugene and, Willamette and Lewis & Clark law schools in Salem to provide civil legal services to victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault.
HB 2370: Under this legislation, the functions of the Office of Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) are transferred to the Oregon Military Dept. Additionally, this bill designates OEM as sole agency of the state of Oregon for negotiating agreements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.
